Malvern was born June 28, 1902 in Portland, Oregon.[1] He began his career as a member of his family's acrobatic troupe and performed in vaudeville beginning at age four, when he was touted as "the greatest child acrobat on the American stage."[4] His family's troupe toured internationally, performing as a featured act with the Ringling Brothers circus.[4]
In Los Angeles, Malvern's first work in film came as a double for Mary Pickford, and he soon began performing stunts.[5] His first major stunt appearance was doubling for Eileen SedgwickinBeasts of Paradise (1923).[1] In 1928, Malvern suffered serious injuries in a 70 feet (21 m) fall, and he retired from stunt performing, subsequently working as a producer for Universal Pictures and Monogram.[1] Malvern married his wife Jean Huntley in 1932 and remained with her until her death in 1979.[6]
Freese, Gene Scott (2014). Hollywood Stunt Performers, 1910s-1970s: A Biographical Dictionary (2nd ed.). Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. ISBN978-0-786-47643-5.
Katchmer, George A. (2015). A Biographical Dictionary of Silent Film Western Actors and Actresses. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. ISBN978-1-476-60905-8.
McGowan, John J. (2005). J.P. McGowan: Biography of a Hollywood Pioneer. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. ISBN978-0-786-41994-4.
Rainey, Buck (2004). The Strong, Silent Type: Over 100 Screen Cowboys, 1903-1930. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland. ISBN978-0-786-41286-0.
Stephens, E. J.; Stephens, Kim (2017). Legends of Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Charleston, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing. ISBN978-1-439-66142-0.
