Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
KBE, DSC
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Fairbanks in 1973, by Allan Warren
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| Born |
Douglas Elton Fairbanks Jr.
December 9, 1909 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | May 7, 2000 (aged 90) New York City, U.S.
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1916–1997 |
| Spouse(s) |
Mary Lee Epling
(m. 1939; died 1988)Vera Shelton
(m. 1991) |
| Children | 3 |
| Parent(s) | Douglas Fairbanks Anna Beth Sully |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
.svg){kind=small} United States Navy |
| Rank |  Captain |
| Unit | Beach Jumpers |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |
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Douglas Elton Fairbanks, Jr. (born December 9, 1909 – died May 7, 2000) was a famous American actor. He was also a highly decorated naval officer during World War II. His father was the legendary silent movie actor Douglas Fairbanks.
Contents
Who Was Douglas Fairbanks Jr.?
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. was born in New York City, New York. His parents divorced when he was nine years old. After the divorce, his mother, Anna Beth Sully, raised him. He grew up in several exciting cities around the world. These included New York City, Los Angeles, Paris, and London.
Fairbanks' Acting Career
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. started acting at a young age. He became well-known for his roles in many movies. Some of his most famous films include Outward Bound (1930) and The Dawn Patrol (1930). He also starred in Little Caesar (1931), a classic gangster film. Later, he appeared in Prisoner of Zenda (1937) and Gunga Din (1939). These movies helped him become a successful actor.
Service in World War II
Fairbanks, Jr. was not just an actor; he was also a brave naval officer. In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked him to be a special envoy to South America. This meant he traveled to different countries to represent the United States.
During World War II, he served in the United States Navy. He was part of important battles and operations. He earned many awards for his service. These awards included the Legion of Merit and the Silver Star. He also received honors from other countries, like the Legion of Honour from France. He eventually reached the rank of Captain.
Fairbanks' Family Life
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. was married three times. His first marriage was to actress Joan Crawford. They were married from 1929 to 1933. Later, he married Mary Lee Eppling in 1939. They stayed together until her death in 1988. His last marriage was to Vera Shelton in 1991. He had three children.
Later Life and Legacy
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. passed away on May 7, 2000. He was 90 years old when he died from a heart attack in his New York City home. He was buried at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Hollywood, California. He is remembered as both a talented actor and a dedicated military officer.
Images for kids
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Young Fairbanks with his mother
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Douglas Fairbanks Jr., known as the "Father of the U.S. Navy Beach Jumpers"
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Fairbanks in 1958 wearing the mantle and insignia of a Knight of Justice of the Order of St. John.
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Fairbanks' tomb at Hollywood Forever
See also
In Spanish: Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. para niños
