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Wallace Fitzgerald BeeryAmerican actor
Date of Birth: 01.04.1885
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Career
- Marriage and Personal Struggles
- Transition to Sound and Career Success
- Hollywood Stardom
- Controversial Incident and Death
- Personal Character
- Later Career and Legacy
- Awards and Honors
Early Life and Career
Wallace Fitzgerald Beery was born in Kansas City in April 1885. At the age of 16, he ran away from home and worked as an elephant trainer's assistant in a circus. After leaving the circus, he moved to New York, where he sang in vaudeville and debuted on Broadway. In 1913, he moved to Chicago and made his film debut in a silent movie. He later relocated to California, where he played many villainous roles, including Pancho Villa in both "Patria" (1917) and MGM's hit "Viva Villa!" (1934).
Marriage and Personal Struggles
In 1916, Wallace Beery married actress Gloria Swanson. The marriage lasted only three years, due to Beery's alcoholism and physical abuse. In 1924, he married Rita Gilman and adopted his wife's niece. This marriage also ended in divorce in 1939.
Transition to Sound and Career Success
With the advent of sound films, Wallace Beery's career continued to flourish thanks to his distinctive, gravelly voice. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in "The Big House" (1930) and won in 1931 for his performance in the boxing drama "The Champ." In 1934, he received the Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival for his portrayal of Pancho Villa in "Viva Villa!"
Hollywood Stardom
Throughout the 1930s, Beery starred in a series of successful films, including "Grand Hotel" (1932) with Greta Garbo and "China Seas" (1935) with Clark Gable and Jean Harlow. At one point, his MGM contract stipulated that he would be paid $1 more than any other actor, making him the studio's highest-paid star.
Controversial Incident and Death
In 1937, Wallace Beery became embroiled in the mysterious death of comedian Ted Healy. Beery, along with MGM producer Albert Broccoli and gangster Pat DiCicco, were alleged to have beaten Healy to death. MGM head Louis B. Mayer later sent Beery on a four-month European trip as a way to distance him from the incident. The true details of Healy's death remain largely unknown.
Personal Character
Wallace Beery was known for his difficult personality on set. Jackie Cooper, who worked with him as a child, described him as "a great disappointment" and accused him of deliberately trying to provoke or disrupt scenes. Margaret O'Brien, who also costarred with Beery, admitted that she sought protection from him on set due to his pinching.
Later Career and Legacy
Wallace Beery continued to star in films throughout the 1940s, although his career declined towards the end of the decade. He died of a heart attack at his Beverly Hills home in April 1949, just two weeks after his 64th birthday. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the film industry.
Awards and Honors
Academy Award for Best Actor (1932) - "The Champ"Volpi Cup (Venice Film Festival, 1934) - Best Actor, "Viva Villa!"
