James Dunn (actor)

James Howard Dunn ( November 2, 1901 in New York City, New York, USA, † September 3, 1967 in Santa Monica, California ) was an American film and theater actor.

Biography

James Dunn was born the son of a stockbroker on Wall Street, and had Irish roots. After schooling Dunn worked as a used car salesman until he first appeared at the beginning of the 1930s in vaudeville theaters. He also stood as an extra in silent films of the time before the camera. His most famous film in those days was walking down Broadway, which was produced in 1933. In 1934, he played three times on the side of Shirley Temple in the films " Stand up and Cheer ", " Baby take a bow " and " Bright eyes " of those particular "Bright Eyes" was a great success.

As 1935 Fox Film merged into 20th Century Fox, and the comedies and musicals, in which Dunn received the most role offers were no longer in demand, even Dunn has had to content himself with the role of B-movie stars. Also, the actor was in the late 1930s increased alcohol problems.

It was not until the early 1940s James Dunn was again increased roles. So he stood in A Tree Grows in 1945 in Brooklyn before the camera, and a year later, in 1946 received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. It seemed to be Dunn's last great success, he received then either supporting roles in feature films or roles in television series, including, inter alia in Bonanza. About 1951 was James Dunn as bankrupt.

Although he was married three times, he had no biological children. He was still stepfather of William Huey, the son of his third wife Edna Rush, with whom he was married from 1945 until his death. Previously, he was married to Edna O'Lier and actress Frances Gifford.

He died at the age of 65 years from the effects of abdominal surgery.

He devoted two stars on the Walk of Fame.