Gene Raymond American stage, film and television actor Date of Birth: 13.08.1908 Country: USA

Biography of Gene Raymond

Gene Raymond was an American actor of stage, film, and television. Born Raymond Guyon on August 13, 1908, in New York City, he attended a professional school for aspiring artists, where he performed in productions such as 'Rip Van Winkle' and 'Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch'. At the age of 17, Raymond made his Broadway debut in the play 'The Cradle Snatchers', which ran for two years and featured Mary Boland, Edna May Oliver, and a young Humphrey Bogart.

Raymond made his screen debut as Dick Gary in the melodrama 'Personal Maid' in 1931. One of his early works was the comedy film 'If I Had a Million', a project initiated by various directors. With his presentable appearance, white hair, classical features, youthful energy, and melodic stage name, Raymond was cast in the ensemble of the classic drama 'Zoo in Budapest' in 1933, alongside Loretta Young. He also appeared in several light musicals for RKO, often sharing the stage with Ann Sothern.

In addition to his acting career, Raymond was a composer, writer, director, producer, and decorated military pilot. He wrote several songs, including the popular 'Will You?', which he performed in Joseph Santley's comedy film 'Smartest Girl in Town' in 1936. His wife, Jeanette MacDonald, was also a singer and recorded the only new song in their fantasy film 'Smilin' Through' in 1941.

Some of Raymond's most notable films include the melodrama 'Red Dust' with Jean Harlow, the comedy-drama 'Ex-Lady' with Bette Davis, and the musical comedy 'Flying Down to Rio' with Dolores del Río, Fred Astaire, and Ginger Rogers. He portrayed Tony Malatini in the musical film 'I Am Suzanne' in 1934, appeared alongside Joan Crawford in the melodrama 'Sadie McKee' in the same year, and played Custer Jefferson in Alfred Hitchcock's comedy 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith' in 1941.

After the war, Raymond directed and starred in the crime drama 'Million Dollar Weekend' in 1948. In Sharon Rich's biography of Nelson Eddy and MacDonald titled 'Sweethearts', it is claimed that Raymond had relationships with men before his marriage. The book includes documents confirming that he was arrested three times for engaging in sexual activities with other men, including during World War II in England. The biography also suggests that film producer Louis B. Mayer was instrumental in Raymond's marriage to MacDonald. Mayer knew about Raymond's bisexuality and did not want him to 'marry' Nelson Eddy. When Raymond and MacDonald's union began to deteriorate due to their incompatible personalities, Mayer was concerned that potential scandal surrounding Raymond's orientation could affect box office revenues. After Raymond's arrest in 1938, Mayer put him on a blacklist. The actor remained unemployed until he was cast in 'Cross-Country Romance' and 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'.

Gene Raymond passed away from pneumonia on May 2, 1998, in Los Angeles, California. For his contributions to film and television, he received two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.