Dean Jagger American actor Date of Birth: 07.11.1903 Country: USA

1. Biography of Dean Jagger
2. Early Life and Education
3. Stage and Film Career
4. Notable Roles
5. Personal Life and Legacy

Biography of Dean Jagger

Dean Jagger was an American actor and recipient of the Oscar Award. Standing at 6'2" (188 cm), he may not have become a movie star, but he had a successful and in-demand career as a character actor, appearing in 132 roles in film and television before his career came to an end shortly before his death. Interestingly, Jagger had a slight speech impediment in his everyday life - a lisp. However, this impediment disappeared instantly when he was in front of the camera.

Early Life and Education

Ira Dean Jagger was born on November 7, 1903, in Columbus Grove, Ohio. He was expelled from school twice before finally completing his education and attending Wabash College, a private men's college in Indiana. Initially, Jagger worked as a teacher in elementary school, but he soon became interested in acting. In 1928, he enrolled in the Lyceum Art Conservatory in Chicago, a theater school. He used his skills to perform in vaudeville shows and radio plays. In 1929, he made his film debut in the silent film "The Woman from Hell" alongside Mary Astor. After a couple of films, including the detective film "Handcuffed" (1929) and the musical comedy "Whoopee!" (1930), there was a break until 1934 when Jagger returned to the screen.

Stage and Film Career

From 1934 to 1938, Jagger made 5-6 films per year, most likely due to contractual obligations, while also performing on Broadway. He first appeared on the Broadway stage in December 1933 in the drama "Tobacco Road" and played in eight productions over fifteen years. However, except for "Tobacco Road," which ran for 3182 performances for over seven years, the other productions quickly closed. In 1940, Jagger finally got the leading role he had been waiting for, portraying Brigham Young, an American religious leader and Mormon, in the drama film "Brigham Young." According to the film's technical consultant George D. Pyper, who personally knew Young, Jagger not only looked like Young but also spoke and moved like him. This performance earned praise from the seventh president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Heber J. Grant. Subsequently, Jagger studied the religious teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and joined the Mormons in 1972. After his death, his personal papers and memorabilia were donated to the Brigham Young University library.

Notable Roles

Jagger played notable roles in films such as "Western Union" (1941), "Sister Kenny" (1946), and "Pursued" (1947). The culmination of his career came in 1949 when he received the coveted golden statue in the category of Best Supporting Actor for his role in the war drama film "Twelve O'Clock High." Gregory Peck, who also starred in the film, won an Oscar as well. Another famous role of Jagger's was as a retired general in the musical romantic comedy "White Christmas" (1954), where Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye come to his aid. In 1955, he played a helpless sheriff in John Sturges' iconic western film "Bad Day at Black Rock." In the early 1960s, Jagger increasingly worked in television, including the series "Mr. Novak," which earned him two Emmy Award nominations in 1964 and 1965. He also received a Daytime Emmy for his guest appearance in the religious Christian series "This Is the Life." While his television work was numerous, Jagger's final role was in the 1987 horror film "Evil Town," where he portrayed Dr. Schaeffer.

Personal Life and Legacy

Jagger was married three times. From 1935 to 1943, he was married to Antoinette Lawrence. From 1947 to 1967, he was married to Gloria Ling, with whom he had a daughter. From 1968 to 1991, he was married to Etta Mae Norton, who survived him by less than a year. Dean Jagger passed away from heart failure on February 5, 1991, at the age of 87 in Santa Monica, California. In recognition of his contributions to the film industry, he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.