John Darrow was an American actor who is best known for Hell’s Angels, Flirtation Walk, and The Big Chance. He was born as Harry Simpson on July 17, 1907, in Leonia, New Jersey, and passed away on February 24, 1980, in Malibu, California.
Personal and Family Life
John Darrow had a long-term partnership with Charles Walters that started in 1936 and continued until Darrow’s death in 1980. He was the younger brother of actor Allan Simpson and had familial ties to George Wittlinger, as well as being an uncle to Madelyn and Barbara Darrow. Additionally, he was a great-uncle to Audrey and Eric Tannenbaum.
Career
After finishing high school, Darrow joined a stock theater group and made his film debut in 1927. In the 1930s, he became popular as a leading man, mainly in B movies. Later in his career, he transitioned to become one of Hollywood’s most successful talent agents, leaving behind a legacy in both acting and talent management.
Death and Legacy
John Darrow died on February 24, 1980, in Malibu, California, with the circumstances of his death remaining undisclosed. His contributions to film and theatre have been remembered, particularly his work during the early days of Hollywood and his influence as a talent agent.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Hell’s Angels | 1930-11-15 | Karl Armstedt |
| Flirtation Walk | 1934-12-01 | Chase |
| The Big Chance | 1933-08-28 | Knockout Frankie (Rocky) Morgan |
| Monte Carlo Nights | 1934-05-20 | Larry Sturgis |
| Symphony of Living | 1935-01-19 | Richard Greig |
| The Midnight Lady | 1932-05-15 | Bert |
| Probation | 1932-03-15 | Nick Jarrett |
| Alias Mary Smith | 1932-07-14 | Robert Hayes |
| Everything’s Rosie | 1931-05-22 | Billy Lowe |
| Cheer Up and Smile | 1930-06-22 | Tom |
| The Primrose Path | 1931-01-25 | Buck Randall |
| The Curtain Falls | 1934-10-02 | Allan Scorsby |
| Avalanche | 1928-11-10 | Verde |
| Eight Bells | 1935-04-10 | Carl |
| Fanny Foley Herself | 1931-10-09 | Teddy |
| Square Shooter | 1935-01-21 | Johnny Lloyd |
| Midshipman Jack | 1933-09-22 | Clark Simpson |
| Strange People | 1933-06-16 | Jimmy Allen – the Auto Salesman |
| The Lady Refuses | 1931-03-08 | Russell Courtney |
| Ten Nights in a Bar-room | 1931-03-01 | Frank Slade |
| Crime Over London | 1936-10-21 | Jim |
| The Racket | 1928-11-01 | Cub Reporter Dave Ames |
| The Big Race | 1934-02-14 | Bob Hamilton |
| The All-American | 1932-10-01 | Bob King |
| Annapolis Farewell | 1935-08-23 | Porter |
| I Give My Love | 1934-07-17 | Alex Blair |
| The Bargain | 1931-07-23 | Roderick White |
| Prep and Pep | 1928-11-18 | Flash Wells |
| A Notorious Gentleman | 1935-01-21 | |
| High School Hero | 1927-10-16 | |
| The Argyle Case | 1929-08-17 | Bruce Argyle |