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Keir Dullea
Keir Dullea Denver Pyle 1962 (cropped).JPG
Dullea in Kraft Mystery Theatre's "Cry Ruin" (1962)
Born
Keir Atwood Dullea

(1936-05-30) May 30, 1936 (age 89)
Education
  • Rutgers University
  • San Francisco State University
  • Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre
Occupation Actor
Years active 1960–present
Spouse(s)
  • (m. 1960; div. 1968)
  • Susan Lessons
    (m. 1969; div. 1970)
  • Susie Fuller
    (m. 1972; died 1998)
  • Mia Dillon
    (m. 1999)

Keir Atwood Dullea (born May 30, 1936) is an American actor. He is famous for playing astronaut David Bowman in the 1968 movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. He also appeared in its 1984 sequel, 2010: The Year We Make Contact.

Some of his other well-known films include David and Lisa (1962), Bunny Lake Is Missing (1965), and Black Christmas (1974). Keir Dullea studied acting in New York City. Even though he is known more for his movies, he really loves performing on stage.

Early Life and Education

Keir Dullea was born in Cleveland, Ohio. His mother, Margaret, and father, Robert, ran a bookstore. He grew up in Greenwich Village in New York City.

He went to George School in Pennsylvania. Later, he attended Rutgers University and San Francisco State University. After college, he decided to become an actor.

Acting Career Highlights

Keir Dullea started his acting career in 1960. His first role was in a TV movie called Mrs. Miniver. He played a German pilot in the film. He also made guest appearances on popular TV shows like Route 66.

His first movie was Hoodlum Priest in 1961. People liked his performance in this film.

Breakthrough with David and Lisa

In 1962, Keir Dullea starred in David and Lisa. This movie was about two teenagers with mental health challenges. It was a low-budget film that became a big success.

The movie helped Dullea become a recognized actor. Film Daily even called him the "find of the year."

Working with Famous Directors

Keir Dullea went to England to film Bunny Lake Is Missing in 1965. He acted alongside famous stars like Laurence Olivier.

In 1968, he played astronaut David Bowman in Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. This movie was a huge success. Many people consider it one of the greatest films ever made. His line, "Open the pod bay doors please, HAL," is very famous.

Space Suit David "Dave" Bowman from 2001 - A Space Odyssey (photomontage)
Spacesuit worn by Keir Dullea as David Bowman in 2001: A Space Odyssey

Stage Success and Later Roles

After 2001, Dullea found success on Broadway. He starred in the hit play Butterflies Are Free in 1969. The play ran for over a thousand performances.

He continued to work in both films and television. He appeared in the Canadian TV series The Starlost in 1973. He also had a role in the cult classic movie Black Christmas in 1974.

In 1984, he returned to his famous role as David Bowman. He starred in 2010: The Year We Make Contact, the sequel to 2001. This movie was nominated for five Academy Awards.

Keir Dullea has always loved theater. He even co-founded the Theater Artists Workshop of Westport with his wife, Susie Fuller. He has continued to act in plays, movies, and TV shows throughout his career.

Recent Work

In recent years, Keir Dullea has appeared in various projects. He was in the TV series The Path from 2014 to 2016. He also had a role in the 2018 TV film Fahrenheit 451.

More recently, he was cast as Fleet Admiral Terrence Hood. This role is in the Paramount+ TV series Halo, which started in 2022.

Cannes 2018 4
Keir Dullea with Katharina Kubrick, Ron Sanders, Jan Harlan, and Christopher Nolan at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.

Personal Life

Keir Dullea has been married four times. His first marriage was to actress Margot Bennett. He later married Susan Lessons.

In 1972, he married Susie Fuller, who had two daughters. They lived in London for several years. Susie Fuller passed away in 1998 after 26 years of marriage. In 1999, Keir Dullea married actress Mia Dillon. They live in both Manhattan and Connecticut.

Awards and Recognition

Keir Dullea has received several awards for his acting.

  • In 1962, he won the "Most Promising Male Newcomer" award at the Golden Globe Awards.
  • He also won "Best Actor" at the San Francisco International Film Festival for David and Lisa.
  • In 1964, he was nominated for "Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles" at the BAFTA Awards.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Keir Dullea para niños

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