Brian Donlevy
Brian Donlevy was an American actor, born on February 9, 1901, in Cleveland, Ohio. He had a long and successful career in film, television, and theater, spanning several decades. Known for his commanding presence and versatile acting abilities, Donlevy made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Donlevy's interest in acting developed during his college years at Yale University, where he participated in theater productions. After graduation, he pursued a career in acting and began performing in stage plays. He made his Broadway debut in 1925 in the play "A Man's Man" and continued to work on stage throughout his career.
In the 1930s, Donlevy transitioned to the world of film and quickly gained recognition for his talent. He appeared in numerous films, showcasing his versatility in a variety of genres. He worked with prominent directors such as Frank Capra, John Ford, and Alfred Hitchcock, among others.
Donlevy made a significant impact on the film noir genre with his portrayals of tough and morally complex characters. His performances in films like "Kiss of Death" (1947), "Impact" (1949), and "The Big Combo" (1955) exemplified his ability to bring depth and intensity to his roles. He often played hard-boiled detectives, criminals, or authority figures, and his commanding presence and gravelly voice added to the noir atmosphere.
In addition to his work in film, Donlevy also appeared in television shows and made-for-TV movies. He continued acting well into the 1970s, with notable appearances in films like "A Farewell to Arms" (1957) and "The Miracle Worker" (1962). His performances in both film and television earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Outside of his acting career, Donlevy was known for his patriotism and support for the U.S. military. During World War II, he served as a flight instructor in the U.S. Army Air Forces.
Brian Donlevy passed away on April 5, 1972, in Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 71. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to the world of entertainment, with his impact on film noir solidifying his place in the genre's history.
Brian Donlevy was an American actor, born on February 9, 1901, in Cleveland, Ohio. He had a long and successful career in film, television, and theater, spanning several decades. Known for his commanding presence and versatile acting abilities, Donlevy made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Donlevy's interest in acting developed during his college years at Yale University, where he participated in theater productions. After graduation, he pursued a career in acting and began performing in stage plays. He made his Broadway debut in 1925 in the play "A Man's Man" and continued to work on stage throughout his career.
In the 1930s, Donlevy transitioned to the world of film and quickly gained recognition for his talent. He appeared in numerous films, showcasing his versatility in a variety of genres. He worked with prominent directors such as Frank Capra, John Ford, and Alfred Hitchcock, among others.
Donlevy made a significant impact on the film noir genre with his portrayals of tough and morally complex characters. His performances in films like "Kiss of Death" (1947), "Impact" (1949), and "The Big Combo" (1955) exemplified his ability to bring depth and intensity to his roles. He often played hard-boiled detectives, criminals, or authority figures, and his commanding presence and gravelly voice added to the noir atmosphere.
In addition to his work in film, Donlevy also appeared in television shows and made-for-TV movies. He continued acting well into the 1970s, with notable appearances in films like "A Farewell to Arms" (1957) and "The Miracle Worker" (1962). His performances in both film and television earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Outside of his acting career, Donlevy was known for his patriotism and support for the U.S. military. During World War II, he served as a flight instructor in the U.S. Army Air Forces.
Brian Donlevy passed away on April 5, 1972, in Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 71. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to the world of entertainment, with his impact on film noir solidifying his place in the genre's history.
Donlevy's interest in acting developed during his college years at Yale University, where he participated in theater productions. After graduation, he pursued a career in acting and began performing in stage plays. He made his Broadway debut in 1925 in the play "A Man's Man" and continued to work on stage throughout his career.
In the 1930s, Donlevy transitioned to the world of film and quickly gained recognition for his talent. He appeared in numerous films, showcasing his versatility in a variety of genres. He worked with prominent directors such as Frank Capra, John Ford, and Alfred Hitchcock, among others.
Donlevy made a significant impact on the film noir genre with his portrayals of tough and morally complex characters. His performances in films like "Kiss of Death" (1947), "Impact" (1949), and "The Big Combo" (1955) exemplified his ability to bring depth and intensity to his roles. He often played hard-boiled detectives, criminals, or authority figures, and his commanding presence and gravelly voice added to the noir atmosphere.
