American movie stars died in 1953
Here are 40 famous actors from United States of America died in 1953:
Francis Ford
Francis Ford (August 14, 1881 Portland-September 5, 1953 Los Angeles) also known as Frank Thomas Feeney, J. Francis O'Fearna, Francis Feeney, Frances Ford or Frank was an American film director, actor, screenwriter, writer and film producer. He had two children, Philip Ford and Francis Joseph Ford Jr..
Francis Ford started his career in the entertainment industry as an actor in 1908. He went on to work with some of the biggest names in the industry, including John Ford, his brother, with whom he collaborated on films such as "The Iron Horse" and "Four Sons." Francis Ford worked prolifically and was involved in over 300 films throughout his career, both in front of and behind the camera. In addition to directing, writing, and producing, he also acted in many of the films he directed. He was a founding member of the Motion Picture Directors Association and was thanked by Orson Welles in the credits of "Citizen Kane" for his contribution to the growth of the film industry. Despite his achievements, he died in relative obscurity in 1953.
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Robert G. Vignola
Robert G. Vignola (August 5, 1882 Trivigno-October 25, 1953 Hollywood) a.k.a. Robert Vignola, Bob or Rocco Giuseppe Vignola was an American film director, screenwriter and actor.
He began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor in silent films, appearing in over 100 movies. He then transitioned to directing, and went on to direct over 100 films, spanning both silent and sound eras. Vignola was known for his talent in directing actors, and worked with stars such as Rudolph Valentino, Gloria Swanson, and Norma Talmadge.
In addition to his work in film, Vignola was also a prolific writer, penning several screenplays and a novel. He was a founding member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and served on the board of directors for the Screen Directors Guild. Vignola's contributions to the film industry have been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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Arthur Hoyt
Arthur Hoyt (March 19, 1874 Georgetown-January 4, 1953 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Mr. Arthur Hoyt, Hoyt or Arthur T. Hoyt was an American actor and film director.
He appeared in over 275 films between 1908 and 1952. Hoyt worked with many famous directors such as Frank Capra, Howard Hawks, and Ernst Lubitsch. He was known for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. In the silent film era, he was a member of the Keystone Studios comedy ensemble and worked alongside actors such as Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, and Buster Keaton. In the sound era, he continued to be a prolific character actor in films such as It Happened One Night, The Thin Man, and The Man Who Came to Dinner. Hoyt also directed a handful of films in the 1920s.
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Paul Hurst
Paul Hurst (October 15, 1888 Traver-February 27, 1953 Hollywood) also known as Paul C. Hurst or Paul Causey Hurst was an American film director, actor and screenwriter.
He appeared in over 300 films in supporting roles early in his career, but later transitioned to directing and writing. He is best known for directing a number of films in the Western genre in the 1930s and 1940s. He directed several popular films such as "Roaring Timber" (1937), "The Devil's Saddle Legion" (1937), "The Great Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok" (1938), and "The Oregon Trail" (1945). As a screenwriter, he is credited for writing the screenplay of the classic Western film "Tumbleweeds" (1925). Hurst continued to work as an actor, director and writer until his death in 1953.
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Ivan Lebedeff
Ivan Lebedeff (June 18, 1894 Užpaliai-March 31, 1953 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Ivan B. Lebedeff, Ivan Basil Lebedeff or Jean Basil Lebedeff was an American actor.
Lebedeff was born in Lithuania and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was 13 years old. He became a naturalized citizen in 1915 and began his acting career on Broadway, making his debut in the 1920 production of "The Ideal Husband". He went on to star in several successful Broadway shows, including "Ziegfeld Follies of 1923" and "The Wild Rose", before transitioning to a film career in Hollywood.
Lebedeff appeared in numerous films throughout the 1920s and 1930s, often playing the dashing, romantic lead. Some of his notable film credits include "The Love Parade" (1929), "The Big Pond" (1930), and "The Man I Killed" (1932). However, his career began to decline in the 1940s due to his heavy drinking and erratic behavior. He made his final film appearance in the 1945 film "Abbott and Costello in Hollywood".
