Hal Grayson was an American actor who is best known for his work in “Hollywood on Parade No. A-2” (1932) and as the leader of a popular society orchestra in the 1930s and 1940s.
Personal and Family Life
Born Harold Wesley Grayson on May 31, 1908, in Los Angeles, California, he had a tumultuous personal life marked by three marriages. His first marriage was to Joye Marjorie in 1932, followed by a brief union with Phyllis McMullen in 1933, and finally to Frances Bowe Slaugh in 1940. Each marriage ended in divorce, reflecting the struggles he faced in his personal relationships.
Struggles with Alcoholism
Grayson was known for leading a popular orchestra beginning in 1932, but his life began to decline after he faced numerous legal issues related to alcohol. His first arrest occurred in 1948, leading to a series of over 20 drunk charges. His battles with severe alcoholism resulted in frequent stays in sanatoriums and jails, where he struggled with despair and loneliness, especially after a planned film about his life did not materialize.
Death and Legacy
Hal Grayson passed away on October 30, 1959, at the age of 51 in a Hollywood hotel room. He was found dead in bed by a maintenance worker after being released from jail just a week earlier. His death was ruled as natural causes, but the circumstances reflect the tragic decline he experienced in his later years.
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Hollywood on Parade No. A-2 | 1932 | Actor |
| Night World | 1932 | Orchestra Leader (uncredited) |
| Night World | 1932 | Musical Director (uncredited) |