Alexander Golitzen facts for kids
Prince Alexander Golitzen (born February 28, 1908, in Moscow, Russia – died July 26, 2005, in San Diego, USA) was a very important American production designer. He was in charge of the art direction for over 300 movies! This means he helped decide how the sets, props, and overall look of a movie would appear.
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Alexander Golitzen's Early Life
Alexander Golitzen was born into a princely family in Moscow. When he was young, his family had to leave Russia because of the Russian Revolution. They traveled a long way through Siberia and China before finally arriving in Seattle, USA. Alexander finished high school there. He then went to the University of Washington and earned a degree in architecture.
Starting a Career in Movies
Alexander began his career in Los Angeles. He started as an assistant to another art director named Alexander Toluboff at MGM, a big movie studio. In 1939, he started working with Walter Wanger, a movie producer. They worked together on many films.
From 1942 onwards, Alexander Golitzen joined Universal. For the next 30 years, he worked there, first as a unit art director and then as a supervising art director. He oversaw the visual style of many, many movies made at Universal.
Award-Winning Work
Alexander Golitzen was recognized for his amazing work in movies. He was nominated for an Oscar for the movie Foreign Correspondent in 1940.
He actually won three Oscars for his outstanding art direction:
- Phantom of the Opera in 1943
- Spartacus in 1960
- To Kill a Mockingbird in 1962
He was also nominated for an Academy Award for his work on several other films, including:
- Sundown (1941)
- Arabian Nights (1942)
- The Climax (1944)
- Flower Drum Song (1961)
- That Touch of Mink (1962)
- Gambit (1966)
- Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967)
- Sweet Charity (1969)
- Airport (1970)
- Earthquake (1974)
He also served on the Academy's board of directors for several years, helping to guide the organization that gives out the Oscars.
Personal Life
Alexander Golitzen was married to Frances Peters for 72 years. She lived longer than him. They had a daughter named Cynthia and a son named Peter. They also had five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
See also
- Art Directors Guild Hall of Fame