Lebedeff was married twice and had two children. He passed away in 1953 in Los Angeles, California at the age of 58.
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Merrill McCormick
Merrill McCormick (February 5, 1892 Denver-August 19, 1953 San Gabriel) otherwise known as William Merrill McCormick, William M. McCormick, Bill McCormick, Merle McCormick, W.M. McCormick, Wm. McCormack, William McCormick, Merrill McCormack, Merril Mc Cormick or W. McCormack was an American actor.
McCormick began his career on the stage, working in vaudeville and musicals before transitioning to film in the 1920s. He appeared in over 200 films throughout his career, often playing small character roles. McCormick also worked as a writer and producer, contributing to films such as "The Big Cage" (1933) and "The Fighting Seabees" (1944). In addition to his work in Hollywood, McCormick was also active in radio, appearing on shows such as "The Lux Radio Theatre" and "The Green Hornet." He passed away in 1953 at the age of 61.
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Harry Schumm
Harry Schumm (September 27, 1877 Chicago-April 4, 1953 Los Angeles) also known as Harry W. Schumm or Henry Schumm was an American actor.
He appeared in over 75 films throughout his career starting in 1914 with the silent film "Her Nerve". Schumm primarily played supporting roles such as police officers or detectives but occasionally landed leading roles. He worked with well-known filmmakers such as Cecil B. DeMille and John Ford and was known for his versatility as an actor. In addition to acting, Schumm was also a professional baseball player before he began his career in film. He retired from acting in 1948 and passed away in 1953 at the age of 75.
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Donald Richards
Donald Richards (March 24, 1919 New York City-September 26, 1953 Ridgewood) was an American actor and singer.
He began his career in vaudeville and radio before transitioning to Broadway and Hollywood films. Richards made his Broadway debut in the 1943 production of "Oklahoma!" in which he played the role of Will Parker, a role he later reprised in the 1955 film adaptation. He also appeared on Broadway in "Brigadoon" and "Kiss Me, Kate."
In addition to his stage work, Richards appeared in several Hollywood films, including "Annie Get Your Gun," "The Great Caruso," and "The Toast of New Orleans." He was known for his strong singing voice and his ability to perform both comedic and dramatic roles.
Sadly, Richards' life and career were cut short when he died of a heart attack at the age of 34. Despite his brief career, he left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry and is remembered as a talented performer.
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Lee Phelps
Lee Phelps (May 15, 1893 Philadelphia-March 19, 1953 Culver City) a.k.a. Napoleon Bonaparte Kukuck was an American actor. He had one child, Marilee Phelps.
Lee Phelps was a prolific character actor who appeared in over 360 films between 1915 and 1953. He began his career in silent films and made a smooth transition to talkies. Phelps was often cast in Westerns, playing a variety of roles including outlaw, henchman, sheriff, and rancher. He also appeared in other genres, such as crime dramas, comedies, and musicals. One of his most notable roles was in the classic film "The Big Sleep" (1946), where he played a detective alongside Humphrey Bogart. In addition to his film work, Phelps also had a successful career in television, appearing in popular shows such as "The Lone Ranger" and "The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin."
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Dooley Wilson
Dooley Wilson (April 3, 1886 Tyler-May 30, 1953 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Arthur Wilson, Wilson, Dooley or Arthur 'Dooley' Wilson was an American actor, musician, singer and drummer.
He is best known for his role as Sam in the 1942 film "Casablanca," in which he performed the iconic song "As Time Goes By." Wilson was a talented drummer and performed in several big bands in the 1920s and 1930s before transitioning to acting. He appeared in numerous films throughout the 1940s, including "Stormy Weather" and "Broadway Rhythm." Wilson was also a skilled singer and recorded several songs for Decca Records. Despite his success, Wilson faced discrimination due to his race and was often relegated to stereotypical roles. He died in 1953 from a heart attack at the age of 67.
