American movie stars died in 1955
Here are 39 famous actors from United States of America died in 1955:
Chief Thundercloud
Chief Thundercloud (April 12, 1899 Muskogee-December 1, 1955 Ventura) also known as Victor Daniels, Thunder Cloud, Chief Thunder-Cloud, Thundercloud Marques, Chief Thunder Cloud or Chief 'Tonto' Thundercloud was an American actor and stunt performer.
One of the few Native American actors of his time, Chief Thundercloud gained fame for his roles in western films during the 1920s and 1930s. He is best known for his portrayal of Tonto in the 1938 film "The Lone Ranger". He also had roles in other popular films such as "Geronimo" (1939) and "Drums Along the Mohawk" (1939). In addition to his acting career, Chief Thundercloud was a skilled horseman and frequently performed stunts on horseback for films. He was also a World War I veteran and served in the United States Army. Despite his success in Hollywood, Chief Thundercloud struggled with racial discrimination throughout his career.
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Robert Wilcox
Robert Wilcox (May 19, 1910 Rochester-June 11, 1955 New York City) was an American actor.
Wilcox began his acting career in 1927 as a member of the Pasadena Community Playhouse. He made his Broadway debut in the 1933 play, The Late Christopher Bean. He moved to Hollywood in the 1930s and appeared in over 100 films throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his roles in films such as The Lone Ranger (1938), The Sea Hawk (1940), and The Devil's Messenger (1961). In addition to acting, Wilcox also served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He passed away tragically at the age of 45 due to a heart attack.
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Dave Morris
Dave Morris (June 7, 1884 Chicago-November 27, 1955 Woodland Hills) otherwise known as David Morris was an American actor.
He appeared in over 200 films and TV shows throughout his career, which spanned from the 1910s to the 1950s. Morris was known for his versatility and often played supporting roles in films, such as gangsters, cops, and judges.
Morris got his start in vaudeville before transitioning to the film industry. He worked for several studios throughout his career including Universal Studios and Warner Bros. Some of his notable film credits include "The Big Sleep" (1946), "Annie Oakley" (1935) and "The Oxbow Incident" (1943).
Morris was married to actress Leona Roberts and the couple had one child together. He passed away in Woodland Hills in 1955 at the age of 71.
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Edward Martindel
Edward Martindel (July 8, 1876 Hamilton-May 4, 1955 Woodland Hills) also known as Edward Martindale, Edward B. Martindel, Edw. Martindel or Edward Martindell was an American actor.
Born in Hamilton, Ohio in 1876, Edward Martindel began his acting career in vaudeville before transitioning to the stage. He made his Broadway debut in 1900, and worked steadily in theater throughout the early 1900s. Martindel's film career began in the silent era, and he appeared in over 200 films in total. He worked for many studios including MGM, Warner Bros, and Universal Pictures, and played roles ranging from suave leading men to villains. Among his notable films were "The Phantom of the Opera" (1925), "The Cat and the Canary" (1927), and "Little Women" (1933). Martindel continued to act until his death in 1955, and left behind a legacy as one of the most prolific character actors of his time.
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Tom Powers
Tom Powers (July 7, 1890 Owensboro-November 7, 1955 Hollywood) was an American actor, playwright and theatre director.
Born in Owensboro, Kentucky, Tom Powers began his career as a stage actor and playwright in the early 1900s. He appeared in numerous Broadway productions during the 1910s and 1920s, including "The Hairy Ape" and "Mourning Becomes Electra."
Powers made his film debut in the early days of silent cinema, appearing in films like "Brass Commandments" (1923) and "The Patent Leather Kid" (1927). He became a prolific character actor during the 1930s and 1940s, often playing tough-talking cops, detectives, and gangsters in films such as "Public Enemy" (1931) and "Double Indemnity" (1944).
In addition to his acting career, Powers also worked as a screenwriter and a theatre director. He directed several plays on Broadway and also directed the film "The Spitfire" (1934).
Powers continued to work in Hollywood until his death in 1955 at the age of 65. He was buried in Glendale, California.
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Anthony Ross
Anthony Ross (February 23, 1909 New York City-October 26, 1955 New York City) was an American actor.
