Reginald Sheffield

**Reginald Sheffield: A Life in Performance**

Reginald Sheffield, originally named Matthew Reginald Sheffield Cassan, was born in London’s St. George's, Hanover Square, to Matthew Sheffield Cassan and Alice Mary Field. He grew up alongside a brother, Edward, who pursued a career as a bank accountant and later a theatrical agent, and a sister, Flora, who gained recognition as an actress.

After his father's passing in 1902, Reginald and his family immigrated to the United States in 1914, settling in Queens, New York. Reginald, who initially acted under the stage name Eric Desmond, made his Broadway debut in the 1913 production of *David Copperfield*. His notable stage performances included *Evidence* (1914), *The Merry Wives of Windsor* (1916), *Hay Fever* (1925), and *Soldiers and Women* (1929), showcasing his talent across various genres.

In 1927, he married Louise Van Loon, a Vassar College graduate, with whom he had three children, including actor Johnny Sheffield. As film production shifted to California, the Sheffields relocated, where Reginald seamlessly transitioned from silent films to talkies, impressing audiences with his character roles alongside stars like Cary Grant and Errol Flynn.

Sheffield's career reached new heights when he starred as Professor Mayberry in the 1954 television series *Rocky Jones, Space Ranger*. He also appeared in both the 1938 and 1958 versions of Cecil B. DeMille’s *The Buccaneer*, marking his final film role. Reginald Sheffield passed away on December 8, 1957, at his home in Pacific Palisades, California, leaving behind a legacy in theatre and film that spanned over four decades.