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Morgan Wallace
Morgan Wallace (July 26, 1881 Lompoc-December 12, 1953 Tarzana) was an American actor.
He started his career on the Broadway stage before transitioning to silent films in the 1910s. His notable film appearances included roles in "The Mark of Zorro" (1920), "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" (1921), and "The Big Trail" (1930). Wallace was often cast as a villain, due to his deep voice and stern demeanor. In addition to his acting career, he also worked as a director and producer for several films. In the later years of his life, he appeared on various television shows. Wallace was married twice, and had one daughter.
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Lewis Stone
Lewis Stone (November 15, 1879 Worcester-September 12, 1953 Hancock Park) also known as Lewis Shepard Stone, Lewis S. Stone, Mr. Lewis Stone or Lew was an American actor.
He began his acting career in 1913 and appeared in over 250 films throughout his career, often playing supporting roles. Stone is best known for his role as Judge Hardy in the popular Andy Hardy film series in the 1930s and 1940s, starring alongside Mickey Rooney. He was also noted for his performances in silent films such as The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921) and Camille (1921). Besides his acting career, Stone was a decorated World War I veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. He was married twice and had one daughter.
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James Finlayson
James Finlayson (August 27, 1887 Larbert-October 9, 1953 Los Angeles) also known as Jim Finlayson, Jimmy Finalyson, the Original Keystone Kops, James Henderson Finlayson, Jimmie Finlayson, Fin, Jimmy, Jim, James Henderson "Jimmy" Finlayson or Jimmy Finlayson was an American actor and comedian.
He was best known for his collaborations with comedian Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy in many of their films, particularly for his trademark expression of exaggerated shock or surprise. Finlayson began his acting career on stage in Scotland before moving to the United States to pursue a career in silent films. He appeared in over 200 films throughout his career, often playing the role of the comic foil or villain. Despite his success on screen, Finlayson struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulties throughout his life. He passed away in 1953 at the age of 66.
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Coit Albertson
Coit Albertson (October 14, 1880 Reading-December 13, 1953 Los Angeles) also known as E. Coit Albertson, C. Albertson, Cort Albertson or Edward Coit Albertson was an American actor.
He appeared in over 200 films throughout his career which spanned from the silent era to the early days of television. Albertson was known for his versatility as an actor and could play both comedic and dramatic roles. He was one of the founding members of the Screen Actors Guild and served as its first treasurer. Albertson's notable film credits include "The Prisoner of Zenda" (1937), "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939), "Arsenic and Old Lace" (1944), and "The Postman Always Rings Twice" (1946). In addition to his work on screen, Albertson also made occasional appearances on stage and radio.
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Godfrey Tearle
Godfrey Tearle (October 12, 1884 New York City-June 9, 1953 London) otherwise known as Sir Godfrey Seymour Tearle, Sir Godfrey Tearle or Godfrey Seymour Tearle was an American actor.
He began his stage career in London in 1904 and made his screen debut in 1913. He appeared in over 100 films, including Alfred Hitchcock's The 39 Steps (1935) and Michael Powell's The Thief of Bagdad (1940). Tearle was also known for his stage roles, particularly in Shakespearean plays. He was awarded a knighthood in 1948 for his services to drama. Tearle died in London in 1953 at the age of 68.
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Dutch Hendrian
Dutch Hendrian (January 19, 1896 Detroit-December 13, 1953 Los Angeles) also known as Oscar 'Dutch' Hendrian, 'Dutch' Hendrian, O. C. 'Dutch' Hendrian, O.G. Hendrian, Oscar G. Hendrian, Oscar George "Dutch" Hendrian or Oscar George Hendrian was an American american football player and actor.