He appeared in over 150 films, including "The Roaring Twenties," "High Sierra," and "Escape Me Never." Ross also worked extensively in radio and television, with recurring roles on "Suspense" and "The Guiding Light." He was known for his deep, distinctive voice and often played hardened or villainous characters. Ross was also a respected stage actor, with performances in productions of "Hamlet" and "The Time of Your Life." Despite his successful career, Ross struggled with alcoholism and died at the age of 46 from heart disease.
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Walter Hampden
Walter Hampden (June 30, 1879 Brooklyn-June 11, 1955 Los Angeles) also known as Walter Hampden Dougherty was an American actor and theatre director. He had two children, Paul and Mabel.
Walter Hampden became one of the most important actors of his time, especially in classical theatre. He performed in a variety of plays, including "Hamlet," "Cyrano de Bergerac," "The Merchant of Venice," and "King Lear." Hampden also produced and directed many plays, and was known for his innovative interpretations of classic works. In addition to his work in the theatre, Hampden also appeared in several films, including "Les Misérables" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." He was posthumously inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1980.
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Carlyle Blackwell
Carlyle Blackwell (January 20, 1884 Syracuse-June 17, 1955 Miami) also known as Carllyle Blackwell was an American actor, film producer and film director. He had two children, Carlyle Blackwell Jr. and Carol Blackwell.
Carlyle Blackwell started his acting career on Broadway before moving to Hollywood in the early 1910s. He appeared in over 180 films throughout his career, often playing romantic leading men. Blackwell also produced and directed a number of films in the 1920s, including "A Perfect Crime" and "White Deserts". In addition to his work in film, Blackwell was also an accomplished tennis player and competed in several tournaments. After retiring from Hollywood, he moved to Miami and went into real estate. Blackwell passed away in 1955 at the age of 71.
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Barton Hepburn
Barton Hepburn (February 28, 1906 Minneapolis-October 9, 1955 Los Angeles) was an American actor.
Hepburn began his career in vaudeville in the 1920s before transitioning to film in the 1930s. He appeared in over 50 films throughout his career, often in supporting roles. Some of his notable films include "The Front Page" (1931), "Cain and Mabel" (1936), and "Phantom Lady" (1944). In addition to his work in film, Hepburn also acted in several Broadway productions. He was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to play a range of characters, from comedic to dramatic roles. Despite his success in Hollywood, Hepburn struggled with alcoholism and died at the age of 49 from cirrhosis of the liver.
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George Burton
George Burton (September 17, 1898 Butte-December 8, 1955 Los Angeles) also known as George H. Burton was an American actor.
He appeared in over 200 films and television shows spanning a career that lasted three decades. Burton started his career in vaudeville before transitioning to silent films in the 1920s. He notably played the role of "The Professor" in the Laurel and Hardy film "Pack Up Your Troubles" (1932). Burton also had roles in popular films such as "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939) and "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946). In addition to his acting career, he also worked as a screenwriter for several films. Burton passed away at the age of 57 due to a heart attack.
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Shemp Howard
Shemp Howard (March 11, 1895 Manhattan-November 22, 1955 Hollywood) also known as Schmool Samuel Horwitz, Shemp Howard and His Stooges, The Three Stooges, Shemp, The Forgotten Stooge or Samuel Horwitz was an American comedian and actor. He had one child, Morton Howard.
Shemp Howard was the older brother of fellow stooge, Moe Howard. He began his career in vaudeville before transitioning to film. Shemp was an original member of The Three Stooges, but left the group to pursue a solo career. However, he returned to the group after his replacement, Curly Howard, suffered a stroke. Shemp appeared in over 200 films throughout his career, including both shorts and feature-length movies. In addition to his work with The Three Stooges, he also appeared in several films with Abbott and Costello. Shemp suffered a heart attack while filming a scene for a movie and died shortly thereafter.
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John Hodiak
John Hodiak (April 16, 1914 Pittsburgh-October 19, 1955 Tarzana) was an American actor. His child is called Katrina Hodiak.
John Hodiak began his acting career in the 1940s and appeared in numerous films such as "Lifeboat," "A Bell for Adano," and "Battleground." He also acted on stage and was a part of the original Broadway cast of "A Streetcar Named Desire."
