Ben Lyon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ben Lyon
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Lyon in 1936
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| Born | February 6, 1901 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
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| Died | March 22, 1979 (aged 78) Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
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| Resting place | Hollywood Forever Cemetery |
| Years active | 1918–1955 |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2, including Barbara Lyon |
| Awards | Hollywood Walk of Fame |
Ben Lyon (born February 6, 1901 – died March 22, 1979) was an American actor. He starred in many films and later became a studio executive at 20th Century-Fox. He also acted in British radio, films, and TV shows.
Early Life and Career
Ben Lyon was born in Atlanta, Georgia. His father was a traveling salesman. Ben started acting in films in 1918. Before that, he had a successful role in a play on Broadway.
He became well-known after appearing in the popular film Flaming Youth (1923). He quickly became a leading actor. Ben often starred alongside famous actresses of the silent film era. These included Pola Negri, Gloria Swanson, and Colleen Moore. In 1925, a magazine called Photoplay said he was "irresistible." They also noted he was a "mighty fine actor."
Ben had a big success in the 1930 film Hell's Angels. This movie helped make Jean Harlow a huge star. Ben's role as a brave World War I pilot was also highly praised. For the next ten years, he was very busy acting.
By the mid-1940s, Ben started working for 20th Century-Fox. This was a major film studio. On July 17, 1946, he met a young actress named Norma Jeane Dougherty. Ben thought she looked just like Jean Harlow. He helped her get a screen test. He also suggested her new name: Marilyn Monroe. Ben then signed her to her first studio contract.
During World War II, Ben and his wife, actress Bebe Daniels, moved to London. They starred in a popular radio show called Hi, Gang!. It ran from 1940 to 1949. Later, they had another show called Life with the Lyons. Their real-life children, Richard and Barbara, also joined the cast. This show became a TV series in 1954 and ran until 1960.
In March 1963, Ben Lyon was featured on the British TV show This Is Your Life. This show surprised famous people by telling their life stories.
Military Service
In the early 1930s, Ben Lyon served as a pilot. He was part of the 322nd Pursuit Squadron. During World War II, he served as a lieutenant colonel. This was in the US Army Air Forces Special Services. This group provided entertainment for soldiers.
Personal Life and Death
Ben Lyon married actress Bebe Daniels in June 1930. They had a daughter named Barbara in 1931. They also adopted a son named Richard. Bebe once saw Richard at an orphanage in London. She immediately thought he would be a great brother for Barbara.
Bebe Daniels faced some health problems in 1963. She passed away in March 1971 at their home in London.
On April 1, 1972, Ben married actress Marian Nixon. He had known her since the 1920s. They were married until Ben's death. Marian passed away five years later.
Ben Lyon died on March 22, 1979. He was on a cruise ship called the Queen Elizabeth 2 near Honolulu, Hawaii. He was 78 years old when he had a fatal heart attack. His body was cremated. His ashes are buried at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. He rests next to his first wife, Bebe Daniels.
Ben Lyon has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is located at 1724 Vine Street. This star honors his important work in the film industry.
A book about Ben and Bebe, called Bebe and Ben, was written by Jill Allgood. She was a personal friend who worked with them at the BBC.
Images for kids
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Ben Lyon in 1936
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Ben Lyon in I Cover the Waterfront (1933)
