Donald Haines was an American actor who is best known for Bowery Blitzkrieg, That Gang of Mine, and Kidnapped. Born on May 9, 1919, in Seward County, Nebraska, he found early success in his acting career before his life was cut short.
Personal and Family Life
Donald Haines grew up in Nebraska and pursued acting from a young age. He starred in various films throughout the 1930s and early 1940s, becoming a recognizable face in the industry. Not much is known about his family life or personal interests, as he mainly focused on his acting career.
Military Service
In addition to his acting career, Donald Haines enlisted as an aviation cadet in the U.S. Army Air Corps on December 10, 1941, shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served as a first lieutenant in the 12th Air Force, 93rd Fighter Squadron. Unfortunately, his military service came to an end when he was killed in action on February 20, 1943, in Tunisia, North Africa during World War II.
Death and Legacy
Donald Haines’ life tragically ended at the young age of 23. His contributions to film and his service in the military are remembered by fans and historians alike. He is often commemorated for his performances in classic films, as well as his dedication to his country.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Spooks Run Wild | 1941-10-24 | Skinny |
| Bowery Blitzkrieg | 1941-08-01 | Skinny, red-haired kid |
| Skippy | 1931-04-25 | Harley Nubbins |
| No Greater Glory | 1934-03-30 | Csonakos |
| Mickey’s Helping Hand | 1931-12-18 | Katrink |
| Sergeant Madden | 1939-03-24 | Milton |
| The Boss Didn’t Say Good Morning | 1937-09-11 | Office Boy |
| Radio Dough | 1934-02-05 | Speck (uncredited) |
| Little Miss Nobody | 1936-06-05 | Harold Slade |
| Shivering Shakespeare | 1930-01-25 | Donny |
| The First Seven Years | 1930-03-01 | Speck (uncredited) |
| No Children | 1929-03-10 | Smitty |
| Love and Hisses | 1937-12-21 | Newsboy |
| On Your Toes | 1939-10-14 | Elevator Operator |
| The Nitwits | 1935-06-07 | Hal – Office Boy |
| Never Say Die | 1939-03-08 | Julius – Bellhop |
| The Winning Ticket | 1935-02-08 | Stubby |
| Kidnapped | 1938-05-27 | Ransome |
| East Side Kids | 1940-02-10 | PeeWee |
| Pride of the Bowery | 1940-12-15 | Skinny |
| That Gang of Mine | 1940-09-23 | Skinny |
| Boys of the City | 1940-07-15 | Peewee |
| Melody Ranch | 1940-09-15 | Callboy |
| Readin’ and Writin’ | 1932-02-01 | Donald |
| Birthday Blues | 1932-11-12 | Boy with Mousetrap |
| Helping Grandma | 1931-01-03 | Donald |
| Love Business | 1931-02-14 | Donald |
| Little Daddy | 1931-03-28 | Donald |
| Flying Wild | 1941-03-10 | Skinny |
| The Return of Wild Bill | 1940-06-26 | Delivers telegram |
| Down on the Farm | 1938-10-11 | Boy in Drug Store |
| Bunker Bean | 1936-06-26 | Jones & Co. Office Boy (uncredited) |
| Bargain Day | 1931-05-01 | Speck |
| Manhattan Melodrama | 1934-05-04 | Young Spud (uncredited) |
| When a Feller Needs a Friend | 1932-04-30 | Fatty Bullen |
| Fugitive from a Prison Camp | 1940-10-05 | Burly Bascomb |
| Little Man, What Now? | 1934-06-04 | Emil |
| Fish Hooky | 1933-01-28 | Donald |
| Uncle’s Visit | 1929-06-30 | Smitty |
| Teacher’s Pet | 1930-10-11 | Don |