Louis Jean Heydt was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Gone with the Wind, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, and The Big Sleep.
Personal and Family Life
Born on April 17, 1903, in Montclair, New Jersey, Louis Heydt had a background in journalism before pursuing acting. He attended Worcester Academy and Dartmouth College, initially working as a reporter for the New York World. However, he found his passion in the theater, performing on stage in New York from 1927 to 1948. He was married twice, first to Leona Maricle and later to Donna Heydt, whom he married in 1953.
Career
Heydt started his film career in Hollywood in the 1930s and became known for portraying “average joe” characters, often playing timid or struggling individuals. He appeared in many significant films during the 1940s and 1950s, including iconic titles such as The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek and A Star Is Born. Despite his recurring presence on screen, he never achieved leading man status, yet his face remained familiar to audiences of the time.
Death and Legacy
Louis Jean Heydt passed away on January 29, 1960, from a heart attack after performing in the play There Was a Little Girl in Boston. His sudden death occurred on stage, which was a tragic end to a career that spanned over three decades. Heydt left behind a legacy characterized by his roles in several culturally significant films, eight of which have been recognized by the National Film Registry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Gone with the Wind | 1939-03-12 | Hungry Soldier Holding Beau Wilkes |
| The Big Sleep | 1946-08-23 | Joe Brody |
| Charlie Chan at Treasure Island | 1939-08-31 | Paul Essex |
| The Furies | 1950-08-16 | Bailey |
| Roadblock | 1951-09-17 | Harry Miller |
| The Great Moment | 1944-07-18 | Dr. Horace Wells |
| Rawhide | 1951-03-25 | Fickert |
| Betrayal from the East | 1945-04-24 | Jack Marsden |
| Abe Lincoln in Illinois | 1940-02-22 | Mentor Graham |
| Criminal Lawyer | 1951-08-23 | Frank Burnett |
| Paid in Full | 1950-02-15 | Dr. Carter, Psychiatrist |
| Dive Bomber | 1941-08-30 | Swede Larson |
| The Man Who Died Twice | 1958-06-06 | Capt. Andy Hampton |
| Gung Ho! | 1943-12-20 | Lt Roland Browning |
| They Were Expendable | 1945-12-07 | ‘Ohio’ |