Richard Arlen was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Wings, The Virginian, and Beggars of Life. He had a career that spanned several decades, becoming a notable figure in early Hollywood cinema.
Personal and Family Life
Richard Arlen, born Sylvanus Richard Van Mattimore on September 1, 1899, in St. Paul, Minnesota, was the son of a prominent family. He had three marriages, with his last spouse being Margaret Kinsella, whom he married in 1946. He was also the father of actor Richard Arlen Jr.
Career
Before becoming an actor, Arlen served as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Flying Corps during World War I. After the war, he moved to Los Angeles and began his career in Hollywood, initially working as an extra. His breakthrough role came in the silent film Wings (1927), which won an Oscar, and he continued to appear in various films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, often playing the role of a tough hero.
Death and Legacy
Richard Arlen passed away on March 28, 1976, in North Hollywood, California, due to emphysema. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, recognizing his significant contributions to the film industry. His legacy continues through his work in films and television, as well as through his son, who followed in his footsteps.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Island of Lost Souls | 1932-12-24 | Edward Parker |
| Wings | 1927-08-12 | David Armstrong |
| The Virginian | 1929-11-09 | Steven ‘Steve’ |
| Beggars of Life | 1928-09-22 | The Boy (Jim) |
| Warlock | 1959-05-15 | Bacon |
| The Crawling Hand | 1963-09-04 | Lee Barrenger |
| When My Baby Smiles at Me | 1948-11-10 | Harvey Howell |
| Young Fury | 1964-11-01 | Sheriff Jenkins |