Hendrian started his career in football playing for the University of Michigan as a guard. He played on the 1918 team that was hailed as the National Champions. After college, he played professionally for several teams, including the Buffalo All-Americans and the Detroit Panthers.
In addition to his football career, Hendrian also had a successful career in Hollywood, appearing in over 80 films between 1926 and 1951. He was often cast in supporting roles, playing tough guys and gangsters. Some of his notable films include "The Public Enemy" (1931), "On the Waterfront" (1954) and "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955).
Hendrian passed away at the age of 57 from a heart attack. He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
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Cy Kendall
Cy Kendall (March 10, 1898 St. Louis-July 22, 1953 Woodland Hills) also known as Cyrus Willard Kendall, Cyrus Kendall or Cyrus W. Kendall was an American actor.
He began his acting career in the late 1920s and went on to appear in over 150 films throughout his career, often playing supporting roles such as police officers and detectives. Some of his notable roles include Detective Williams in "The Street with No Name" (1948) and the Judge in "The Falcon's Adventure" (1946).
Outside of acting, Kendall was an accomplished athlete and played professional baseball before turning to acting. He was also a veteran of World War I and served in the United States Army Air Service.
Kendall passed away in 1953 at the age of 55 from a heart attack. He is buried in Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery in North Hollywood, California.
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Hector Sarno
Hector Sarno (April 24, 1880 Naples-December 16, 1953 Pasadena) otherwise known as Hector Sardo, Hector V. Sarno, Victor Sarno or H.V. Sarno was an American actor. His children are called Maria Sarno and Dante Sarno.
Sarno began his theatrical career in Europe before moving to the United States in 1910. He acted in over 150 films between 1916 and 1951, including notable roles in silent films such as "The Big Parade" (1925) and "The Wedding March" (1928). Sarno also worked as a director and screenwriter, and wrote the screenplay for the film "The Last Moment" (1928). In addition to his film work, Sarno also appeared on Broadway in the 1920s and 1930s. Sarno was married to actress Mary Carr and the couple often acted together in films.
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Robert Thornby
Robert Thornby (March 27, 1888 New York City-March 6, 1953 Los Angeles) otherwise known as R.T. Thornby, Robert T. Thornby or Bob Thornley was an American film director, actor and screenwriter.
Thornby started his career in the film industry working as an actor in 1912 with the Essanay Studios. He gained recognition for his work as a director, directing more than 100 films in his career, mostly silent films, and occasionally working as a screenwriter. His notable works include the 1926 western film "The Silent Lover" and the 1928 romantic drama "Forbidden Hours". In the early 1930s, Thornby retired from directing and focused on writing screenplays for films such as the 1936 thriller "Riffraff" and the 1937 comedy "She's Got Everything". Thornby continued to work in the film industry until his death in 1953 at the age of 64.
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Ray Gallagher
Ray Gallagher (April 17, 1885 San Francisco-March 6, 1953 Camarillo) a.k.a. Raymond Gallagher or Roy Gallagher was an American actor.
Gallagher began his acting career in the silent film era, appearing in over 100 films throughout his career. He was often cast in supporting roles, playing tough-guy characters in both westerns and crime dramas. Gallagher worked with many notable directors, including John Ford and Frank Capra. He also appeared on Broadway in the 1920s. Outside of acting, Gallagher was an accomplished boxer and wrestler, and he was known for his athleticism on screen. He retired from acting in the early 1950s and passed away at the age of 67.
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Edward Sedgwick
Edward Sedgwick (November 7, 1889 Galveston-March 7, 1953 North Hollywood) a.k.a. Edgar Sedgwick, Ed Sedgwick, Ed Segwick, Ed. Sedgwick or Junior was an American film director, screenwriter, film producer, actor and writer.
