Rudy Vallee was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “The Palm Beach Story,” and “The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer.”
Personal and Family Life
Rudy Vallee was born Hubert Prior Vallée on July 28, 1901, in Island Pond, Vermont. Throughout his life, he was married four times, with his last wife being Eleanor Norris, whom he married in 1949 and remained with until his death in 1986. He had a career that spanned music, radio, film, and Broadway, showcasing his talent as a singer and actor.
Career Highlights
Vallee began his career as a saxophone player and singer before becoming a bandleader in the 1920s. He gained fame with his radio show, “The Fleischmann’s Yeast Hour,” where he was both a star and a difficult personality to work with, often clashing with staff. Vallee helped launch the careers of several other famous singers while making a name for himself in the worlds of nightclubs, records, and film.
Death and Legacy
Rudy Vallee passed away on July 3, 1986, in North Hollywood, California, from cancer. He left behind a significant legacy in entertainment, having played various roles in movies and television, and is remembered for his contributions to music and acting during the early to mid-20th century.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| International House | 1933-05-27 | Himself |
| How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying | 1967-03-09 | Jasper B. Biggley |
| The Sin of Harold Diddlebock | 1947-04-04 | Lynn Sargent |
| People Are Funny | 1946-01-11 | Ormsby Jamison |
| The Palm Beach Story | 1942-08-28 | John D. Hackensacker III |
| Unfaithfully Yours | 1948-12-10 | August Henshler |
| The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer | 1947-09-01 | Tommy Chamberlain |
| I Remember Mama | 1948-03-09 | Dr. Johnson |
| Second Fiddle | 1939-06-30 | Roger Maxwell |
| The Admiral Was a Lady | 1950-08-04 | Peter Pedigrew |
| Live a Little, Love a Little | 1968-10-23 | Louis Penlow |
| My Dear Secretary | 1948-11-05 | Charles Harris |