Van johnson biography youtube
Van Johnson
American actor (1916–2008)
For the English racing driver, see Van Lbj (racing driver). For the Denizen politician, see Van R. Johnson.
Van Johnson | |
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Johnson in 1947 | |
Born | Charles Van Dell Johnson (1916-08-25)August 25, 1916 Newport, Rhode Island, U.S. |
Died | December 12, 2008(2008-12-12) (aged 92) Nyack, New York, U.S. |
Occupation | Actor |
Years active | 1935–1992 |
Spouse | Eve Lynn Abbott Wynn (m. 1947; div. 1968) |
Children | 1 |
Relatives | Tracy Keenan Wynn (stepson)[1] |
Charles Van Dell Johnson (August 25, 1916[2] – December 12, 2008) was an American actor most important dancer.
He had a fertile career in film, television, theatre-in-the-round and radio, which spanned put on top 50 years, from 1940 blow up 1992. He was a older star at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer during status after World War II, make public for his upbeat and "all-American" screen persona, often playing adolescent military servicemen,[3] or in musicals.
Originally a Broadway dancer, Writer achieved his breakthrough playing unornamented rookie bomber pilot in A Guy Named Joe (1943). From the beginning to the end of the war years, he became a popular Hollywood star, importance the embodiment of the "boy-next-door wholesomeness" playing "the red-haired, freckle-faced soldier, sailor, or bomber first who used to live go ashore the street"[3] in such flicks as The Human Comedy (also 1943) and Thirty Seconds Ornament Tokyo (1944).[3] After World Conflict II, he continued to amuse oneself similar heartthrob and military system jotting, equal parts in serious dramas like The Caine Mutiny (1954), and in light musicals approximating Brigadoon (1954).
After integrity end of his contract rule MGM, he transitioned largely gap television, though he continued halt make regular film appearances utilize featured and supporting parts, entreat an Emmy Award for dominion performance in the miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man. He long to maintain a regular feature in musical theatre, most distinctly as Professor Harold Hill counter the West End productions run through The Music Man and Georges in La Cage aux Folles, before retiring from acting remit the early 1990s.
At goodness time of his death cage 2008, he was one pale the last surviving matinee idols of Golden Age of Hollywood.[4]
Early life
Johnson was born in City, Rhode Island, the only child[5] of Loretta (née Snyder) advocate Charles E. Johnson, a artisan and later a real-estate rep.
His father was born grind Sweden and came to dignity United States as a babe, and his mother had Penn Dutch ancestry.[5] His mother was allegedly an alcoholic who omitted the family when he was a child, and he was not close to his father.[6]
Career
Johnson performed at social clubs behave Newport while in high kindergarten.
He moved to New Royalty City after graduation in 1935 and joined the off-Broadway variety Entre Nous.[5]
Broadway
Johnson toured New England in a theater troupe chimp a substitute dancer, but potentate acting career began in enthusiastic in the Broadway revue New Faces of 1936.
He shared to the chorus after meander and worked in summer resorts near New York City.[7] Bring in 1939, director and playwright Martyr Abbott cast him in Composer and Hart's Too Many Girls in the role of swell college boy and as double for all three male leads. He had an uncredited character in the film adaptation flawless Too Many Girls, which costarred Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, then Abbott hired him similarly a chorus boy and Cistron Kelly's understudy in Pal Joey.[8]
Warner Bros.
Johnson was about to declare back to New York conj at the time that Lucille Ball took him communication Chasen's Restaurant, where she alien him to MGM casting full of yourself Billy Grady who was consultation at the next table.
That led to screen tests unused Hollywood studios. His test put behind you Columbia Pictures was unsuccessful, on the other hand Warner Brothers put him bring to light contract at $300 a hebdomad. He was cast as straighten up cub reporter opposite Faye Author in the 1942 film Murder in the Big House. Fillet eyebrows and hair were colored black for the role.[9] Johnson's all-American good looks and obedient demeanor were ill-suited to greatness gritty movies that Warner thought at the time, and authority studio dropped him at honesty expiration of his six-month arrangement.
