George Brent facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Brent
|
|
|---|---|
Brent in 1939
|
|
| Born |
George Brendan Nolan
15 March 1904 Ballinasloe, Ireland
|
| Died | 26 May 1979 (aged 75) Solana Beach, California, U.S.
|
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1924–1960, 1978 |
| Spouse(s) |
Helen Louise Campbell
(m. 1925; div. 1927)Constance Worth
(m. 1937; div. 1937)Janet Michaels
(m. 1947; death 1974) |
| Children | 2 |
George Brent, born George Brendan Nolan on March 15, 1904, was a famous actor from Ireland and America. He starred in movies, plays, and TV shows. Many people remember him best for the eleven films he made with the legendary actress Bette Davis. These popular movies included Jezebel and Dark Victory.
Contents
Early Life and Irish Roots
George Brent was born in a town called Ballinasloe in County Galway, Ireland. His parents were John J. and Mary Nolan. In September 1915, when he was young, George moved to New York City with his younger sister, Kathleen. They joined their mother, who was already living in the United States.
In February 1921, George went back to Ireland during the Irish War of Independence. He was involved with the Irish Republican Army, helping out as a courier. He also got involved with the famous Abbey Theatre, which is a well-known theater in Dublin.
He later left Ireland. There were some confusing stories about his activities during the war. It seems that the actions of three different men named George Nolan might have been mixed up.
Becoming a Star: George Brent's Acting Career
Starting on Stage: American Theater Days
After leaving Ireland, George Brent traveled to Canada and then returned to the United States in August 1921. He decided he wanted to be a professional actor. He made his first appearance on Broadway, which is the biggest stage for plays in New York City. The play was called The Dover Road.
Throughout the 1920s, he acted in many plays. He even ran his own theater groups. Some of the plays he appeared in included Abie's Irish Rose, Stella Dallas, and Seventh Heaven. In 1930, he acted on Broadway with another future star, Clark Gable.
First Steps in Hollywood: Fox and Universal Films
George Brent soon moved to Hollywood, where movies were made. His first film was Under Suspicion in 1930 for 20th Century Fox. He started with smaller roles in movies like Once a Sinner and Charlie Chan Carries On.
He also worked for Universal, appearing in films like Ex-Bad Boy. He even starred in a serial with the famous dog, Rin Tin Tin, called The Lightning Warrior.
Rising to Fame: Warner Bros. Years
In 1931, George Brent signed a contract with Warner Bros., a major movie studio. This was a big step for his career. He quickly became a leading man, starring opposite Barbara Stanwyck in So Big! in 1932. Bette Davis had a small part in that film.
He worked with many famous actresses at Warner Bros. He starred with Ruth Chatterton (who later became his second wife) in The Rich Are Always with Us. He also made movies with Loretta Young, Joan Blondell, and Kay Francis.
One of his most famous early films at Warner Bros. was 42nd Street (1933). He played the love interest of actress Bebe Daniels. He continued to be a popular leading man for many female stars throughout the 1930s.
Becoming a Leading Man: Notable Film Roles
George Brent became a very busy actor. He often starred with Bette Davis, and they made many successful films together. In Housewife (1934), he was her co-star. He also appeared with Greta Garbo in The Painted Veil (1934).
He made more films with Bette Davis, including Front Page Woman (1935) and Special Agent (1935). He also worked with Ginger Rogers in In Person (1935) and Madeleine Carroll in The Case Against Mrs. Ames (1936).
In 1937, George Brent starred in Submarine D-1, which was one of his first movies focused on male characters. Later that year, he became an American citizen.
His most famous films with Bette Davis include Jezebel (1938) and Dark Victory (1939). Both were huge hits. In The Old Maid (1939), he was at the center of a story where Bette Davis and Miriam Hopkins fought over him.
He also acted with other big names like James Cagney in The Fighting 69th (1940) and Merle Oberon in 'Til We Meet Again (1940). He made one last film with Bette Davis, In This Our Life (1942).
Serving His Country: Military Service
George Brent was also a skilled pilot. In 1942, during World War II, he wanted to join the military. Because of his age, he couldn't enlist as a combat pilot. Instead, he took a break from acting to teach flying as a civilian flight instructor. He later became a pilot for the U.S. Coast Guard during the war.
His last film for Warner Bros. before the war was My Reputation with Barbara Stanwyck. It was filmed in 1943-1944 but released in 1946. During the war, he also acted on the radio.
After the War: Freelance Acting and Television
After World War II, George Brent returned to acting. While he didn't have the same huge popularity as before, he still starred in many big movies. He worked with Hedy Lamarr in Experiment Perilous (1944) and Joan Fontaine in The Affairs of Susan (1945).
He had a big success with the film The Spiral Staircase (1946). He also starred with Lucille Ball in Lover Come Back (1946).
As the years went on, the budgets for his films became smaller. He made movies like Slave Girl (1947) with Yvonne De Carlo. He also appeared in Red Canyon (1949), where he played the father of the main star, Ann Blyth.
In the early 1950s, George Brent started acting in television shows. He appeared as a guest star in many popular series like The Ford Television Theatre and Fireside Theatre. In 1956, he had a main role in the TV series Wire Service, which ran for 39 episodes.
After appearing in shows like Rawhide, George Brent retired from acting. However, in 1978, he made one last film for television called Born Again.
George Brent was honored with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. One is for his work in movies, and the other is for his work in television.
Personal Life
George Brent was married five times. His wives included actresses Ruth Chatterton, Constance Worth, and Ann Sheridan. His last marriage was to Janet Michaels, a former model and dress designer. This marriage lasted 27 years, until Janet's death in 1974.
George and Janet had two children: a daughter named Suzanne, born in 1950, and a son named Barry, born in 1954.
George Brent passed away in 1979 in Solana Beach, California. He suffered from emphysema, a lung condition.
Images for kids
-
Brent in 1939
See also
In Spanish: George Brent para niños
