Eddie Bracken facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eddie Bracken
Born	Edward Vincent Bracken (1915-02-07)February 7, 1915 Astoria, Queens, New York, U.S.
Died	November 14, 2002(2002-11-14) (aged 87) Glen Ridge, New Jersey, U.S.
Occupation	Actor comedian singer
Years active	1930–2002
Spouse(s)	Connie Nickerson ​ ​ (m. 1939; died 2002)​
Children	5

Edward Vincent Bracken (born February 7, 1915 – died November 14, 2002) was a famous American actor. He was known for his funny roles in Hollywood movies. Two of his most famous films were Hail the Conquering Hero and The Miracle of Morgan's Creek, both made in 1944. These movies are so important that they are kept safe in the National Film Registry.

Eddie also did very well on Broadway (New York's famous theater district). He starred in plays like Too Many Girls in 1940. Later in his career, he appeared in popular movies like National Lampoon's Vacation (1983), Oscar (1991), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), Rookie of the Year (1993), and Baby's Day Out (1994).

Discovering Eddie Bracken's Acting Journey

Eddie Bracken was born on February 7, 1915, in Astoria, Queens, New York. His parents were Joseph L. and Catherine Bracken. Eddie started performing in vaudeville (a type of live entertainment) when he was just nine years old.

Early Career and Big Breaks

His big break came with the Broadway musical Too Many Girls in 1939. He even played the same role in the movie version in 1940. Before that, he was in a short film series called The Kiddie Troupers. In 1936, Eddie also starred in a Broadway play called So Proudly We Hail.

Becoming a Hollywood Star

In the 1940s, a famous director named Preston Sturges cast Eddie in two of his best movies. These were The Miracle of Morgan's Creek, where he acted alongside Betty Hutton, and Hail the Conquering Hero. These films were so popular that Eddie Bracken became a household name during World War II. He also made many radio shows and even had his own program, The Eddie Bracken Show.

Returning to the Stage and TV

In 1953, Eddie Bracken left Hollywood for a while. He went back to performing on Broadway. He appeared in many musicals and plays like Shinbone Alley, Hello, Dolly!, The Odd Couple, and Sugar Babies. His very last Broadway show was Dreamtime in 1992, when he was 77 years old.

Eddie also had many roles on television between 1952 and 2000. He was in an episode of The Golden Girls and Tales from the Darkside. After almost 30 years away from feature films, he returned to play fun characters. He was Mr. Roy Walley, the founder of Walley World theme park, in National Lampoon's Vacation (1983). He also played Mr. Duncan, the toy store owner, in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992).

Eddie Bracken also had a long career at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey. He starred in many shows there from the 1980s to the early 2000s. One of his best performances was as Captain Andy Hawkes in Show Boat, which was shown on TV in 1990. He also had a small role in the 1994 movie Baby's Day Out.

Acting with Future Presidents

Interestingly, Eddie Bracken acted in films with two people who later became U.S. Presidents. He co-starred with Ronald Reagan in The Girl from Jones Beach in 1949. He also appeared with Donald Trump in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York in 1992.

Remembering Eddie Bracken

Howard Freeman and Eddie Bracken in 1954

His Final Years

Eddie Bracken passed away on November 14, 2002, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. He was 87 years old. He had complications from surgery for a neck injury. His wife of 63 years, Connie Nickerson, had passed away just three months before him. Connie was also an actress, and they met while performing together in a play called What a Life in 1938. Eddie and Connie had five children: two sons (Michael and David) and three daughters (Judy, Carolyn, and Susan).

Hollywood Walk of Fame Stars

For all his amazing work in radio and television, Eddie Bracken has two stars on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. You can find them at 1651 Vine Street and 6751 Hollywood Boulevard.

Eddie Bracken's Movies and TV Shows

Eddie Bracken's Stage Performances

Eddie Bracken's Radio Appearances

See also

In Spanish: Eddie Bracken para niños