He began his career as a vaudeville performer and later transitioned to acting in silent films. Sedgwick eventually found his true passion for filmmaking, where he directed and produced over 90 films in his career, including the Laurel and Hardy comedy classics "Saps at Sea" and "Pack Up Your Troubles." Sedgwick had a reputation for being an efficient yet easygoing director, earning him respect and admiration in the industry. He was also a part of the famed "Our Gang" series and worked on numerous western films. Though he passed away at the age of 63, his contributions to the world of film continue to be celebrated by fans and historians alike.
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Richard Rosson
Richard Rosson (April 4, 1893 New York City-May 31, 1953 Pacific Palisades) also known as Dick Rosson, Dick or Richard Marquez Rosson was an American film director and actor.
Rosson began his career in the film industry as an actor in silent films, working his way up to become a successful director. He directed a number of popular feature films in the 1920s and 1930s, including "The Sea Beast" (1926), "The Docks of New York" (1928), and "Redemption" (1930). Rosson was known for his relationship with actress Gloria Swanson, whom he directed in several films.
In addition to his work as a director, Rosson was also a talented cinematographer and worked as a camera operator on many films throughout his career. He was twice nominated for an Academy Award for Best Cinematography for his work on "The Sea Hawk" (1940) and "The Talk of the Town" (1942). Rosson also served as a lieutenant in the Navy during World War II, and after the war he worked as a second unit director on a number of films, including "The Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957).
Rosson was married twice and had two children. He passed away in 1953 at the age of 60 from a heart attack.
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Houseley Stevenson
Houseley Stevenson (July 30, 1879 London-August 6, 1953 Duarte) also known as Housely Stevenson, Housley Stevenson Sr., Housley Stevens Sr., Houseley Stevenson Sr., Housely Stevenson Sr., Housely Stevens or Housley Stevenson was an American actor. His children are called Onslow Stevens, Houseley Stevenson Jr. and Edward Stevenson.
Stevenson began his acting career on Broadway in 1902 and later started appearing in silent films in the 1910s. He became a character actor in Hollywood and appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, often playing authoritative or distinguished roles. Some of his notable roles include the bank president in Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) and the judge in "Rebecca" (1940).
Stevenson was also active in television during the 1950s, appearing in several popular shows such as "Adventures of Superman," "The Lone Ranger," and "The Cisco Kid." He passed away in 1953 from a heart attack at the age of 74.
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Alan Curtis
Alan Curtis (July 24, 1909 Chicago-February 2, 1953 New York City) also known as Harry Ueberroth was an American actor.
He appeared in many films during the 1930s and 1940s, establishing himself as a reliable and versatile character actor. He often played tough guys or gangsters, but could also handle comedic roles.
Curtis got his start in the entertainment industry as a singer and dancer. He worked as a performer in Chicago before moving to New York where he landed his first acting role in the Broadway play "The Gang's All Here" in 1931. From there, he transitioned to films, making his debut in "The Phantom of Crestwood" (1932).
Over the course of his career, Curtis appeared in over 100 films, including "High Sierra" (1941), "The Postman Always Rings Twice" (1946), and "The Shanghai Gesture" (1941). He was known for his work in film noir, appearing in several notable examples of the genre such as "Nora Prentiss" (1947) and "Criss Cross" (1949).
Despite his success as an actor, Curtis struggled with personal issues throughout his life, including alcoholism and financial troubles. He died in 1953 of a heart attack at the age of 43.
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Porter Hall
Porter Hall (September 19, 1888 Cincinnati-October 6, 1953 Los Angeles) also known as Clifford Porter Hall was an American actor. He had two children, Sarah Jane Hall and David Hall.
Hall began his career on stage before transitioning to film in the 1930s. He appeared in over 120 films throughout his career, often playing supporting roles as the villain or comedic relief. One of his most notable performances was as the sinister Mr. Potter in Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946). Hall was also a frequent collaborator with director Preston Sturges, appearing in six of his films including "The Lady Eve" (1941) and "Unfaithfully Yours" (1948). In addition to his work in film, Hall also made numerous appearances on radio and television. He died in 1953 at the age of 65 from complications following a stroke.
