Ralph Byrd was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Dick Tracy,” “Guadalcanal Diary,” and “A Yank in the R.A.F.”
Personal and Family Life
Ralph Byrd was born on April 22, 1909, in Dayton, Ohio. He married actress Virginia Carroll on February 20, 1937, and they had one daughter named Carol. Byrd served in the US Army Signal Corps during World War II and was also an Eagle Scout and Scoutmaster. He had a successful but challenging career in Hollywood, known for portraying the iconic character Dick Tracy.
Death and Legacy
Ralph Byrd died on August 18, 1952, in Tarzana, Los Angeles, California, reportedly from a heart attack. Some accounts state that he died while waiting for his wife to finish shopping, but Virginia Carroll later revealed that he succumbed to cancer in a Veterans Administration hospital. Byrd left behind his wife, Virginia, and their daughter, Carol, who was 13 years old at the time of his death. His portrayal of Dick Tracy in the 1940s has left a lasting impact on fans and the world of cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Moontide | 1942-05-29 | Reverend Wilson |
| Guadalcanal Diary | 1943-10-27 | Ned Rowman |
| Canon City | 1948-06-30 | Officer Gray |
| A Yank in the R.A.F. | 1941-09-26 | Al Bennett |
| The Son of Monte Cristo | 1940-12-05 | William Gluck |
| Time to Kill | 1942-12-24 | Lou Venter, bodyguard |
| Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome | 1947-09-26 | Dick Tracy |
| The Howards of Virginia | 1940-09-19 | James Howard |
| Stage Struck | 1948-06-13 | Police Sgt. Tom Ramey |
| Dick Tracy’s G-Men | 1939-09-02 | Dick Tracy |