John Derek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Derek
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Derek in 1949
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Derek Delevan Harris
August 12, 1926 Hollywood, California, U.S.
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| Died | May 22, 1998 (aged 71) Santa Maria, California, U.S.
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| Years active | 1943–1990 |
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| Children | 2 |
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John Derek (born Derek Delevan Harris; August 12, 1926 – May 22, 1998) was an American actor and director. He also worked as a screenwriter, producer, and photographer. John Derek was known for his roles in films like Knock on Any Door (1949) and All the King's Men (1949). Later in his career, he became a director, often working with his wife, Bo Derek.
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Early Life of John Derek
John Derek was born Derek Delevan Harris in Hollywood, California. His birthday was August 12, 1926. His father, Lawson Harris, was an actor and director, and his mother, Dolores Johnson, was an actress.
John Derek's Acting Career
John Derek's good looks quickly caught the attention of movie scouts. He began his film career with small roles in movies like Since You Went Away (1944). In 1944, he joined the United States Army and served in the Philippines during World War II.
Becoming a Star at Columbia Pictures
After the war, John Derek got a small part in A Double Life (1947). Soon after, famous actor Humphrey Bogart noticed him. Bogart gave him the name John Derek and cast him in the movie Knock on Any Door (1949). In this film, Derek played a troubled character named Nick Romano. Critics praised his performance, calling him a "talented newcomer."
Because of his success, Columbia Pictures signed John Derek to a seven-year contract in 1948. He then appeared in All the King's Men (1949), which won an Oscar for Best Picture. In 1950, he officially changed his name to John Derek.
Columbia Pictures started giving him lead roles. He played the son of Robin Hood in Rogues of Sherwood Forest (1950). He also starred in action films like Mask of the Avenger (1951) and dramas like Saturday's Hero (1951).
John Derek also made films for other studios. He starred in the war movie Thunderbirds (1952) for Republic Pictures. He continued to appear in adventure films and Westerns, such as Prince of Pirates (1953) and The Outcast (1954). One of his most notable roles was playing John Wilkes Booth in Prince of Players (1955).
Working at Paramount Pictures
In 1954, John Derek signed a contract with Paramount. He appeared in the Western Run for Cover (1955) with James Cagney. One of his most famous roles during this time was playing Joshua in the epic film The Ten Commandments (1956).
He also traveled to Europe to make movies like Pirate of the Half Moon (1957) and Exodus (1960).
John Derek's Directing Career
John Derek eventually decided he didn't enjoy acting very much. He once said he "was never into it." He preferred to be behind the camera. He started directing films, often starring his wives.
He co-produced Nightmare in the Sun (1965), which featured his second wife, Ursula Andress. His first film as a director was the war movie Once Before I Die (1966), also with Andress.
He directed A Boy... a Girl (1969) and Childish Things (1969), which starred his third wife, Linda Evans.
In 1973, he directed a film called Fantasies, starring Mary Cathleen Collins, who would later become his wife, Bo Derek. This movie wasn't released until 1981. When Bo Derek became famous after the movie 10 (1979), John Derek was able to get funding for Tarzan, the Ape Man (1981). This film received mixed reviews, but some found it charming.
His last film as a director was Ghosts Can't Do It (1990). John Derek also directed music videos for country singer Shania Twain, including "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?" and "Any Man of Mine".
John Derek's Family Life
John Derek was married four times. His first marriage was to ballerina Pati Behrs in 1948. They had a son, Russell Andre, and a daughter, Sean Catherine. They divorced in 1956.
In 1957, he married Swiss actress Ursula Andress. Her career took off after her role in the James Bond film Dr. No (1962). They divorced in 1966.
John Derek then married American actress Linda Evans in 1968. They divorced in 1974.
In 1976, he married Mary Cathleen Collins, who became known as Bo Derek. She became internationally famous in 1979. They remained together until John's death in 1998.
John Derek had a heart attack in 1986 but recovered fully. He had one granddaughter, Alyce, and became a great-grandfather in 1996.
John Derek's Passing
John Derek passed away on May 22, 1998, in Santa Maria, California. He was 71 years old and died from cardiovascular disease, which affects the heart and blood vessels.
Images for kids
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Derek in 1949
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John Derek by Phil Stern in 1955
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John and Bo Derek with Chandran Rutnam
See also
In Spanish: John Derek para niños
