John Kitzmiller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Kitzmiller
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Kitzmiller in 1954
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| Born | December 4, 1913 Battle Creek, Michigan, U.S.
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| Died | February 23, 1965 (aged 51) |
| Alma mater | University of Michigan Chem. Eng. |
| Years active | 1947–1965 |
| Spouse(s) | Dusica Bejic (1964–1965) (his death) |
John Kitzmiller (born December 4, 1913 – died February 23, 1965) was an American actor. He worked in the United States, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Kitzmiller became very famous in Europe. He made about forty movies there.
He was the first black actor to win the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor. This happened in 1957 for his role in the film Valley of Peace. Many people know him as Quarrel from the first James Bond movie, Dr. No.
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Early life and military service
John Kitzmiller was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, in the U.S. He was the younger of two children. In high school, he was part of the Chemistry Club. Later, he went to the University of Michigan. He earned a degree in chemical engineering in 1937.
He joined the United States Army. He became a captain in the United States Army Corps of Engineers. In 1943, he was sent to Italy. He served there during World War II. Both of his parents passed away while he was in the army. This might have made him decide to stay in Italy after the war. He was one of the few black soldiers to do so.
Becoming an actor
John Kitzmiller was discovered in 1946. He was playing poker at an officers' club. Luigi Zampa and Carlo Ponti, who were film producers, found him. This led to his first acting job. It was in their film To Live in Peace in 1947.
Kitzmiller often worked in Italian neorealism films. These movies showed real-life stories. He made Italy his home. He starred in over fifty European movies. He often played characters who fought against racism.
He played the main character, Jerry, in the film Senza pietà ("Without Pity"). Famous writer Federico Fellini helped write the script. Kitzmiller won awards for his acting and for being a soldier.
Winning awards and James Bond
In 1957, he made history. He was the first black actor to win a best actor award at the Cannes Film Festival. This was for his role in the Slovenian film Valley of Peace.
Kitzmiller is most famous for his role as Quarrel. He played this character in the 1962 James Bond film Dr. No. This movie was a big hit.
Later life and death
John Kitzmiller passed away in Rome, Italy. He was 51 years old. He died from a liver problem.
Selected films
John Kitzmiller acted in many movies. Here are some of his well-known roles:
- To Live in Peace (1947) – Joe
- Senza pietà (1948) – Jerry Jackson
- Variety Lights (1950) – Trumpet player Johnny
- Valley of Peace (1956) – Sgt. Jim
- The Naked Earth (1958) – David
- Dr. No (1962) – Quarrel
- Uncle Tom's Cabin (1965) – Uncle Tom (his last film)
See also
In Spanish: John Kitzmiller para niños
