John Raitt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Raitt
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Raitt in Oklahoma! (1945)
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| Born |
John Emmet Raitt
January 29, 1917 Santa Ana, California, U.S.
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| Died | February 20, 2005 (aged 88) |
| Resting place | Anaheim Cemetery , Orange County, California |
| Occupation | Actor, singer |
| Years active | 1940–1992 |
| Spouse(s) |
Marjorie Haydock
(m. 1942; div. 1971)Rosamond Smith
(m. 1972; div. 1980)Rosemary Kraemer
(m. 1981) |
| Children | 3; including Bonnie |
John Emmet Raitt (born January 29, 1917 – died February 20, 2005) was a famous American actor and singer. He was best known for his amazing performances in musical plays, often called musical theatre.
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John Raitt's Early Life and Talents
John Raitt was born in Santa Ana, California. He started acting in high school at Fullerton Union High School. He performed in many drama shows there. He even sang in the chorus of a play called The Desert Song. Years later, he visited his old school and shared memories with students. He is now honored on the school's "Wall of Fame."
In 1935, John showed his athletic skills too. He won the "football throw" at the California State High School Track and Field Championship. His throw of 220 feet is still a state record for that event. He was named "Athlete of the Meet" because of this achievement. He later graduated from the University of Redlands in 1939.
After college, John first wanted to sing classical music. He thought his voice was a "lyric baritone," which is a lower male singing voice. But after getting advice, he learned his voice was more like a "tenor," which is a higher male voice. Since he didn't have the very high notes needed for concert tenors, he decided to sing popular music instead. During World War II, he did not join the military because he was a Quaker, a religious group that believes in peace.
John Raitt's Acting and Singing Career
John Raitt became famous for his roles in many Broadway musicals. Some of his most well-known shows include Carousel, Oklahoma!, and The Pajama Game. He was known for playing strong, handsome, and powerful-voiced leading men. In 1957, he toured the country with Mary Martin in the musical Annie Get Your Gun.
His only main role in a movie was in the 1957 film version of The Pajama Game. In this movie, he starred alongside the famous actress and singer Doris Day.
John also appeared on television many times. He was often seen on a show called Bell Telephone Hour. A video of him singing from Carousel was even shown in a documentary film. He also appeared on other TV shows like This Is Show Business and The Ford Show, Starring Tennessee Ernie Ford.
In 1960, John Raitt acted in an episode of a TV series called Death Valley Days. He played a traveling salesman named Jim Dandy. In the episode, Jim Dandy helps a boy whose father was wrongly put in jail. John even sang a song in this episode.
Besides his stage and TV work, John Raitt also made several studio recordings of Broadway musicals. He recorded songs from Oklahoma!, The Pajama Game, and Show Boat.
In 1945, John Raitt received the first Theatre World Award. This award recognized his amazing first performance in Carousel. Later, in 1965, he starred in the 20th-anniversary show of Carousel at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. In 1992, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to live theater.
John Raitt's Later Years
In 1981, John Raitt learned that his high school girlfriend had become a widow. He had recently divorced his second wife. He decided to call her. He later said he believed in "grabbing at life." He called her, and they soon got married.
John Raitt also made a small appearance in a TV show called 3rd Rock from the Sun in 1996. In this episode, he sang a part of the famous song from Oklahoma!.
John Raitt's Family Life
From his first marriage, John Raitt had three children. One of his children is the famous singer Bonnie Raitt. His other children were David Raitt and Steve Raitt. Steve played in bands and later designed home entertainment systems. Sadly, Steve Raitt passed away from cancer in 2009. John Raitt's grandson, Bay Raitt, is also well-known. He helped create the face of the character Gollum for The Lord of the Rings movies.
John Raitt's Passing
John Raitt passed away on February 20, 2005, at his home in Pacific Palisades, California. He was 88 years old. He died due to problems from pneumonia. He was buried at Anaheim Cemetery in Orange County, California, next to his wife, Rosemary, whom he had been married to for 23 years.