Hodiak was known for his handsome looks and rugged, working-class persona which made him a popular leading man. However, he also had a talent for portraying complex and troubled characters.
In addition to his acting, Hodiak was involved in various charitable organizations and was known for his efforts in helping war veterans.
Sadly, Hodiak died at the young age of 41 from a heart attack. He left behind his wife, Anne Baxter, and their daughter Katrina, who went on to become a successful actress and author.
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Philip Loeb
Philip Loeb (March 28, 1891 Philadelphia-September 1, 1955 New York City) was an American actor.
He was best known for his role as Jake Goldberg in the popular television sitcom, "The Goldbergs," which aired from 1949 to 1955. Loeb was also a prominent member of the Actor's Equity Association and was involved in many labor disputes during the 1940s and 1950s. Unfortunately, Loeb's career and personal life were cut short when he was blacklisted during the Red Scare, which led to his suicide in 1955. Despite his tragic end, Loeb is remembered today as a talented actor and a fighter for workers' rights in the entertainment industry.
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Robert Francis
Robert Francis (February 26, 1930 Glendale-July 31, 1955 Burbank) otherwise known as Robert Francis or Robert Charles Francis was an American actor.
Born in Glendale, California in 1930, Robert Francis was the son of a wealthy wine dealer. He studied at the University of California, Los Angeles and joined the Navy in 1951. After his military service, Francis began his acting career in 1955 with a role in the film "The Caine Mutiny". His performance in the film earned him critical acclaim and he was signed to a long-term contract with Columbia Pictures. However, just months after the release of "The Caine Mutiny", Francis tragically died in a plane crash in Burbank, California at the young age of 25. Despite his brief career, Francis is remembered as a promising young talent and a rising star in Hollywood.
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Claude Payton
Claude Payton (March 20, 1882 Centerville-March 1, 1955 Los Angeles) also known as Claude Duval Payton, Claud Payton or Claude Peyton was an American actor.
He appeared in over 60 films throughout his career, often playing supporting roles. Payton began his acting career in the silent film era, and continued to work in film up until his death. He worked with many famous actors such as Lon Chaney, Sr. and Laurel and Hardy. In addition to his work in film, Payton was also a prolific stage actor, appearing in numerous plays on Broadway. He was known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to bring depth and nuance to even minor roles. Despite his success, Payton lived a relatively private life and little is known about his personal life or background.
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Tom Moore
Tom Moore (May 1, 1883 County Meath-February 12, 1955 Santa Monica) also known as Thomas Moore, Thomas J. "Tom" Moore, Tom or Thomas J. Moore was an American actor, film director and screenwriter. He had one child, Alice Moore.
Moore began his career in Vaudeville and made his way to Hollywood in the 1910s. He was a popular leading man and character actor during the silent film era, starring in over 200 films. In the 1920s, he also directed and wrote screenplays for numerous movies. He is best known for his work in the films "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1923), "The Jazz Singer" (1927), and "The Front Page" (1931).
Moore's career declined in the 1930s due to his heavy drinking and erratic behavior. He struggled with alcoholism for most of his life and was committed to a sanitarium in the 1940s. He made a brief comeback in the 1950s, appearing in several television shows and films before passing away in 1955 from a heart attack. Despite his personal struggles, Moore is remembered as a talented actor and filmmaker who made significant contributions to the early days of Hollywood.
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Michael Chekhov
Michael Chekhov (August 29, 1891 Saint Petersburg-September 30, 1955 Beverly Hills) also known as Mikhail Aleksandrovich Chekhov, Mikhail Chekhov, Michael Tschechow, Misha or Mikhail Aleksandrovich "Michael" Chekhov was an American actor, film director, author, theatre director and teacher. He had one child, Ada Tschechowa.
Chekhov was the nephew of world-renowned writer Anton Chekhov and started his career as a theatre actor in Russia. He trained with the legendary Konstantin Stanislavski and became one of his most famous protégés. He continued to act in theatre productions across Europe until he moved to the United States in the 1930s.
In America, Chekhov starred in several Hollywood films, including Alfred Hitchcock's "Spellbound" and Charlie Chaplin's "Limelight." He also founded the Chekhov Theatre Studio in New York City and began teaching the acting technique he had developed, now known as the Michael Chekhov Technique.
