Donald Woods was a Canadian-American actor who is best known for his roles in “A Tale of Two Cities,” “The Story of Louis Pasteur,” and “Anthony Adverse.” He had a prolific career in film and television, spanning over four decades.
Personal and Family Life
Donald Woods was born Ralph Lewis Zink on December 2, 1906, in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, but he changed his name to Donald Woods in 1945. He married his college sweetheart, Josephine Vander Horck, on November 1, 1927, and they had two children, Linda and Conrad. Conrad went on to become a tennis professional and a painter. Woods had a brother, Russ Conway, who was also an actor.
Career
Woods began acting after graduating from the University of California at Berkeley. He earned the title “King of the Bs” for his work in low-budget westerns and mysteries. His film career included appearances in four Oscar-nominated best pictures and he also guest-starred in many TV shows, especially westerns. He hosted two television series in the 1950s and was a regular on the show “Tammy” in 1965.
Death and Legacy
Donald Woods passed away on March 5, 1998, in Palm Springs, California, due to cardiopulmonary failure at the age of 91. After retiring from acting, he found success as a real estate broker. His contributions to cinema and television remain notable, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms | 1953-06-13 | Capt. Jackson |
| 13 Ghosts | 1960-07-18 | Cyrus Zorba |
| The Florentine Dagger | 1935-03-30 | Juan Cesare |
| Never Say Goodbye | 1946-11-09 | Rex DeVallon |
| Five Minutes to Live | 1961-12-07 | Kenneth Wilson |
| Anthony Adverse | 1936-08-26 | Vincent Nolte |
| A Tale of Two Cities | 1935-12-25 | Charles Darnay |
| Wagon Train | 1957-09-18 | Philip Ayers |