Joseph Kearns - Early Life

Early Life

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kearns' family moved to California when he was very young. His mother was Cordelia M. Kearns (née Peterson) (1877–1962), a concert pianist, from whom Kearns derived his love of music. Kearns' acting career began in 1916 when he joined 'The Rising Generation," a vaudeville troupe of eleven children that toured for 14 months. He went to college at the University of Utah at Salt Lake City, where he earned his tuition by teaching a course in theatrical makeup. He graduated with a degree in music. Kearns started in radio and theatre as a pipe organist. Later, he built his soundproof Hollywood home around a 26-rank Wurlitzer theater pipe organ.