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Carl Stockdale
Carl Stockdale (February 19, 1874 Worthington-March 15, 1953 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Carlton Stockdale was an American actor.
Stockdale began his career on stage, appearing in vaudeville and touring theatrical productions before moving to Hollywood to work in films. He made his screen debut in 1912 and went on to appear in over 230 films throughout his career.
Stockdale was often cast in supporting roles, playing small-town sheriffs, judges, and other authority figures. He was known for his gruff, no-nonsense persona and appeared in many westerns and adventure films.
In addition to his film career, Stockdale was also a prolific radio actor, appearing on programs such as "The Lone Ranger" and "The Cisco Kid."
He continued to work until his death in 1953, at the age of 79.
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Everett Brown
Everett Brown (January 1, 1902 Smith County-October 14, 1953 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Everett G. Brown or Everette Brown was an American actor.
He began his acting career in the late 1920s, and appeared in more than 80 films throughout his career. Some of his notable roles include "The Misleading Lady" (1932), "King Kong" (1933), "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938), and "The Maltese Falcon" (1941). Brown was also a talented singer, and performed in several musical films such as "The Singing Kid" (1936) and "Going Places" (1938).
In addition to his work on screen, Brown was also an accomplished stage actor, and frequently performed in theater productions throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He was also a respected acting coach, and taught at the renowned Pasadena Playhouse in California.
Brown's career was cut short when he died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 51. Despite his relatively short career, he left behind a lasting legacy as a talented actor and performer.
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James J. Jeffries
James J. Jeffries (April 15, 1875 Carroll-March 3, 1953 Burbank) a.k.a. James Jeffries, James Jackson Jeffries, Jack Jeffries, Jim Jeffries, J.J. Jeffries, Jim Jefferies or The Boilermaker was an American professional boxer and actor.
He was born in Carroll, Ohio and grew up working in his father's boilermaker shop, which earned him the nickname "The Boilermaker." Jeffries had a successful boxing career, winning the heavyweight championship in 1899 and defending it multiple times before retiring in 1905 with an undefeated record.
In 1910, after years of retirement, Jeffries came out of retirement to fight Jack Johnson in what was billed as the "Fight of the Century." Jeffries was ultimately defeated, and the match became a significant cultural moment due to the racial tensions surrounding the bout.
After retiring from boxing for good, Jeffries went on to have a brief acting career and worked as a boxing referee. He passed away in 1953 in Burbank, California at the age of 77.
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Chrispin Martin
Chrispin Martin (November 19, 1893 Tucson-June 27, 1953 Montebello) also known as Ysabel Ponciana Chris-Pin Martin Paiz, Chris Martin, Chris King Martin, Ethier Crispin Martini, Chris-Pin Martin, Cris Pin Martin or Crispin Martin was an American actor.
He was born in Tucson, Arizona, and his parents were immigrants from Mexico. He began his acting career in the 1920s, appearing in silent films such as The Border Showman (1929) and The Street of Sin (1928). He became known for his character roles and gained popularity in the 1940s, starring in films such as The Mark of Zorro (1940) and Casablanca (1942). He often played roles as a Mexican or Hispanic character and was frequently cast as a sidekick or comedic character. Martin was also one of the founding members of the Screen Actors Guild. He passed away in Montebello, California in 1953.
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William Farnum
William Farnum (July 4, 1876 Boston-June 5, 1953 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Bill Farnum was an American actor. His child is called Sara Adele Farnum.
William Farnum was one of the leading actors in Hollywood during the silent film era. He began his career as a stage actor before transitioning to films in the early 1910s. Farnum appeared in over 300 films during his career, often portraying rugged and heroic characters. He was known for his work in Westerns, including the 1923 film "The Virginian," which is still considered one of his most notable performances. Farnum continued to act in films through the 1930s, but his career declined as the sound era began. He made his final film appearance in 1945.
