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Broderick CrawfordAmerican actor of theater, cinema, radio and television.
Date of Birth: 09.12.1911
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Broderick Crawford: A Life in the Spotlight
- Movie Breakthrough and Wartime Service
- Academy Award Win and Subsequent Career
- Television Stardom and Later Years
- Legacy
Broderick Crawford: A Life in the Spotlight
Early Life and Stage CareerBroderick Crawford was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on December 9, 1911. His family had deep roots in the entertainment industry, with both his parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents performing in vaudeville. As a child, Broderick joined his parents in theatrical productions staged by producer Max Gordon.
Crawford briefly attended Harvard University but left to become a stevedore in the New York docks. He later returned to theater and radio, performing with the Marx Brothers. In 1932, he landed his first major dramatic role in the play "She Loves Me Not" at the Adelphi Theatre in London. His talent caught the attention of Noël Coward, who cast him in his Broadway play "Point Valaine" in 1935.
Movie Breakthrough and Wartime Service
Early in his career, Crawford was typecast as a tough guy with a distinctive gravelly voice, often playing villains in gangster films. His breakthrough came in 1937 with his performance as Lennie in the Broadway production of "Of Mice and Men." However, in the film adaptation, the role went to Lon Chaney Jr., who was subsequentlytypecast in similar roles.
During World War II, Crawford volunteered for the U.S. Army Air Forces. In 1944, he was sent to the United Kingdom as a master of ceremonies for the Glenn Miller Band.
Academy Award Win and Subsequent Career
In 1949, Crawford portrayed Willie Stark, a character based on Louisiana politician Huey Long, in the film "All the King's Men." His powerful performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. He followed this success with another box office hit, "Born Yesterday," in 1950.
Despite these achievements, Crawford's career declined due to repetitive roles and his temperamental nature. Nevertheless, he delivered notable performances in films such as Phil Karlson's "Scandal Sheet" (1952), Fritz Lang's "Human Desire" (1954), Federico Fellini's "Il Bidone" (1955), and Richard Fleischer's "Between Heaven and Hell" (1956).
Television Stardom and Later Years
In 1955, television producer Frederick Ziv offered Crawford the lead role in the police drama "Highway Patrol." The show became a major hit, airing for four seasons (1955-1959). The role revitalized Crawford's career, and he continued to appear on television until the end of his life, including in the series "Burke's Law," "Get Smart," and "Rawhide."
After 1955, Crawford rarely appeared in American films but continued to work in European productions. He was married four times and had two sons, Kelly and Cliff, with actress Kay Griffith. He passed away on July 26, 1986, from a stroke in Rancho Mirage, California.
Legacy
Broderick Crawford is one of the few actors to have two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: one for his contributions to film (No. 6901) and the other for his contributions to television (No. 6734). His portrayal of Willie Stark in "All the King's Men" earned him both a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for Best Actor.
