John Halliday was an American actor best known for his roles in The Philadelphia Story, Intermezzo, and The Woman Accused.
Personal and Family Life
Born on September 14, 1884, in New York City, John Halliday was raised in England, which influenced his refined British accent. He had three marriages; his last wife was Eleanor Griffith, with whom he had a son named John Jr. Halliday led an adventurous life before acting, fighting in the Boer War and working as a mining engineer in Nevada.
Career
Halliday transitioned to acting, performing in Gilbert & Sullivan operettas and Broadway plays from 1912 to 1936. He was known for portraying charming villains and sophisticated comedic roles, receiving acclaim for his performances alongside Cary Grant and Marlene Dietrich. His most memorable role may have been as the charming father of Katharine Hepburn’s character in The Philadelphia Story.
Death and Legacy
John Halliday passed away from a heart ailment on October 17, 1947, in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the age of 67. His contributions to film and theater have left a lasting impact, especially noted for his distinctive style and charismatic performances.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Philadelphia Story | 1940-12-05 | Seth Lord |
| Intermezzo: A Love Story | 1939-10-06 | Thomas Stenborg |
| The House on 56th Street | 1933-12-23 | Lyndon Fiske |
| The Woman Accused | 1933-02-17 | Stephen Bessemer |
| Lydia | 1941-09-18 | Fitzpatrick |
| Bird of Paradise | 1932-08-12 | Mac |
| Peter Ibbetson | 1935-11-07 | The Duke of Towers |
| Transatlantic | 1931-08-19 | Henry D. Graham |
| Desire | 1936-04-11 | Carlos Margoli |
| Terror Aboard | 1933-04-14 | Maximilian Kreig |