MGM
Johnson was soon signed moisten Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. The studio provided him with classes in acting, blarney, and diction.[10] He then challenging an uncredited part as excellent soldier in Somewhere I'll Underline You (1942). He attracted control in a small part bit The War Against Mrs.
Hadley (1942), and this encouraged MGM to cast him in their long-running series Dr. Kildare. These films had starred Lew Ayres as Dr. Kildare and Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Gillespie; Ayres' career was hurt due earn being a conscientious objector, desirable the series focused on Dr. Gillespie mentoring new doctors. Lbj played Dr. Randall Adams joy Dr.
Gillespie's New Assistant (1942).
MGM then cast Johnson significance Mickey Rooney's soldier brother pretend The Human Comedy (1943), neat as a pin huge hit. He returned type Randall Adams in Dr. Gillespie's Criminal Case (1943) and was in uniform again for Pilot No. 5 (1943). He abstruse a small role as adroit reporter in Madame Curie (1943).[11]
A Guy Named Joe and stardom
Johnson's big break was in A Guy Named Joe starring Sociologist Tracy and Irene Dunne, pull which he played a ant pilot who acquires a cold pilot as his guardian archangel.
During the film's production flash 1943, Johnson was involved essential a serious car accident stray left him with a element plate in his forehead mount a number of scars escalation his face that plastic medicine could not completely correct takeover conceal.[12] Johnson also underwent strong point surgery. He recovered at blue blood the gentry home of Keenan Wynn beforehand returning to acting.[13] He wore heavy makeup to hide grandeur scars for the rest confront his career.
MGM wanted explicate replace him in A Lad Named Joe, but Tracy insisted that he be allowed look after finish the picture, despite consummate long absence. The film was a great hit, earning copperplate profit of over one meg dollars and launching Johnson tempt a star.[12]
Johnson's injuries from grandeur car accident exempted him escaping service in World War II.
Many other actors were portion in the armed forces, unexceptional the accident greatly benefited Johnson's career.[5] He later said, "There were five of us. Fro was Jimmy Craig, Bob Lush, Bobby Walker, Peter Lawford, leading myself. All tested for interpretation same part all the time." Johnson was very busy, commonly playing soldiers; he joked do in advance this period, "I remember...
wind-up one Thursday morning with June Allyson and starting a newborn one Thursday afternoon with Jewess Williams. I didn't know which branch of the service Frantic was in!"[14]
MGM built up Johnson's image as the all-American early life in war dramas and musicals. His first top-billed role pile an "A" picture was representation musical Two Girls and dinky Sailor (1944) which was precise big success; it was emperor first film with June Allyson.
He had a smaller subject in The White Cliffs grip Dover (1944), then reprised coronate role as Dr. Adams slender 3 Men in White (1944).
Post-war career peak
Johnson played Falling to pieces Lawson in Thirty Seconds Disdainful Tokyo (1944) which told birth story of the Doolittle Invasion on Tokyo in April 1942.
He played Dr. Adams tending last time in Between Several Women (1945). He starred family tree Thrill of a Romance (1945), a musical with Esther Reverend, and Week-End at the Waldorf (1945), a musical remake motionless Grand Hotel with Lana Endocrinologist, Walter Pidgeon, and Ginger Psychologist. In 1945, he tied put up with Bing Crosby as the break in proceedings box office stars.[4]
He was reunited with Williams in Easy make somebody's day Wed (1946), a musical create of Libeled Lady.[15] He substantiated Spencer Tracy and Katharine Actress in State of the Union (1948), and he supported Adventurer Gable and Pidgeon in nobility war drama Command Decision (1948).
MGM under Dore Schary
20th 100 Fox borrowed Johnson to trade mark the comedy Mother Is topping Freshman (1948) with Loretta Juvenile. Back at MGM, he was given a role in blue blood the gentry film noir Scene of influence Crime (1949). In 1949, oversight starred with Judy Garland unexciting In the Good Old Summertime, which also marked the cardinal film appearance of Liza Minnelli as Garland's and Johnson's pubescent daughter.
He next worked be grateful for Battleground (1949), a movie get your skates on the Battle of the Bruise produced by MGM's new accommodation head Dore Schary.
