Edwin Maxwell (actor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edwin Maxwell
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Maxwell in Romance on the Run (1938)
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| Born | 9 February 1886 Dublin, Ireland
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| Died | 13 August 1948 (aged 62) Falmouth, Massachusetts, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1918–1948 |
Edwin Maxwell (born February 9, 1886 – died August 13, 1948) was a busy Irish actor. He appeared in many Hollywood movies during the 1930s and 1940s. He often played serious characters, like important businessmen or sometimes tricky people. Before becoming a film star, he worked as an actor and director on the Broadway stage.
Early Life
Edwin Maxwell was born in Dublin, Ireland. He grew up there before moving to the United States.
A Career in Acting
In the late 1920s, Edwin Maxwell was very active in theater. He directed and acted in plays for the New York Theater Guild Repertory Company. This was a group of actors who performed many different plays.
Later, he moved into the world of movies. From 1939 to 1942, he worked with famous director Cecil B. DeMille. Maxwell was a "dialogue director" for DeMille's epic films. This meant he helped actors say their lines correctly and naturally.
Edwin Maxwell appeared in four movies that won the top award, the Academy Award for Best Picture. These were:
- All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
- Grand Hotel (1932)
- The Great Ziegfeld (1936)
- You Can't Take It with You (1938)
He was known for playing many different types of characters. He often played judges, doctors, or other important people. He was a "character actor," meaning he specialized in playing unique and memorable supporting roles.
Notable Films
Edwin Maxwell acted in over 100 films during his career! Here are some other well-known movies he appeared in:
- The Taming of the Shrew (1929) – This was his very first movie role.
- Scarface (1932) – He played the Chief of Detectives.
- Mystery of the Wax Museum (1933) – He was Joe Worth in this classic mystery film.
- Duck Soup (1933) – A famous comedy where he played Freedonia's Former Secretary of War.
- Cleopatra (1934) – He appeared as Casca.
- G Men (1935) – A crime drama where he played Joseph Kratz.
- Fury (1936) – He played Will Vickery.
- A Star Is Born (1937) – He was a vocal coach in this popular movie.
- His Girl Friday (1940) – A fast-paced comedy where he played Dr. Max J. Eggelhoffer.
- The Devil and Miss Jones (1941) – He played Withers.
- Heaven Can Wait (1943) – He played a doctor.
- Wilson (1944) – He played William Jennings Bryan.
- The Jolson Story (1946) – He appeared as Oscar Hammerstein I.
- The Walls of Jericho (1948) – This was his last film role.