Chekhov's book "To the Actor" is still a seminal work on acting theory and has been praised by actors such as Johnny Depp and Anthony Hopkins. He passed away in 1955 due to complications from a heart attack.
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Billy Ruge
Billy Ruge (November 27, 1885 New York City-November 27, 2014 Florida) was an American actor.
Over the span of his lengthy career, Ruge performed in over 100 films, often taking on small but memorable roles. He started his acting career in vaudeville and later transitioned to Hollywood in the 1930s. Many of his notable films include "The Pride of the Yankees" (1942), "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946), and "White Heat" (1949). Ruge was also known for his work in television, appearing on popular shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "The Beverly Hillbillies." Despite his long and successful career, Ruge remained humble and dedicated to his craft until his death at the age of 129.
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Stanley Price
Stanley Price (December 31, 1892 Atchison-July 13, 1955 Garden Grove) also known as Stan Price, Stanford Price or Price was an American actor.
Price appeared in over 160 films during his career, often playing small roles or uncredited parts. He began his career as a stage actor in vaudeville and later transitioned to films in the silent era. Price was known for his versatility in playing various character types, from cowboys and thugs to doctors and butlers. Some of his notable films include "The Great Dictator" (1940), "Citizen Kane" (1941), and "Double Indemnity" (1944). Price also had a successful career in radio, appearing in several popular programs. He passed away in Garden Grove, California at the age of 62.
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Robert Kent
Robert Kent (December 3, 1908 Hartford-May 4, 1955 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Douglas Blackley, Jr,, Douglas Blackley, Douglas Bleckley, Douglas Blackley Jr. or Doug Blackley was an American actor. He had three children, Kim Louise Kent, Kristina Kent and Susan Kent.
Robert Kent started his acting career in the 1930s, appearing in several B-movies and serials. He appeared in over 100 films and TV shows over the course of his career, often playing supporting roles. Some of his notable films include "I Wanted Wings" (1941), "The Mummy's Ghost" (1944), and "House of Dracula" (1945).
In addition to his acting career, Kent was also a producer and writer, producing several films and writing scripts for TV shows. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and received a Bronze Star for his service.
Kent was married twice, first to actress Lois Collier, with whom he had two daughters, and later to actress Adele Jergens, with whom he had one daughter. He passed away at the age of 46 due to a heart attack.
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Francis Pierlot
Francis Pierlot (July 15, 1875 Massachusetts-May 11, 1955 Hollywood) was an American actor.
He began his acting career with a theater company and made his Broadway debut in 1905. Pierlot's film career began in 1915 when he appeared in "The Coward." He went on to appear in over 100 films, usually playing small roles such as doctors, priests, and judges. Some of his notable film credits include "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" (1936), "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1938), and "Gone with the Wind" (1939). Pierlot was also a prolific voice actor and provided the voice for several characters in Walt Disney's animated films, including Ferdinand the Bull in "Ferdinand the Bull" (1938) and Mr. Stork in "Dumbo" (1941). He continued to work in film and theater until his death in 1955.
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James Dean
James Dean (February 8, 1931 Marion-September 30, 1955 Cholame) a.k.a. James Byron Dean, Jimmy Dean, JD, Jim, Jimmy or "One-Speed Dean" was an American actor.
Dean is considered a cultural icon of teenage disillusionment and social estrangement, as exemplified by his role in the film "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955). He also starred in "East of Eden" (1955) and "Giant" (1956). Dean's untimely death in a car accident at the age of 24 cemented his legendary status as a Hollywood icon and a symbol of youthful rebellion. Despite his short career, Dean has remained influential and is still remembered as one of the most enigmatic and talented actors of his generation.
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Fred Burns
Fred Burns (April 24, 1878 Fort Keogh-July 18, 1955 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Frederick William Burns was an American actor and screenwriter. His child is called Forrest Burns.
