Lowell Thomas was an American actor known for his work in film and radio, particularly remembered for his narration and documentaries. He gained significant fame for his portrayal of T.E. Lawrence in the film “Lawrence of Arabia” and his influential documentaries on various historical events.
Personal and Family Life
Lowell Thomas was born on April 6, 1892, in Woodington, Ohio. He had a diverse career that included being a noted broadcaster and filmmaker. His childhood experience included being taught by Texas Guinan, who later became a famous actress and nightclub performer. In addition to his professional life, Thomas’s family background remains less documented.
Death and Legacy
Lowell Thomas passed away on August 29, 1981, in Pawling, New York, due to a heart attack. His impact on journalism and documentary filmmaking is remembered, particularly for popularizing the image of T.E. Lawrence and the phrase “Lawrence of Arabia.” He has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1989, solidifying his legacy in American media history.
Filmography
Title
Release Date
Character
Killers of the Sea
1937-05-08
Narrator
This Is Cinerama
1952-09-30
Host / Narrator
America Marching On
1937-01-23
Host / Narrator
The Blonde Captive
1931-12-29
Self
Africa Speaks!
1930-08-15
Himself (narrator)
Search for Paradise
1957-09-24
Himself/Narrator
Amelia Earhart
1976-10-25
Broadcaster
The Best of Cinerama
1963-08-25
Narrator
Patton
1970-01-25
Himself – Movietone News Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
Highway Mania
1937-12-08
Narrator
Inklings
1933-03-08
Narrator (voice)
Seeing Green
1937-02-12
(voice)
About Faces
1941-02-21
Narrator
A Railroad at Work
1942-01-01
Narrator
A Great Railroad at Work
1942-01-01
Narrator
Schlitz on Mount Washington
1935-01-01
Narrator (voice)
The Lost Lake
1946-01-11
Narrator
Propaganda: la fabrique du consentement
2018-05-29
Self – Writer (archive footage)
Mussolini Speaks
1933-03-10
Around the World of Mike Todd
1968-09-08
Self
Polaroid Dealer Announcement
1964-01-01
Narrator
Going Places with Lowell Thomas, #18
1936-03-01
Himself
The Lions of Capitalism: Some Call It Greed
1977-12-03
Narrator
The Moving Picture Boys in the Great War
1975-01-01
Narrator
Red China
1964-01-01
Narrator
Driven to Kill
1948-07-15
Narrator
Highlights and Shadows
1938-01-01
Narrator
Along the Rainbow Trail
1946-02-15
Narrator
Auto-Lite on Parade
1940-08-03
Narrator
Cinerama Adventure
2002-08-30
Self (archive)
The Challenge of Ideas
1961-01-01
Self
Titans of the Deep
1938-10-28
Narrator
The Legend of Lasseter
1979-08-16
Self
Narcotics: A Challenge to Youth
1956-01-23
Narrator
United We Stand
1942-07-10
Narrator (voice)
Ike
1979-05-03
Self
I’ll Tell the World
1939-03-09
Narrator (voice)
Round & Round & Round & Round
1939-01-01
Narrator
It’s a Bird
1930-12-31
Self
Yesterday’s Witness
1976-11-01
Self – Narrator (voice)
Wings over the Andes
1932-01-01
Narrator
Frontiers of the Future: A Screen Editorial with Lowell Thomas