Ross Alexander was an American actor best known for his roles in films like Captain Blood, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Ready, Willing and Able. He was known for his charming personality and engaging performances, which made him popular during the 1930s.
Personal and Family Life
Born Alexander Ross Smith Jr. on July 27, 1907, in Brooklyn, New York, Ross came from a family with a background in leather goods. He married three times, first to Helen Burroughs, then to Aleta Friele, who tragically took her own life, and lastly to Anne Nagel shortly before his own death. Ross’s mental health suffered greatly due to his personal hardships and his struggles with his identity.
Career Overview
Ross began his acting career in theater, making his Broadway debut as a teen. He transitioned to film, where he gained notice with Warner Bros., starring in several musicals and dramas. However, his career was marred by instability, and despite initial success in popular films, he faced challenges due to his private life and issues within the studio system.
Death and Legacy
On January 2, 1937, Ross Alexander died by suicide at the age of 29, less than a year after his last marriage. His life was marked by personal tragedies and challenges, leaving a tragic legacy in Hollywood. Despite his brief career, he is remembered for his contributions to film and theater during the 1930s.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Captain Blood | 1935-12-26 | Jeremy Pitt |
| A Midsummer Night’s Dream | 1935-10-09 | Demetrius |
| China Clipper | 1936-08-11 | Tom Collins |
| Gentlemen Are Born | 1934-11-17 | Tom Martin |
| Going Highbrow | 1935-07-06 | Harley Marsh |
| Brides Are Like That | 1936-04-18 | Bill McAllister |
| Boulder Dam | 1936-03-07 | Rusty Noonan |
| Maybe It’s Love | 1935-01-12 | Rims O’Neil |
| Hot Money | 1936-07-18 | Chick Randall |
| Shipmates Forever | 1935-10-12 | Lafayette ‘Sparks’ Brown |
| Here Comes Carter | 1936-10-24 | Kent Carter |
| Social Register | 1934-03-10 | Lester Trout |
| We’re in the Money | 1935-08-17 | C. Richard Courtney |
| Ready, Willing and Able | 1937-03-06 | Barry Granville |
| Breakdowns of 1936 | 1936-12-30 | Self |
| The Wiser Sex | 1932-03-14 | Jimmy O’Neill |
| I Married a Doctor | 1936-04-25 | Erik Valborg |
| Flirtation Walk | 1934-12-01 | Oskie Berry |
| A Dream Comes True | 1935-12-31 | Himself (uncredited) |