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Lew Harvey
Lew Harvey (October 6, 1887 Wisconsin-December 19, 1953 Los Angeles) also known as L. Harvey was an American actor.
He appeared in over 70 films between 1926 and 1952. Harvey started his career as a silent film actor, and later transitioned into talking films. He was known for his roles in classic films such as "Gone with the Wind" and "The Grapes of Wrath". In addition to acting, Harvey was also a singer and made several appearances on radio shows. He was married to actress Anita Brown and they had one daughter together named Marilyn Harvey. Harvey continued to act until his death in 1953 at the age of 66.
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Joe Harris
Joe Harris (January 11, 1870 Lewiston-June 11, 1953 Hollywood) also known as J. Harris, Joel Harris or Joseph Harris was an American actor.
Joe Harris began his entertainment career in Vaudeville before making the transition to film in the early 1900s. He appeared in over 300 films during his career, often playing supporting roles or character parts. One of his most notable performances was as the storekeeper in the classic Western film "High Noon" (1952). Harris was also a prolific stage actor and performed on Broadway throughout the 1920s and 1930s. In addition to his acting career, Harris was an accomplished musician and composer, and wrote several popular songs during the early 20th century. He passed away in Hollywood in 1953 at the age of 83.
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Lee Dixon
Lee Dixon (January 22, 1914 Brooklyn-January 8, 1953 New York City) was an American actor.
Dixon began his acting career in the 1930s and appeared in over sixty films during his career. He often played tough-guy roles in film noir movies, including "The Big Night" and "Between Midnight and Dawn". Dixon was also a regular on radio, appearing on shows like "The Shadow" and "The Adventures of Sam Spade". In addition to his acting work, he served in the US military during World War II. Dixon was married three times and had three children. He tragically died at the age of 38 from a sudden heart attack.
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Millard Mitchell
Millard Mitchell (August 14, 1903 Havana-October 13, 1953 Santa Monica) was an American actor. He had two children, Margaret Mitchell and Mary Ellis Mitchell.
Millard Mitchell primarily worked in the film industry and appeared in over 70 films during his career. Some of his most notable performances were in the films "Singin' in the Rain," "My Six Convicts," and "The Gunfighter." He was also a prominent character actor in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. In addition to his work in film, he was also involved in radio and appeared in numerous radio shows. Mitchell passed away at the age of 50 due to lung cancer.
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Bigelow Cooper
Bigelow Cooper (November 27, 1878 Springfield-November 27, 2014 Westchester County) also known as Jackson Bigelow Cooper was an American actor.
Cooper began his acting career in the late 1890s in theater productions before transitioning to films in the 1910s. He appeared in over 250 films throughout his career, often playing supporting roles in popular films such as "Gone with the Wind" and "The Great Dictator." Cooper was known for his deep, resonant voice and towering stature, standing at over 6 feet tall. Despite his prolific career in Hollywood, he remained relatively unknown to the public and preferred to live a quiet life outside of the limelight. Cooper passed away on his 136th birthday in 2014, making him one of the oldest people to have ever lived.
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Herman J. Mankiewicz
Herman J. Mankiewicz (November 7, 1897 New York City-March 5, 1953 Hollywood) also known as Herman Mankiewicz, Herman Jacob Mankiewicz, Manky or Mank was an American screenwriter, writer, film producer and actor. His children are called Don Mankiewicz, Frank Mankiewicz and Johanna Mankiewicz Davis.
Herman J. Mankiewicz was best known for his contribution to the screenplay of the classic film "Citizen Kane" (1941), which he co-wrote with Orson Welles. Mankiewicz had a successful career in Hollywood, writing and producing over 60 films in his lifetime. He worked for several major studios including Paramount Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and Universal Pictures.
