Albert Dekker was an American actor who is best known for his roles in The Killers, The Wild Bunch, and Dr. Cyclops.
Personal and Family Life
Albert Dekker was born on December 20, 1905, in Brooklyn, New York. He was married to Teresa Esther Guerini from 1929 until their divorce in 1964, and they had three children together, including Benjamin, John, and Jan. He was known for his significant contributions to theater, film, and even politics, having served as a Democratic Assemblyman in California from 1944 to 1946.
Career Highlights
Starting as a stage actor in 1927, Dekker became a prominent Broadway star before transitioning to film with his debut in 1937. He gained fame in the 1940s for his rugged looks and strong performances, often portraying tough characters. One of his most notable roles was as the ruthless gang leader in The Killers (1946), and his final film performance as the railroad detective Harrigan in The Wild Bunch (1969) left a lasting impression on audiences.
Death and Legacy
Albert Dekker passed away on May 5, 1968, in Hollywood, California. His death was ruled accidental as he was found in his apartment in a tragic situation involving asphyxia. Despite his passing, Dekker’s legacy continues through his memorable film roles, and he is survived by his son Benjamin and daughter Jan.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| East of Eden | 1955-04-10 | Will Hamilton |
| The Wild Bunch | 1969-06-19 | Pat Harrigan |
| Dr. Cyclops | 1940-04-09 | Dr. Alexander Thorkel |
| The Killers | 1946-08-30 | Big Jim Colfax |
| Gentleman’s Agreement | 1947-11-11 | John Minify |
| Experiment Perilous | 1944-12-18 | ‘Clag’ Claghorn |
| The Furies | 1950-08-16 | Mr. Reynolds |
| Suddenly, Last Summer | 1959-12-22 | Lawrence Hockstader |
| Kiss Me Deadly | 1955-04-28 | Dr. G.E. Soberin |
| Middle of the Night | 1959-05-20 | Walter Lockman |
| She Devil | 1957-04-01 | Dr. Richard Bach |
| Death of a Salesman | 1966-05-07 | Ben |