Mark Stevens
Mark Stevens (born Richard William Stevens; December 13, 1916 – September 15, 1994) was an American actor, director, and producer. He appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career, making a significant impact on the entertainment industry.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Stevens began his acting career on stage before transitioning to film. He made his screen debut in 1939 and soon gained recognition for his talent and versatile performances. Stevens appeared in a variety of genres, including drama, film noir, crime, and westerns.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Stevens became associated with the film noir genre, starring in notable films such as "Within These Walls" (1945), "The Dark Corner" (1946), and "The Street with No Name" (1948). He was admired for his ability to portray tough, brooding, and complex characters.
Stevens also ventured into directing and producing. In 1955, he directed his first film, "Cry Vengeance," in which he also starred. He went on to direct and produce several other films, including "Gun Fever" (1958) and "Cry Tough" (1959).
In addition to his film work, Stevens made appearances on television shows, including guest roles on popular series like "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Twilight Zone."
Beyond acting, Stevens was known for his involvement in the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). He served as president of SAG from 1960 to 1963, during which he worked to protect actors' rights and improve working conditions in the industry.
Mark Stevens continued to act and direct in films and television throughout the 1960s and 1970s, but his presence gradually diminished in later years. He retired from the industry in the early 1980s.
On September 15, 1994, Mark Stevens passed away at the age of 77 in San Diego, California. He left behind a legacy as a talented actor who made notable contributions to the film noir genre and the entertainment industry as a whole.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Stevens began his acting career on stage before transitioning to film. He made his screen debut in 1939 and soon gained recognition for his talent and versatile performances. Stevens appeared in a variety of genres, including drama, film noir, crime, and westerns.
In the 1940s and 1950s, Stevens became associated with the film noir genre, starring in notable films such as "Within These Walls" (1945), "The Dark Corner" (1946), and "The Street with No Name" (1948). He was admired for his ability to portray tough, brooding, and complex characters.
Stevens also ventured into directing and producing. In 1955, he directed his first film, "Cry Vengeance," in which he also starred. He went on to direct and produce several other films, including "Gun Fever" (1958) and "Cry Tough" (1959).
In addition to his film work, Stevens made appearances on television shows, including guest roles on popular series like "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Twilight Zone."
Beyond acting, Stevens was known for his involvement in the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). He served as president of SAG from 1960 to 1963, during which he worked to protect actors' rights and improve working conditions in the industry.
Mark Stevens continued to act and direct in films and television throughout the 1960s and 1970s, but his presence gradually diminished in later years. He retired from the industry in the early 1980s.
On September 15, 1994, Mark Stevens passed away at the age of 77 in San Diego, California. He left behind a legacy as a talented actor who made notable contributions to the film noir genre and the entertainment industry as a whole.
Quotes:
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Trivia:
Romantically involved for a time with actress Hedy Lamarr.
An instinctive rebellious nature had him kicked out of every school he ever attended, public or private.
Became a contract player for Warners at $100 a week in 1943 but they changed his looks and his stage name. They darkened and straightened his curly ginger-colored hair and covered his freckles. At first he was billed as Stephen Richards, later changed it to Mark Stevens at the suggestion of Darryl F. Zanuck when he switched to 20th Century-Fox.
Once prepared for training with the Canadian Olympic Diving Team although seriously damaged his back while working out on the high springboard. This injury later kept him out of military service in the United States Army in World War II and resulted in an operation.
An instinctive rebellious nature had him kicked out of every school he ever attended, public or private.
Became a contract player for Warners at $100 a week in 1943 but they changed his looks and his stage name. They darkened and straightened his curly ginger-colored hair and covered his freckles. At first he was billed as Stephen Richards, later changed it to Mark Stevens at the suggestion of Darryl F. Zanuck when he switched to 20th Century-Fox.
Once prepared for training with the Canadian Olympic Diving Team although seriously damaged his back while working out on the high springboard. This injury later kept him out of military service in the United States Army in World War II and resulted in an operation.
