John Carradine was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “The Grapes of Wrath,” “Stagecoach,” and “House of Dracula.” He had a prolific career in film and theater, becoming a recognizable figure in the horror genre.
Personal and Family Life
John Carradine was born Richmond Reed Carradine on February 5, 1906, in New York City. He had a diverse family life, having been married four times and fathering five children, including fellow actors David, Keith, and Robert Carradine. His parents were William Reed Carradine, a reporter and artist, and Genevieve Winnifred Richmond, a surgeon.
Career Highlights
Carradine started his career on stage, making his film debut in “Tol’able David” in 1930. He became a well-known character actor, frequently working with director John Ford. Over his career, he appeared in numerous films and gained fame for his deep baritone voice and presence in horror films, particularly in his later years.
Death and Legacy
John Carradine passed away on November 27, 1988, in Milan, Italy, due to natural causes at the age of 82. He left behind a vast legacy in cinema, particularly in the horror genre, and is remembered as a skilled actor who contributed significantly to American film.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Bride of Frankenstein | 1935-04-20 | Lost Hunter at Hermit’s Cottage (uncredited) |
| The Grapes of Wrath | 1940-03-15 | Casy |
| Stagecoach | 1939-03-03 | Hatfield |
| House of Dracula | 1945-12-07 | Count Dracula |
| The Ice Pirates | 1984-03-16 | Supreme Commander |
| Frankenstein Island | 1981-11-27 | Dr. Frankenstein |
| Boxcar Bertha | 1972-06-14 | H. Buckram Sartoris |
| The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance | 1962-04-13 | Maj. Cassius Starbuckle |
| The Night Strangler | 1973-01-16 | Llewellyn Crossbinder |
| Kung Fu | 1972-10-14 |