Mankiewicz began his career in journalism before transitioning to film. He worked as a drama critic for both The New York Times and The New Yorker, and later served as the managing editor of the literary magazine The American Mercury. In the early 1920s, he made the move to Hollywood and began writing screenplays.
In addition to his work on "Citizen Kane," Mankiewicz wrote and produced many other notable films, including "The Wizard of Oz" (1939), "Pride of the Yankees" (1942), and "The Pride of St. Louis" (1952).
Mankiewicz's legacy in Hollywood was honored in 2020 in the David Fincher film "Mank," which chronicles the making of "Citizen Kane" and Mankiewicz's tumultuous relationship with Welles.
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Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe (May 28, 1888 Pottawatomie County-March 28, 1953 Lomita) also known as Wathahuck-Brightpath, James Thorpe, James Francis Thorpe, James Francis "Jim" Thorpe or Jacobus Franciscus Thorpe was an American sailor, baseball player, american football player and actor. He had eight children, Jim Thorpe Jr., John "Jack" Thorpe, Gale Thorpe, William Thorpe, Charlotte Thorpe, Grace Thorpe, Carl Thorpe and Richard Thorpe.
Jim Thorpe was born in Oklahoma to a Native American father and a mixed-race mother of French and Native American descent. He attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School where he excelled in various sports, including track and field, football, and baseball. In 1912, he won two gold medals at the Olympic Games in Stockholm, Sweden, for the pentathlon and decathlon events.
Thorpe went on to play professional football, baseball, and basketball. He was one of the founding members of the National Football League (NFL) in 1920 and played for several teams throughout his career. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Thorpe also appeared in several films, including "The Vanishing American" and "King of the Texas Rangers."
Despite his many achievements, Thorpe faced discrimination and racism throughout his life. He struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulties in his later years. However, his contributions to sports and Native American representation have earned him a lasting legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time. In 1983, he was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
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Frank Griffin
Frank Griffin (September 17, 1886 Norfolk-March 17, 1953 Los Angeles) also known as Frank Charles Griffin or Frank C. Griffin was an American film director, screenwriter and actor.
Griffin began his film career as an actor in the silent era before transitioning to directing and screenwriting in the 1920s. He directed over 60 films during his career, working in both the silent and sound eras. His notable works include the silent film "The White Rose" (1923) and the sound film "Highway Patrol" (1938). Griffin was also credited for his significant contributions to the development of crime dramas in Hollywood. In addition to his work in film, Griffin was also an accomplished musician and played the piano. He passed away in 1953 at the age of 66.
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Sol Hoopii
Sol Hoopii (November 27, 2014 Honolulu-November 16, 1953 Seattle) otherwise known as Sol Hoopii Jr., Sol Hoʻopiʻi or Solomon Hoʻopiʻi Kaʻaiʻai was an American actor.
In addition to being an actor, Sol Hoopii was also a renowned Hawaiian musician and composer. He played the steel guitar, and his unique blend of Hawaiian and jazz music made him a popular performer in the 1920s and 30s. Hoopii was part of the first wave of Hawaiian musicians to gain popularity on the mainland United States and was a regular performer at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki. He appeared in several films in the 1930s, including "Waikiki Wedding" with Bing Crosby, and also recorded many albums throughout his career. Sol Hoopii is considered a key figure in the development of Hawaiian music and is still celebrated today for his contributions to the genre.
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Baldwin Cooke
Baldwin Cooke (March 10, 1888 New York City-December 31, 1953 Los Angeles) also known as Baldy Cooke, Baldwin Cook, Baldwin Gardiner Cooke or Baldy was an American actor.
He appeared in over 360 films, with roles ranging from bit parts to supporting characters in both silent and sound films. He was frequently cast as a tough guy or gangster, but also played comedic roles. Cooke began his career in vaudeville and made his film debut in 1912. He worked steadily in Hollywood throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and continued to act in films until his death in 1953. In addition to his film work, Cooke also appeared on stage and on radio.
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