Lew Ayres was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Young Dr. Kildare,” and “Johnny Belinda.” He had a successful career in film and television, marked by his profound performances.
Personal and Family Life
Lew Ayres was born on December 28, 1908, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grew up in San Diego, California. He was married three times, with his last wife being Diana Hall, with whom he had one child. Despite his Hollywood fame, he faced challenges due to his conscientious objector status during World War II, which affected his popularity.
Career Highlights
Ayres began his career as a big band musician before transitioning to acting. He gained significant attention for his role as Paul Baumer in “All Quiet on the Western Front,” which resonated deeply with his anti-war beliefs. After the war, his career experienced ups and downs, but he achieved acclaim again with his performance in “Johnny Belinda,” earning an Academy Award nomination.
Death and Legacy
Lew Ayres passed away on December 30, 1996, in Los Angeles, California, two days after celebrating his 88th birthday. His legacy endures through his memorable performances and the impact he had on Hollywood’s portrayal of complex characters, particularly in the realm of war and medicine.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| All Quiet on the Western Front | 1930-04-29 | Paul Bäumer |
| Young Dr. Kildare | 1938-10-14 | Dr. James Kildare |
| Johnny Belinda | 1948-09-14 | Dr. Robert Richardson |
| Battle for the Planet of the Apes | 1973-06-15 | Mandemus |
| The Kiss | 1929-11-15 | Pierre Lassalle |
| Damien: Omen II | 1978-06-09 | Bill Atherton |
| The Dark Mirror | 1946-10-17 | Dr. Scott Elliott |
| Dr. Kildare’s Wedding Day | 1941-08-22 | Dr. James Kildare |
| Gunsmoke | 1955-09-10 | Jonathan Cole |
| Panic on the Air | 1936-04-10 | Jerry Franklin |
| The Love Boat | 1977-09-24 | Carl Hooper |