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George RaftAmerican film and television actor
Date of Birth: 26.09.1901
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of George Raft
- Rise to Fame
- Popularity and Collaborations
- Decline and Later Career
- Later Life and Legacy
Biography of George Raft
Early Life and CareerGeorge Raft (real surname Ranft) was born on September 26, 1901, in Clinton, New York City. He grew up in a German immigrant family, with his parents Conrad Ranft and Eva Glockner, and his sister Katie. Raft discovered his dancing abilities at a young age and used his elegance to secure a job as a dancer in New York City nightclubs. He eventually joined a theater project led by Texas Guinan, which brought him to Broadway, where he continued working as a dancer.
Rise to Fame
Raft's breakthrough came with the crime drama "Scarface" in 1932, where he portrayed the character Guino Rinaldo so convincingly that he was mistaken for a real gangster. Due to his association with the notorious gangster Owney Madden, Raft was acquainted with several criminal figures, including Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky. Rumor has it that Raft intervened on behalf of actor Gary Cooper when he fell out of favor with the mafia.
Popularity and Collaborations
During the 1930s, Raft became one of the three most popular cinema gangsters, alongside James Cagney and Edward G. Robinson. He collaborated with Humphrey Bogart in the crime drama "Each Dawn I Die" and the thriller "They Drive by Night." Raft also played a key role in launching Mae West's film career by recommending her for a supporting role in the drama "Night After Night." He appeared in various other films, including "If I Had a Million," "Souls at Sea," and "Manpower."
Decline and Later Career
Raft's career peak was during the early 1940s, but his popularity declined after the release of "High Sierra" and "The Maltese Falcon," which propelled Humphrey Bogart to stardom. According to reports, Raft turned down the role of Rick Blaine, which Bogart ultimately played in the classic film "Casablanca." Following the release of "Background to Danger" in 1943, Raft demanded to be released from his contract with Warner Brothers. He even wrote a check for $10,000 to sever ties with the studio.
Later Life and Legacy
Raft's public image as a gangster hindered his career, and he struggled to regain his former status. Despite his role in the hit comedy "Some Like it Hot," Raft failed to reclaim his position as a Hollywood star. He continued acting in Europe and made his final film appearances in the comedies "Sextette" in 1978 and "The Man with Bogart's Face" in 1980. Raft passed away from leukemia in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 79.
For his contributions to film and television, George Raft has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