Fred Burns began his career in silent films and appeared in over 300 films in various roles, often as a cowboy or stagecoach driver due to his rugged appearance. He also co-wrote scripts for films and was considered an expert in Old West vernacular. Burns was often paired with fellow cowboy actor Hoot Gibson and the two were known as the "Whirlwind Twins". Burns retired from acting in 1947 and passed away in 1955 at the age of 77. In addition to his son Forrest, he was survived by his wife and two daughters.
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Eddie Borden
Eddie Borden (May 1, 1888 Deer Lodge, Tennessee-July 1, 1955 Hollywood) also known as Eddie Bordon was an American actor.
Eddie Borden was best known for his supporting roles in over 150 films during the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. He started his acting career in silent films, appearing in popular films such as "The Big Parade" (1925) and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1923). Borden continued acting in sound films, appearing in movies such as "The Marx Brothers' Animal Crackers" (1930), "Bringing Up Baby" (1938), and "His Girl Friday" (1940). He was also active in radio performing and starred in several successful radio shows. In addition to his acting career, Borden wrote a screenplay for the movie "King of the Wild Horses" (1947).
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Paul Harvey
Paul Harvey (September 10, 1882 Sandwich-December 5, 1955 Los Angeles) also known as Roy Paul Harvey or R. Paul Harvey was an American actor.
He appeared in over 350 films during his career, often portraying authority figures such as doctors, judges, and military officers. He began his acting career in the 1920s and worked steadily in both film and television throughout his career. Harvey also had a successful career on radio, serving as the host of "The Paul Harvey Show" for many years. He was known for his distinctive voice and delivery style, as well as his conservative political views. In addition to his acting and broadcasting work, Harvey also served in World War I and was a member of the Screen Actors Guild.
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Clifford Thompson
Clifford Thompson (October 18, 1904 Rugby-October 15, 1955) a.k.a. Count Olaf, Cliff Thompson, The Wisconsin Paul Bunyan or The Scandinavian Giant was an American actor and lawyer.
Despite his successful career in law, Clifford Thompson is best known for his acting work under the pseudonym Count Olaf. His towering height of 7 feet 6 inches and deep voice made him a sought-after character actor, with roles in films such as "The Wizard of Oz" and "Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man." He was also a regular performer on radio shows such as "The Shadow" and "The Adventures of Superman."
Off-screen, Thompson was active in social justice causes, particularly in advocating for the rights of people with dwarfism. He co-founded the Dwarf Athletic Association of America and used his platform as a performer to raise awareness and funds for the organization.
Sadly, Thompson's life was cut short at the age of 50 due to heart failure. However, his legacy endures through his memorable contributions to the entertainment industry and his advocacy for people with disabilities.
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Richard "Skeets" Gallagher
Richard "Skeets" Gallagher (July 28, 1891 Terre Haute-May 22, 1955 Santa Monica) a.k.a. 'Skeets' Gallagher, Skeets Gallagher, Skeets Gallgher, Richard 'Skeet' Gallagher, Skeets Gallegher, Richard 'Skeets' Gallagher or Richard Gallagher was an American actor and singer.
He began his career in vaudeville before transitioning to silent films and eventually talkies. Gallagher was known for his comedic timing and often played supporting roles alongside notable actors like Laurel and Hardy in "The Devil's Brother" and James Cagney in "The Mayor of Hell." He also had a successful Broadway career, appearing in productions such as "Fine and Dandy" and "Flying Colors." Gallagher continued to act in films and television until his death at the age of 63.
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Paul Stanton
Paul Stanton (December 21, 1884 Sterling-October 9, 1955 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Paul George Stahl was an American actor and character actor.
He began his career on stage before transitioning to silent films in the 1910s. Stanton appeared in over 200 films, often portraying authority figures or villains. He had a memorable role as the cruel prison captain in the 1932 film "I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang." Stanton also appeared in films such as "The Maltese Falcon," "The Great Dictator," and "High Sierra." He continued acting until his death in 1955.
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William Nigh
William Nigh (October 12, 1881 Berlin-November 27, 1955 Burbank) also known as William Nye, Will Nigh, Emil Kreuske, K. Yamamoto, Bill Nye or Bill was an American film director, screenwriter, actor and film producer.
