Douglas Fairbanks was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “The Mark of Zorro,” “Robin Hood,” and “The Thief of Bagdad.”
Personal and Family Life
Douglas Fairbanks was born Douglas Elton Thomas Ullman on May 23, 1883, in Denver, Colorado. He was raised by his mother, Ella Adelaide, after his father abandoned the family when he was five years old. He had two marriages, the most notable to actress Mary Pickford, with whom he co-founded United Artists. He had one son, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., from his first marriage.
Career
Fairbanks began acting in amateur theater at age 12 and made his Broadway debut in 1902. He later moved to Hollywood and became one of the first major movie stars, known for his dynamic performances in swashbuckling adventures and comedies. His iconic portrayal of Zorro and his incredible swordsmanship set a new standard for action roles in cinema.
Death and Legacy
Douglas Fairbanks passed away on December 12, 1939, from a heart attack in Santa Monica, California. His contributions to the film industry are remembered, especially for his work in the silent film era and as a pioneer of action films. Fairbanks is often celebrated as a key figure in establishing Hollywood as the center of the film universe.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Robinson Crusoe | 1932-08-19 | Steve Drexel |
| Reaching for the Moon | 1930-12-29 | Larry Day |
| The Thief of Bagdad | 1924-03-18 | The Thief of Bagdad |
| The Mark of Zorro | 1920-12-05 | Don Diego Vega / Señor Zorro |
| The Private Life of Don Juan | 1934-01-01 | Don Juan |
| The Black Pirate | 1926-03-08 | The Duke of Arnoldo / The Black Pirate |
| Robin Hood | 1922-10-18 | Robin Hood |
| The Three Musketeers | 1921-08-28 | D’Artagnan |