Roger Converse was an American actor who is best known for My Dear Miss Aldrich, Calling Dr. Kildare, and Three Comrades.
Personal and Family Life
Roger Converse was born on June 26, 1911, in Santa Barbara, California. He attended Hollywood High School, where he excelled academically and athletically, graduating in 1929. Initially aiming to become a doctor, he instead started his career as a men’s fashion model and later as a fitness instructor due to the economic challenges of the Great Depression. In 1939, he married Wilhelmina Schulte Converse, and they had one child together.
Career Overview
Converse’s acting career began after he was discovered by an MGM talent scout during an exercise class in 1936. He made his film debut in Bad Guy (1937) and quickly became a well-known supporting actor alongside legends such as James Stewart and Norma Shearer. His notable films include Young Dr. Kildare and Snow Gets in Your Eyes. However, he decided to retire from acting in 1939 to focus on his family and pursue other interests.
Death and Legacy
Roger Converse passed away on September 21, 1994, in Los Angeles, California, from natural causes. He led a fulfilling life after his retirement, investing wisely in films and oil, and being active in local politics and his church. His contributions to early Hollywood and his legacy as a gentleman actor remain appreciated by fans of classic cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| My Dear Miss Aldrich | 1937-09-17 | Ted Martin |
| Young Dr. Kildare | 1938-10-14 | Dr. Joiner (uncredited) |
| Snow Gets in Your Eyes | 1938-05-14 | Tommy Bradford |
| Navy Blue and Gold | 1937-11-19 | Size Inspector (uncredited) |
| Calling Dr. Kildare | 1939-04-28 | Joiner |
| Woman Against Woman | 1938-06-24 | Holland’s Secretary |
| The First Hundred Years | 1938-03-12 | Young actor with Reggie (uncredited) |
| What Do You Think? (Number Three) | 1938-01-15 | Fred (uncredited) |
| It’s in the Stars | 1938-08-15 | Mr. Jones |
| The Chaser | 1938-07-29 | Hotel Desk Clerk |
| The Shining Hour | 1938-11-18 | Hotel Clerk (uncredited) |
| Marie Antoinette | 1938-08-26 | Man in Gaming House (uncredited) |
| Three Comrades | 1938-06-02 | Becker’s Assistant |