Biography
In the late 1930s, Max Showalter made his Broadway debut in the musical "Knights of Song." Taking Broadway by storm, Showalter was featured in several prominent productions including "This Is The Army," "Make Mine Manhattan," "The Grass Harp," and, most notably, "Hello, Dolly!" Showalter made the transition from stage to the cinema with ease in the late 1940s, making his silver-screen debut in Roy Del Ruth's comedic drama "Always Leave Them Laughing." Showalter changed his name to Casey Adams in the early 1950s and was credited in numerous feature films and TV series as such; he changed his name back to Max Showalter ten years later. Between 1960 and 1980 he took roles in numerous films and television shows, including recurring roles on "Perry Mason" and "The Stockard Channing Show." Having a foundation in musical theater, Showalter won the part of J.B. Biggley in the 1975 TV version of the musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." His last role was that of Grandpa Fred in John Hughes' 1984 romantic comedy "Sixteen Candles," starring Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall. Showalter died of cancer in 2000 at the age of 83.
