Vesey O'Davoren facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Vesey O'Davoren
Davoren in 1916 by John Morley
Born	Vesey Alfred Davoren (1888-12-08)8 December 1888 Dublin, Ireland
Died	30 May 1989(1989-05-30) (aged 100) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Soldier, film actor
Spouse(s)	Ivy de Verley ​ ​ (m. 1916; death 1963)​

Vesey O'Davoren (born Vesey Alfred Davoren; 8 December 1888 – 30 May 1989) was a British soldier who fought in World War I. After the war, he became a film and stage actor in California. He lived to be 100 years old.

Vesey O'Davoren's Early Life

Vesey Alfred Davoren was born in Dublin, Ireland. His father, Vesey Henry William Davoren, was a major in the army. He also served as the Mayor of Bury St Edmunds for a year. Vesey's mother, Edith Ann, was involved in a charity that helped children.

Vesey spent his early childhood in India. Later, he went to school in London and then to Trinity College in Dublin. When he was young, he enjoyed acting in plays at the famous Abbey Theatre in Dublin.

A Soldier's Story in World War I

During World War I, Vesey O'Davoren joined the British Army. He served with the 7th Battalion of the Suffolk Regiment.

In October 1915, his company faced a very dangerous battle. This happened near a place called the Hohenzollern Redoubt. On October 11, 1915, Vesey was shot in the foot and side. Even though he was hurt, he kept leading his soldiers. He was reported to have been killed by a machine gun.

However, Vesey was rescued by a brave soldier named Sergeant-Major Martin. Martin carried him for about two miles to safety. Vesey was the only one of ten officers from his company who survived that day.

Surviving a Gas Attack

Later, Vesey was exposed to mustard gas. This caused him to lose his voice. Doctors told him he might only live for six more months. They suggested he move to a dry place to help his voice. So, Vesey decided to move to California.

Life as an Actor

Vesey O'Davoren started his acting career on stage in London in 1909.

In 1920, he moved to Hollywood, California. He was considered one of the most promising young actors from Britain.

Silent Films and Voice Recovery

It took seven years for his voice to recover from the war injury. During this time, he acted in silent films. His first American film was Winds of the Pampas in 1927. He also directed plays, including one at the famous Hollywood Bowl.

By 1930, Vesey had acted in many plays in both Britain and America. He was known for playing different kinds of characters. For example, he played an elderly man in one play and a younger man in a film at the same time. He joked about spending half his day putting on and taking off his fake beard!

Later, when his voice was fully recovered, he acted in many sound films. Most of his roles were small, often as a butler or servant.

Personal Life and Hobbies

Life mask of Davoren by his wife Ivy de Verley, around 1920. His wife, Ivy de Verley, made this.

Vesey married Ivy de Verley, an artist, on January 15, 1916. Vesey even modeled for some of his wife's unique art pieces called "death masks." She created this style after Vesey asked her to make his mask when he thought he didn't have long to live after the gas attack.

In 1922, Vesey and Ivy had a large house and art studio built in West Hollywood, California. The house is still standing today.

Vesey also loved building boats. In 1937, he built several boats in his own backyard, including a 24 foot (7.3 m) cabin cruiser. He was also the founder of the Topanga Yacht Club. People even called him "Captain" because of his love for boats.

Vesey O'Davoren lived a very long life. He passed away in Los Angeles on May 30, 1989, at the age of 100.

Film Appearances

Vesey O'Davoren appeared in 64 films between 1927 and 1957. Many of his roles were uncredited, meaning his name wasn't shown in the movie's credits. Here are some of the films he was in: