John Dall facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Dall
Dall in 1948
Born	John Dall Thompson (1920-05-26)May 26, 1920 New York City, U.S.
Died	January 15, 1971(1971-01-15) (aged 50) Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1941–1965

John Dall (born John Dall Thompson; May 26, 1920 – January 15, 1971) was a talented American actor. He was known for his roles in plays and movies. Many people remember him for playing a smart character in the movie Rope (1948), directed by Alfred Hitchcock. He also starred in the action-packed film Gun Crazy (1950). John Dall was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his very first movie, The Corn Is Green (1945).

Early Life and Education

John Dall's Social Security application from 1937.

John Dall Thompson was born in New York City on May 26, 1920. He later used his middle name, Dall, for his acting career. His father was an engineer, and his older brother, Worthington, became a decorated soldier.

In the 1920s, John's family moved to Panama. His father worked on building an airport there. One day, John was at a theater when an actor got sick. John stepped in to help, and this experience made him want to become an actor himself!

When he returned to the U.S., John went to Horace Mann School. He also briefly studied engineering at Columbia University, just like his father. However, he soon realized that acting was his true passion. He left Columbia to study at the Theodora Irvine School of Theater and the Pasadena Playhouse. He also trained at the Petit Theatre in New Orleans.

Acting Career Highlights

Starting on Stage

John Dall spent six years acting in many different theater groups. He even performed in Clare Tree Major's Children's Theatre, which was a great way to start his career.

He had small roles in Broadway plays like R.U.R. and Janie in 1941–42. Later, he played the main character, Quizz Martin, in a touring play called The Eve of St Mark. His performance was so good that he was asked to take over the role on Broadway. This led to a screen test with Warner Bros. and a movie contract!

First Big Film Role

John Dall's first movie was The Corn Is Green (1945). He played a young Welsh mining student who learns a lot from a teacher played by Bette Davis. The movie studio, Warner Bros., was very impressed with his acting.

After the film was released, John Dall was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor! People in Hollywood called him one of the "hottest finds" (meaning new talents) in the industry.

More Stage and Film Work

After his first movie, John Dall returned to the stage. He played the lead in a very successful play called Dear Ruth (1944). Critics praised his "graceful and easy performance."

Even though he was becoming a movie star, John Dall loved the theater. He often took breaks from films to perform in plays. He later signed a contract with Universal Studios. He appeared in Something in the Wind (1947) and Another Part of the Forest (1948).

Famous Movie Roles

Alfred Hitchcock, a very famous director, chose John Dall for his movie Rope (1948). In this film, John Dall played one of two friends who commit a crime and then try to outsmart James Stewart. The movie became very well-known over time.

John Dall also starred in Gun Crazy (1950) alongside Peggy Cummins. This movie is a classic "film noir," which is a type of crime drama.

TV Appearances

In the 1950s, John Dall started acting a lot on television. He appeared in many popular TV shows as a guest star. Some of these shows included Lights Out, The Clock, Studio One in Hollywood, and Suspense. He also performed in many stage plays during this time.

Later Movies

After a break from films, John Dall returned to the big screen in Spartacus (1960). This was a huge historical movie where he played a Roman soldier. His last movie role was as a villain in Atlantis, the Lost Continent (1961).

He continued to appear on television, including four episodes of the popular detective show Perry Mason. His final acting role was in Perry Mason in 1965.

His Final Years

John Dall's death certificate from 1971.

In October 1970, John Dall had a serious fall while visiting London. He passed away from heart problems at his home in Beverly Hills, California, on January 15, 1971. He was 50 years old. His acting papers and records are kept at the Margaret Herrick Library in Beverly Hills.

Filmography

Television Roles

Radio Shows

Music Recordings

See also

In Spanish: John Dall para niños