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Olan Soule (February 28, 1909 – February 1, 1994) was an American character actor with hundreds of credits in films, radio, commercials, television and animation. Born in La Harpe, Illinois to Elbert and Ann Williams Soule (descendants of three Mayflower passengers), Olan left Illinois at the age of seven, arriving in Des Moines, Iowa. He lived there until he was 17 and then launched his theatrical career by joining Jack Brooks' Sabula, Iowa tent show. After leaving the tent show, Soule appeared on stage in Chicago for seven years before moving to radio in 1933, including a stint on... MORE

Olan Soule (February 28, 1909 – February 1, 1994) was an American character actor with hundreds of credits in films, radio, commercials, television and animation. Born in La Harpe, Illinois to Elbert and Ann Williams Soule (descendants of three Mayflower passengers), Olan left Illinois at the age of seven, arriving in Des Moines, Iowa. He lived there until he was 17 and then launched his theatrical career by joining Jack Brooks' Sabula, Iowa tent show. After leaving the tent show, Soule appeared on stage in Chicago for seven years before moving to radio in 1933, including a stint on Chandu the Magician (1935–36). On radio he performed for 11 years in the daytime soap opera Bachelor's Children, and beginning in 1943, he did lead male characters on radio's famed The First Nighter Program for nine years. Listeners of First Nighter who met Soule in person were often surprised, since his slight 135-pound frame did not seem to match the voices he gave to his characters. From 1941 on, Soule had the role of L. William Kelly, SS-11, the second in command of the Secret Squadron on the Captain Midnight radio adventure serial. He also has a regular part on "Lee Hansen's" 1970's and 1980s LESS