Eddie Dowling, born Joseph Nelson Goucher on December 11, 1889, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, was a multifaceted American artist known for his contributions as an actor, director, playwright, screenwriter, composer, and theatrical producer. He was the 14th of 17 children born to Charles Goucher, a French-Canadian textile worker, and Bridget Mary Dowling, of Irish descent. Dowling adopted his mother's maiden name for his professional career.

Dowling's career began in vaudeville, and he made his Broadway debut in 1919 with "The Velvet Lady." He gained prominence with his performances in the Ziegfeld Follies and is best remembered for his role as Tom Wingfield in the original Broadway production of Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie," which he also produced.

In addition to his stage work, Dowling was involved in politics, seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate from Rhode Island in 1934. He was also the national chairman of the stage, screen, and radio division of the Democratic National Committee.

Dowling married Scottish-born actress Rachel Rice Dooley in 1911, with whom he had two children. His son Jack tragically died in a plane crash in 1955. Eddie Dowling passed away on February 18, 1976, in Smithfield, Rhode Island, leaving behind a legacy of diverse contributions to American theater and music.