John Beal was an American actor best known for his roles in “Les Misérables,” “Madame X,” and “The Little Minister.” Born James Alexander Bliedung on August 13, 1909, in Joplin, Missouri, he had a lengthy and varied career in theater and film.
Personal and Family Life
John Beal was married to actress Helen Craig from 1934 until her passing in 1986. Together, they had two daughters. Beal’s passion for the arts extended beyond acting; he also enjoyed portrait painting in his later years.
Career Overview
Beal began his acting career after earning a B.S. degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania. He transitioned from school and church plays to Broadway, where he gained recognition in productions like “Another Language.” Throughout his career, he worked with notable co-stars including Katharine Hepburn and Helen Hayes, and despite a strong start in films during the 1930s, his career faced challenges during and after World War II.
Death and Legacy
John Beal passed away on April 26, 1997, in Santa Cruz, California, due to complications from a stroke. His extensive work in film and television, alongside his contributions to theater, has left a lasting impression in the entertainment industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Double Wedding | 1937-10-15 | Waldo Beaver |
| Amityville 3-D | 1983-11-18 | Harold Caswell |
| The Little Minister | 1934-12-28 | Révérend Gavin Dishart |
| Madame X | 1937-10-01 | Raymond Fleuriot |
| Les Misérables | 1935-04-20 | Marius |
| My Six Convicts | 1952-03-20 | Dr. Wilson aka Doc |
| The Cat and the Canary | 1939-10-27 | Fred Blythe |
| Twelve Angry Men | 1954-09-20 | Juror #2 |
| The Firm | 1993-06-30 | Nathan Locke |
| The Trip to Bountiful | 1953-03-01 | Ludie Watts |