In addition to his work in film, Donlevy also appeared in television shows and made-for-TV movies. He continued acting well into the 1970s, with notable appearances in films like "A Farewell to Arms" (1957) and "The Miracle Worker" (1962). His performances in both film and television earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Outside of his acting career, Donlevy was known for his patriotism and support for the U.S. military. During World War II, he served as a flight instructor in the U.S. Army Air Forces.
Brian Donlevy passed away on April 5, 1972, in Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 71. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to the world of entertainment, with his impact on film noir solidifying his place in the genre's history.
Brian Donlevy was an American actor, born on February 9, 1901, in Cleveland, Ohio. He had a long and successful career in film, television, and theater, spanning several decades. Known for his commanding presence and versatile acting abilities, Donlevy made significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
Donlevy's interest in acting developed during his college years at Yale University, where he participated in theater productions. After graduation, he pursued a career in acting and began performing in stage plays. He made his Broadway debut in 1925 in the play "A Man's Man" and continued to work on stage throughout his career.
In the 1930s, Donlevy transitioned to the world of film and quickly gained recognition for his talent. He appeared in numerous films, showcasing his versatility in a variety of genres. He worked with prominent directors such as Frank Capra, John Ford, and Alfred Hitchcock, among others.
Donlevy made a significant impact on the film noir genre with his portrayals of tough and morally complex characters. His performances in films like "Kiss of Death" (1947), "Impact" (1949), and "The Big Combo" (1955) exemplified his ability to bring depth and intensity to his roles. He often played hard-boiled detectives, criminals, or authority figures, and his commanding presence and gravelly voice added to the noir atmosphere.
In addition to his work in film, Donlevy also appeared in television shows and made-for-TV movies. He continued acting well into the 1970s, with notable appearances in films like "A Farewell to Arms" (1957) and "The Miracle Worker" (1962). His performances in both film and television earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Outside of his acting career, Donlevy was known for his patriotism and support for the U.S. military. During World War II, he served as a flight instructor in the U.S. Army Air Forces.
Brian Donlevy passed away on April 5, 1972, in Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 71. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to the world of entertainment, with his impact on film noir solidifying his place in the genre's history.
Quotes:
"I've always tried to approach each role with honesty and authenticity, and to find the truth in every character I play."
"Acting is a constantly evolving art form, and I believe it's important to always be learning and growing as an actor."
-Brian Donlevy
Trivia:
Sassy-talking, rugged-looking, square-shouldered supporting actor said, however, always to have gone through this necessary morning ritual before arriving on the movie set: 1) insert dentures; 2) don hairpiece; 3) strap on corset; 4) lace up "elevator" shoes.
According to a statement in a 1944 movie magazine, Donlevy did not smoke or play cards. The only smoking he did was "for the movies".
It's widely believed that Ray Milland accidentally cut Donlevy's shoulder during the filming of Beau Geste (1939) when he missed Donlevy's protective padding with his bayonet. This legend was recently repeated on American Movie Classics (AMC) during an airing of the film. In actuality, Ray stabbed him in the lower left ribcage. The wound was deep enough to not only make him bleed but resulted in a scar that Donlevy bore for the rest of his life.
Donlevy's obituary in The Times newspaper in the United Kingdom stated that "any consideration of the American 'film noir' of the 1940s would be incomplete without him".
According to a statement in a 1944 movie magazine, Donlevy did not smoke or play cards. The only smoking he did was "for the movies".
It's widely believed that Ray Milland accidentally cut Donlevy's shoulder during the filming of Beau Geste (1939) when he missed Donlevy's protective padding with his bayonet. This legend was recently repeated on American Movie Classics (AMC) during an airing of the film. In actuality, Ray stabbed him in the lower left ribcage. The wound was deep enough to not only make him bleed but resulted in a scar that Donlevy bore for the rest of his life.
Donlevy's obituary in The Times newspaper in the United Kingdom stated that "any consideration of the American 'film noir' of the 1940s would be incomplete without him".
