Wally Rairden was an American actor known for his roles in films like Mystery Sea Raider, The Devil Bat, and The Way of All Flesh. Born Percy Wallace Rairden Jr. on August 23, 1916, in Anjer, Java, he made a mark in the film industry and later served in the U.S. Navy.
Personal and Family Life
Wally Rairden was married to Martha Jean Shore from 1942 until their divorce in 1957, and they had three children together. He spent his early years in the Los Angeles area after being born in Java. His time in the film industry spanned a brief period from 1938 to 1941, featuring in a total of nine films.
Military Career
After entering the U.S. Navy in 1941, Rairden had an extensive military career, where he commanded a ship and survived two sinkings during World War II due to kamikaze attacks. He received two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart for his bravery. He continued to serve during the Korean War, earning a third Bronze Star and the Korean Medal of Honor for his leadership in a division of minesweepers.
Death and Legacy
Wally Rairden passed away in January 1966 in Los Angeles, California. His experiences during the war, combined with his work in the film industry, left a lasting impact on those who knew him. Rairden transitioned from military service to become a wine and travel writer, showcasing his diverse talents and interests.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Mystery Sea Raider | 1940-10-26 | Blake, 3rd Mate |
| The Devil Bat | 1940-12-13 | Walter King |
| The Way of All Flesh | 1940-07-05 | Bellhop |
| New York Town | 1941-10-31 | Pedestrian (uncredited) |
| The Dawn Patrol | 1938-12-24 | Cleaver |