John Payne (actor) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Payne
Payne in 1949
Born	John Howard Payne (1912-05-23)May 23, 1912 Roanoke, Virginia, U.S.
Died	December 6, 1989(1989-12-06) (aged 77) Malibu, California, U.S.
Education	Mercersburg Academy
Alma mater	Roanoke College Columbia University Juilliard School
Occupation	Actor singer
Years active	1934–1975
Known for	Miracle on 34th Street The Restless Gun Tin Pan Alley The Dolly Sisters
Spouse(s)	Anne Shirley ​ ​ (m. 1937; div. 1943)​ Gloria DeHaven ​ ​ (m. 1944; div. 1950)​ Alexandra Crowell Curtis ​ ​ (m. 1953)​
Children	3, including Julie Payne

John Howard Payne (born May 23, 1912 – died December 6, 1989) was an American actor and singer. He was famous for his roles in exciting crime movies and fun musicals from 20th Century Fox. Many people remember him best as the lawyer Fred Gailey in the classic holiday movie Miracle on 34th Street. He also starred in the TV Western series The Restless Gun.

Early Life and Education

John Payne was born in Roanoke, Virginia. His mother, Ida Hope, was a singer. His father, George Washington Payne, was a developer. They lived in a large old mansion called Fort Lewis.

John went to prep school at Mercersburg Academy. Then he attended Roanoke College and later Columbia University in New York City. He studied acting at Columbia and singing at the Juilliard School. To earn money, he took on many different jobs. He even wrestled as "Alexei Petroff" and boxed as "Tiger Jack Payne"!

Acting Career Highlights

Starting on Stage

In 1934, a talent scout discovered John Payne. He got a job acting in plays for the Shubert theaters. He appeared in shows like Rose-Marie and The Student Prince.

John also sang on radio shows in New York City. He performed on Broadway in a show called At Home Abroad. A movie producer saw him and offered him a film contract.

First Movies in Hollywood

In 1936, John moved to Hollywood. His first movie role was in Dodsworth. He played the son-in-law of the main character.

He then had leading roles in films like Hats Off and Love on Toast. He also appeared in College Swing.

Working with Warner Bros.

John signed a contract with Warner Bros.. He appeared in movies such as Garden of the Moon and Wings of the Navy. He also supported actress Ann Sheridan in Indianapolis Speedway.

John wasn't happy with the roles he was getting at Warner Bros. He asked to leave the studio.

Success at 20th Century Fox

John then joined 20th Century Fox. He appeared in Star Dust in 1940. The head of the studio, Darryl F. Zanuck, offered him a long-term contract.

He had roles in musicals like Tin Pan Alley, Week-End in Havana, and Sun Valley Serenade. Fox also gave him dramatic roles in Remember the Day and To the Shores of Tripoli.

After serving in the military during World War II, John returned to Fox. He starred in The Dolly Sisters (1945), which was very popular. He also appeared with Maureen O'Hara in Sentimental Journey.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947) movie poster

John Payne's most famous role was as Fred Gailey in Miracle on 34th Street (1947). In this beloved holiday movie, he starred alongside Natalie Wood, Maureen O'Hara, and Edmund Gwenn. The movie was a huge success. Even though his contract had four more years, John left Fox in 1947. He felt he wasn't getting the types of roles he wanted.

Becoming a Freelance Actor

After leaving Fox, John Payne decided to play tougher characters. He starred in crime films, known as film noir. He played the lead in Larceny and The Crooked Way.

He also made many Westerns and adventure films for Pine-Thomas Productions. These included El Paso, Captain China, and Tripoli. John was smart about his movie deals. He made sure his films were shot in color. He also arranged to own the rights to his movies after a few years. This made him very wealthy when he rented them to television.

John Payne said he received much more fan mail after becoming a freelance actor. He enjoyed making fewer movies but choosing the ones he wanted.

John Payne in the television series The Restless Gun (1957)

Payne in a dual role in The Restless Gun

He continued to star in Westerns like Silver Lode and Tennessee's Partner. He even considered buying the rights to the James Bond novel Moonraker but decided against it.

Television Career

From 1957 to 1959, John Payne starred in the TV Western series The Restless Gun. He played Vint Bonner, a gunfighter who preferred to solve problems without fighting. The show was based on an older radio series.

Later Career and Investments

John Payne directed one of his last films, They Ran for Their Lives (1968). He also appeared in a musical revival of Good News in 1974. His final acting role was in a 1975 episode of the TV show Columbo. Later in life, John became very rich by investing in real estate in California.

Personal Life

John Payne in uniform (1943)

During World War II, John Payne served as a flight instructor in the United States Army Air Corps. He was honored for his actions during a bombing mission.

John Payne was married three times. His first wife was actress Anne Shirley. They had a daughter named Julie Anne. He then married actress Gloria DeHaven, and they had two children, Kathleen and Thomas. His third marriage was to Alexandra Crowell Curtis, and they stayed together until his death.

John Payne was a Republican. He supported political figures like Richard Nixon and Barry Goldwater.

Accident and Recovery

On March 1, 1961, John Payne was hit by a car while crossing a street in New York City. It was raining, and the driver did not see him. John was seriously injured. He suffered many cuts to his face, damage to his eyes, a broken leg, and a skull fracture.

He was taken to the hospital and had facial surgery. He had to wear a hip cast for over five months. John said that his positive attitude helped him make a full recovery. He even appeared on a TV game show called What's My Line? soon after his recovery.

Death and Legacy

John Payne passed away in Malibu, California, on December 6, 1989, at the age of 77. He died from heart failure. His ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean.

John Payne has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. One is for his work in movies, and the other is for his work in television.

Complete Filmography

Radio Appearances

See also

In Spanish: John Payne (actor) para niños