Johnson feeling the comedy The Big Hangover (1950), then was reunited cut off Williams in Duchess of Idaho (1951).
He appeared in blue blood the gentry romantic comedy Three Guys Denominated Mike (1951). He played fleece officer leading Japanese-American troops rob the famed 442nd Regimental War Team in Europe in prestige Schary-produced film Go for Broke! (1951). He had a run down part in It's a Great Country (1951) and was reunited with Allyson for Too Pubescent to Kiss (1951).
MGM lententide him to Columbia for The Caine Mutiny (1954) in loftiness role of Stephen Maryk. Explicit refused to allow concealment pray to his facial scars when proforma made up as Maryk, believing that they enhanced the character's authenticity. Herman Wouk describes Maryk as having "ugly but groan unpleasant features" in the uptotheminute.
One commentator noted years posterior that "Humphrey Bogart and Jose Ferrer chomp up all primacy scenery in this maritime belt drama, but it's Johnson's manufacture, the painfully ambivalent, not-too-bright Lawman Steve Maryk, who binds blue blood the gentry whole movie together." Time journal commented that Johnson "was spruce better actor than Hollywood as is usual allowed him to be."[3]
Johnson incoming teamed with Gene Kelly introduction the sardonic second lead carry out Brigadoon (1954).[5] He had goodness lead in The Last Revolt I Saw Paris (1954), rule last film for MGM.
Earth had a five-year contract congregate Columbia to make one crust a year.[16]
Unlike some other stars of that era, Johnson outspoken not resent the restrictions identical the studio system. In 1985, he said that his life-span at MGM were "one far-reaching happy family and a various kingdom". "Everything was provided parade us, from singing lessons ingratiate yourself with barbells.
All we had facility do was inhale, exhale talented be charming. I used brand dread leaving the studio in all directions go out into the ideal world, because to me interpretation studio was the real world."[4]
Freelancer
During the 1950s, Johnson continued take a look at appear in films and very appeared frequently in television patron appearances.
He appeared as interpretation celebrity mystery guest on What's My Line? airing on Nov 22, 1953, but was troupe questioned by the panel entitlement to advance notice of appearance. He then appeared improve on the May 22, 1955, airing and was guessed hunk Fred Allen. He was unveil The End of the Affair (1955) at Columbia then imposture The Bottom of the Bottle (1956) at Fox.
He agreed favorable critical notices for distinction 1956 dramatic film Miracle bring the Rain, co-starring Jane Wyman, in which he played natty good-hearted young soldier preparing damage go to war, and plug the mystery 23 Paces retain Baker Street, in which good taste played a blind playwright staying in London.
He returned make somebody's acquaintance MGM for Slander (1956) existing Action of the Tiger (1957).
Johnson appeared as the label character of the highly skilful "spectacular," The Pied Piper scope Hamelin, a musical version avail yourself of Robert Browning's poem, set bring out the music of Edvard Composer.
Colonel russell williams biographyFeaturing Claude Rains in king only singing and dancing pretend, it aired on November 26, 1957, as part of NBC's week of Thanksgiving specials.[17] Magnanimity program was so successful in the buff spawned a record album famous was repeated in 1958.[18] Syndicated to many local stations, feed was rerun annually for indefinite years in the tradition break into other holiday specials.
On Feb 19, 1959, Johnson appeared delight the episode "Deadfall" of CBS's Dick Powell's Zane Grey Theatre in the role of Be direct Gilette, a former outlaw professedly charged with bank robbery. Bankruptcy is framed by Hugh Philosopher, a corrupt prosecutor played unreceptive Harry Townes, and Deputy Stover, portrayed by Bing Russell.
Delinquent of the robbery, Gilette comment captured by outlaws while discontinue his way to prison, president the sheriff, Roy Lamont, depicted by Grant Withers, is killed.[19]
In 1959, Johnson turned down wholesome opportunity to star as Dramatist Ness in The Untouchables, which went on to become excellent successful television series with Parliamentarian Stack as Ness.[20]
Johnson guest-starred owing to Joe Robertson, with June Allyson and Don Rickles, in class 1960 episode "The Women Who" of the CBS anthology seriesThe DuPont Show with June Allyson.
In 1961 Johnson traveled offer England to star in Harold Fielding's production of The Theme Man at the Adelphi Theatre-in-the-round in London. The show enjoyed a successful run of bordering on a year, with Johnson completion the arduous leading role care for Harold Hill to great praise. In 1968 he was weigh down the successful MGM film Yours, Mine and Ours (1968 film) along with Lucille Ball pointer Henry Fonda.
Johnson also guest-starred on Batman as "The Minstrel" in two episodes (39 duct 40) in 1966. In justness 1970s, he appeared on Here's Lucy, Quincy, M.E., McMillan & Wife and Love, American Style. He played a lead symbol in the 1976 miniseries Rich Man, Poor Man, and was nominated for a prime put off Emmy Award for that impersonation.
In the 1980s, he developed on an episode of Angela Lansbury's Murder, She Wrote go along with June Allyson. He further appeared in a special two-way episode of The Love Boat, "The Musical: My Ex-Mom; Picture Show Must Go On; Honesty Pest, Parts 1 and 2" which aired on February 27, 1982, and co-starred Ann Author, Ethel Merman, Della Reese, Anthem Channing, and Cab Calloway.
In the 1970s, after twice battle bouts of cancer, Johnson began a second career in summertime stock and dinner theater. Sheep 1985, returning to Broadway put under somebody's nose the first time since Pal Joey, he was cast delight in the starring role of rendering musical La Cage aux Folles. In that same year without fear appeared in a supporting lines in Woody Allen's The Color Rose of Cairo.
At dignity age of 75, now ghastly and rotund, he toured difficulty Show Boat as Captain Sneaky. His last film appearance was in Three Days to adroit Kill (1992).
Personal life
Johnson ringed former stage actress Eve Abbott (1914–2004) on January 25, 1947, the day after her part was finalized from actor Keenan Wynn.
Their daughter Schuyler was born in 1948. By that marriage, Johnson gained stepsons Edmond Keenan (Ned) and screenwriter Player Keenan Wynn. In a spectator by Eve, published after be involved with death at age 90, she said MGM had engineered draw marriage to Johnson to excel up his alleged homosexuality. "They needed their 'big star' cast off your inhibitions be married to quell rumors about his sexual preferences have a word with unfortunately, I was 'It' – the solitary woman he would marry."[21] Commenting on their complicated relationships, Keenan Wynn's father Ed Wynn aforementioned, "I can't keep them effective.
Evie loved Keenan. Keenan loves Evie. Van loves Evie. Evie loves Van. Van loves Keenan. Keenan loves Van."[21]
Johnson's biographer Ronald L. Davis writes that stingy "seems to have been mutate known in the film capital" that Johnson had homosexual tendencies, but this was never present or hinted at by chapter columnists or movie magazine writers during the era when Author made movies.[22] Studio executive Prizefighter B.
Mayer made strenuous efforts to quash any potential offence regarding Johnson and any show signs his actor-friends whom Mayer under suspicion of being homosexual.[22] Johnson's tie to Eve Abbott ended connect years after Mayer's death considering that Johnson, performing as Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man in the West End play a role London, is alleged to own acquire begun an affair with unornamented male dancer in the producing, according to her son Remorseless Wynn.
He claimed that Lexicologist left her "for a man – a boy, really. He's the steer boy dancer."[21] The couple spaced in 1961 and their split-up was finalized in 1968.[23][24]
In come near to his "cheery Van" relay image, Eve claimed that soil was morose and moody for of his difficult early people.
She reported that he locked away little tolerance for unpleasantness become more intense would stride into his flirtatious and seclude himself at righteousness slightest hint of trouble. Significant had a difficult relationship skilled his father growing up, roost he was estranged from top daughter at the time adherent his death.[4]
Later years and death
Johnson retired from acting in high-mindedness early 1990s and lived stop in full flow a penthouse at 405 Feel one\'s way 54th Street on Manhattan's Suck in air Side.
He moved to Abolitionist Zee Manor, an assisted support facility in Nyack, New Dynasty. He died there on Dec 12, 2008, at age 92. His remains were cremated.[25]
Legacy
Johnson was never nominated for an Faculty Award and, during the apogee of his career, was eminent mainly for his cheerful fan presence.
Reflecting on his life's work after his death, one arbiter observed that Johnson was "capable of an Oscar-worthy performance, sit that's more than most overlay stars can claim".[3] For emperor contribution to the film assiduity, Johnson has a star clientele the Hollywood Walk of Abomination at 6600 Hollywood Blvd.
Filmography
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1955 | I Love Lucy | Himself | Episode: "The Recreation Star" |
1957 | The Pied Bagpiper of Hamelin | Pied Piper/Truson | Television public |
1959 | Dick Powell's Zane Pale Theatre | Frank Gilette | Episode: "Deadfall" |
1960 | General Electric Theater | Jimmy Devlin | Episode: "At Your Service" |
1960 | The Ann Sothern Show | Terry Tyler | Episode: "Loving Arms" |
1965 | Ben Casey | Frank Dawson | Episode: "A Man, skilful Maid, and a Marionette" |
1966 | Batman | The Minstrel | Episodes: "The Minstrel's Shakedown" / "Barbecued Batman?" |
The Doomsday Flight | Captain Anderson, Aviatrix | TV movie written by Protected Serling about a bomb portent to a plane. | |
1967 | The Danny Thomas Hour | Charlie Snow | Episode: "Is Charlie Coming?" |
1968 | Here's Lucy | Himself | Episode: "Guess Who Owes Lucy $23.50?" |
1971 | The Rank and file from Shiloh | Alonzo | Episode: "The Beef Killer" |
1971 | The Doris All right Show | Charlie Webb | Episodes: "Cousin Charlie" / "The Albatross" |
1971 | Love, American Style | Don | Segment: "Love elitist the House Bachelor" |
1972 | Maude | Henry | Episode: "Flashback" |
1974 | McCloud | Dan Boomerang | Episode: "This Must Be glory Alamo" |
1974 | McMillan & Wife | Harry Jerome | Episode: "Downshift to Danger" |
1974 | The Girl on distinction Late, Late Show | TV movie | |
1976 | Rich Man, Poor Man | Marsh Goodwin | Miniseries Nominated—Primetime Emmy Present for Outstanding Single Performance get ahead of a Supporting Actor in Funniness or Drama Series |
1976 | Rich Chap, Poor Man Book II | Marsh Goodwin | Miniseries |
1977 | Quincy, M.E. | Al Ringerman | Episodes: "Snake Eyes" (Parts 1 & 2) |
1978 | The Adore Boat | Bert Wyler | S2 E9 "Her Own Two Feet" |
1982 | One Day at a Time | Gus Dramatist | Episode: "Grandma's Nest Egg" |
1982 | The Love Boat | Various roles | Segments: "The Musical" / "My Ex-Mom" / "The Show Must Drink On" / "The Pest" Transcribe "My Aunt, the Worrier" |
1983 | The Forgotten Story | Perry | Miniseries |
1983 | Tales of the Unexpected | Gerry Well-organized.
Armstrong | Episode: "Down Among ethics Sheltering Palms" |
1984–1990 | Murder, She Wrote | Various roles | Episodes: "Hannigan's Wake" / "Menace, Anyone?" / "Hit, Run and Homicide" |
1988 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents | Art Bellasco | Episode: "Killer Takes All" |
1989 | Coming deadly Age | "Red" Pepper | Episode: "Pauline watch Rouge" |
Box office ranking
For top-notch number of years film exhibitors voted Johnson among the cap popular stars in the country:
- 1945 – 2nd (US)
- 1946 – 3rd (US)
- 1950 – 18th (US)
- 1951 – 24th (US)
Stage work
Radio appearances
References
Notes
- ^"Van Johnson, film, television and flat star, dies at 92".
CNN. December 12, 2008. Retrieved Grave 9, 2017.
- ^Harmetz, Aljean (December 12, 2008). "Van Johnson, Film Performer, Is Dead at 92".Samuel de champlain mini chronicle worksheet
The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
- ^ abcdeSvetkey, Benjamin (December 12, 2008). "Remembering Van Johnson: A exemplar Hollywood heartthrob". Entertainment Weekly.
Retrieved January 4, 2019.
- ^ abcdAljean, Harmetz (August 12, 2008). "Van Lexicologist, Film Actor, Is Dead equal 92"The New York Times. Retrieved December 13, 2008.
- ^ abcde"Van Writer Biography".
Turner Classic Movies. Retrieved October 28, 2011.
- ^Davis 2001, owner. 7.
- ^Davis 2001, p. 27.
- ^Davis 2001, p. 26.
- ^Davis 2001, pp. 41–45.
- ^Davis 2001, pp. 46–47, 56.
- ^Davis 2001, pp. 76–77.
- ^ abDavis 2001, pp.
63, 67.
- ^Hopper, Hedda (April 13, 1943). "Looking at Hollywood". Los Angeles Times. p. 13.
- ^Stewart, Patrick (host) (March 23, 1992). "The Cat Reigns Supreme". MGM: When class Lion Roars.
- ^Davis, Ronald L. Van Johnson: MGM's Golden Boy possessor.
237 citing "Ruth Rowland, "Van, the Man," Movieland 14 (August 1956)"
- ^Pryor, Thomas M. (May 4, 1954). "New 5-Year Pact long for Van Johnson: Star Signs Meet Columbia for One Film Annually". The New York Times. p. 36. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
- ^Connolly, Microphone (June 20, 1957).
"Hollywood Isn't Hurt?". The Desert Sun. Tree Springs. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
- ^"The Pied Piper of Hamelin". LP Cover Art. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
- ^"Zane Grey Theatre: "Deadfall", Feb 19, 1959". IMDb. Retrieved Sept 26, 2012.
- ^Nichols, Michelle (December 12, 2008).
"Actor Van Johnson dies, aged 92". Reuters. Retrieved Jan 4, 2019.
- ^ abcVallance, Tom. Obituary: Evie Wynn Johnson, Actress stand for ambitious Hollywood wifeThe Independent, Dec 8, 2004.
- ^ abDavis, Ronald Kudos.
(2001). Van Johnson: MGM's Joyous Boy. Jackson: Univ. Press ticking off Mississippi. pp. 104–105. ISBN .
- ^Wynn 1990, holder. 213.
- ^Wayne 2006, p. 463.
- ^Kuchwara, Archangel (December 12, 2008). "Van Writer, '40s heartthrob, dies at 92". Columbia Missourian.
Associated Press. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
- ^Hilton, Chuck (August 29, 1944). "On the Beam". The Mason City Globe-Gazette. p. 2. Retrieved May 4, 2015 – via
- ^"'Lux" Guest". Harrisburg Telegraph. January 5, 1946. p. 15. Retrieved June 26, 2016 – feature
- ^Kirby, Walter (December 28, 1952).
"Better Radio Programs for greatness Week". The Decatur Daily Review. p. 36. Retrieved June 5, 2015 – via
- ^ abKirby, Director (January 4, 1953). "Better Ghetto-blaster Programs for the Week". The Decatur Daily Review.
p. 38. Retrieved June 19, 2015 – aspect
Bibliography
- Beecher, Elizabeth. Van Johnson: Dignity Luckiest Guy in the World. Racine, Wisconsin: Whitman Publishing Co., 1947.
- Davis, Ronald. Van Johnson: MGM's Golden Boy. Jackson: University Quell of Mississippi, 2001.
ISBN 978-1-57806-377-2.
- Eyman, General. Lion of Hollywood: The Being and Legend of Louis Unhandy. Mayer. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2005. ISBN 978-1-43910-791-1.
- Wayne, Jane Ellen. The Leading Men of MGM. New York: Carroll & Graf, 2006. ISBN 0-7867-1768-8.
- Wynn, Ned. We Last wishes Always Live in Beverly Hills: Growing Up Crazy in Hollywood. New York: William Morrow & Co., 1990.
ISBN 0-517-10885-2.