Nigh began his career as an actor in silent films and transitioned to directing in the late 1910s. He directed over 120 films during his career, working in a variety of genres including Westerns, comedies, and horror films. Some of his most notable films include "Dracula's Daughter" (1936), "The Ape" (1940), and "The Black Raven" (1943). In addition to directing, Nigh also worked as a screenwriter and producer for several of his films. Nigh was known for his efficient and economical approach to filmmaking, often completing productions quickly and under budget.
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Robert F. McGowan
Robert F. McGowan (July 11, 1882 Denver-January 27, 1955 Santa Monica) also known as Robert McGowan, Robert Magowan, Bob McGowan, Uncle Bob, Bob or Robert Francis McGowan was an American film director, film producer, screenwriter and actor. He had two children, Helen McGowan and Roberta McGowan.
McGowan is best known for his extensive work in the film industry during the silent and early sound era of Hollywood. He directed over 200 films, mainly shorts, for various studios including Hal Roach Studios, where he worked closely with the popular comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. Some of his other notable works include directing the "Our Gang" series, also known as "The Little Rascals", which followed the misadventures of a group of neighborhood children. McGowan was known for his ability to work with child actors and capture their natural performances on screen.
In addition to directing, McGowan also produced and wrote many of the films he worked on. He was highly respected in the industry for his creative vision, innovative techniques, and dedication to his craft.
Outside of his film career, McGowan was a well-known and respected member of the Santa Monica community, where he lived for many years. He was active in local politics and was a key player in the development of the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium.
McGowan's contributions to the film industry have left a lasting impact, and his work continues to be enjoyed by audiences around the world.
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Robert Dudley
Robert Dudley (September 13, 1869 Cincinnati-September 15, 1955 San Clemente) otherwise known as Robert Y. Dudley was an American actor and dentist. He had two children, Jewell Dudley and Patricia Lee Dudley.
Robert Dudley began his acting career in the late 1800s and appeared in over 150 films, including silent films such as "The Birth of a Nation" and "Intolerance". He also had roles in several talkies, including "The Kid" and "Modern Times" with Charlie Chaplin. Despite being a successful actor, Dudley continued his dental practice in Hollywood and treated many fellow actors, including Lon Chaney and Mary Pickford. Dudley was known for his distinctive mustache and was often cast in Western films as a villain. He passed away in 1955 in San Clemente, California, at the age of 86.
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Arthur Donaldson
Arthur Donaldson (April 5, 1869 Norsholm-September 28, 1955 Long Island) was an American actor and film director.
He began his career in the theater and later transitioned to film, directing over 50 films in the silent era. Donaldson was known for his work with Mack Sennett and Keystone Studios, where he directed and acted in many comedy shorts. He also worked with Universal Studios, directing several films starring Lon Chaney. In addition to his work in film, he also acted in Broadway productions and was a founding member of the Actors Equity Association. Later in life, Donaldson retired from the film industry and worked as a real estate broker.
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Lloyd Bacon
Lloyd Bacon (December 4, 1889 San Jose-November 15, 1955 Burbank) otherwise known as Lloyd Francis Bacon was an American film director, actor and screenwriter. His children are called Frank Bacon and Betsey Bacon.
Lloyd Bacon began his career in silent films, but later became known for his work in the sound era. He directed over 100 films, including many notable musicals and comedies, such as "42nd Street", "Footlight Parade", and "It Happened on Fifth Avenue". In addition to his work as a director, Bacon also appeared in several films as an actor, and wrote screenplays for several films, including "The Great Lie" and "East of Eden". He was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Bacon passed away in 1955 at the age of 65.
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James Craven
James Craven (October 2, 1892 Pennsylvania-June 29, 1955 Los Angeles) was an American actor.
Craven started his acting career during the silent film era, appearing in small roles in various films. He eventually transitioned to talkies and went on to have a successful career in Hollywood. He appeared in over 200 films, with some of his notable roles including Detective Dundy in the Marx Brothers' "The Big Store" (1941) and Red Hogan in "The Lone Ranger Rides Again" (1939). Craven was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to several animated characters such as the villainous Shere Khan in the animated adaptation of "The Jungle Book" (1942). Outside of his acting career, Craven was also a playwright and wrote several plays that were produced on Broadway.
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James Millican
James Millican (February 17, 1911 The Palisades-November 24, 1955 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Jimmy Millican, James A. Millican or Jim Millican was an American actor. He had one child, Ginny Millican.
Millican began his acting career on stage before transitioning to film in the 1940s. He appeared in over 200 films throughout his career, often playing tough, grizzled characters. Some of his notable films include "Winchester '73" (1950), "High Noon" (1952), and "The Glenn Miller Story" (1954). Millican was also a regular on the TV western series "The Adventures of Kit Carson" and "Stoney Burke." In addition to his acting work, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Sadly, Millican passed away at the young age of 44 due to a heart attack.
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Gus Arnheim
Gus Arnheim (September 4, 1897 Philadelphia-January 19, 1955 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Arnheim, Gus or Gus Arnheim and His Orchestra was an American actor, composer, conductor, bandleader and songwriter.
Gus Arnheim is best known for being a prominent bandleader during the 1920s and 1930s in California. He played a significant role in establishing the West Coast's popular music scene during this time, performing at various hotels and ballrooms, including the Ambassador Hotel and the Cocoanut Grove. Arnheim's orchestra was also featured in several popular films of the era, such as "Syncopation" and "The Singing Marine."
In addition to his musical career, Arnheim also appeared in over 16 films as an actor during the 1930s and 1940s. Some of his notable roles include "Stolen Harmony" and "The Fabulous Dorseys." Arnheim was also a prolific songwriter and composed several popular songs, including "Sweet and Lovely" and "I Cried for You."
Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Arnheim's personal life was often fraught with difficulties, including several failed marriages and a struggle with alcoholism. He passed away in 1955 due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver.
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Paul McAllister
Paul McAllister (June 30, 1875 Brooklyn-July 8, 1955 Santa Monica) a.k.a. Paul MacAllister was an American actor.
He began his acting career on the stage, appearing in various productions including a 1904 production of "The Prince and the Pauper," and went on to become a prolific character actor in Hollywood during the silent era. McAllister appeared in over 150 films, including "The Birth of a Nation" (1915) and "The Ten Commandments" (1923).
He continued to work in films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, often playing supporting roles in films such as "Rebecca" (1940) and "Meet John Doe" (1941). He also made notable appearances on television shows such as "The Jack Benny Program" and "The Twilight Zone."
Outside of his acting career, McAllister was a noted horse breeder and owner, and owned a ranch in California. He passed away in 1955 at the age of 80 in Santa Monica, California.
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Frank Darien
Frank Darien (March 18, 1876 New Orleans-October 20, 1955 Hollywood) also known as Frank Guderian or Frank Darion was an American actor.
He began his career as a stage actor in vaudeville and Broadway productions before transitioning to film in the 1920s. Darien appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, often playing tough-guy or villainous roles. He was a favorite of director Frank Capra and appeared in several of his films including "It Happened One Night" and "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town." In addition to his acting career, Darien also worked as a screenwriter and director. He retired from acting in 1949 and passed away in 1955 at the age of 79.
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Robert A. McGowan
Robert A. McGowan (May 22, 1901 Denver-June 20, 1955 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Robert McGowan, Robert Anthony McGowan, Anthony Mack or Bob McGowan was an American film director, screenwriter and actor. His children are called Mickie McGowan and Madeliene McGowan.
Robert A. McGowan is best known for his work directing and writing for the popular "Our Gang" series of short films. McGowan directed nearly 100 episodes of the series between 1922 and 1933, and is credited with helping to establish the unique comedic tone and style of the series. In addition to his work on "Our Gang," McGowan also directed and wrote for other popular film series such as "The Boy Friends" and "The Little Rascals."
Prior to his work in film, McGowan worked as a newspaper reporter and as a writer for various humor magazines. He began his film career in the 1910s as an actor and writer, before eventually moving behind the camera to direct and write his own films. Throughout his career, McGowan was known for his quick wit, his ability to work with child actors, and his dedication to creating memorable and entertaining films.
Sadly, McGowan passed away in 1955 at the age of 54 due to complications from a heart attack. Despite his relatively short career in the film industry, McGowan's influence can still be felt today, as his work on "Our Gang" and other film series helped to shape the Hollywood comedy landscape for generations to come.
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