Ida Lupino is perhaps one of the most underrated women in Hollywood. She was a pint size powerhouse in films like High Sierra and They Drive by Night. Yet, she also directed 7 films in her 48 career.

When it comes to actors and actresses who haven’t won competitive Oscars, I usually made it a rule to stick with those who are dead and retired since they aren’t working in movies anymore. Now there may be actors whose glory days are over and won’t be nominated any time soon. Yet, there are plenty of actors who work way past their prime. Yet, we have people like Jessica Tandy and Christopher Plummer winning the coveted award as senior citizens. And there have been lists of actors who will never win Oscars that contain Matthew McConaughey. Granted he was in his shirtless rom-com phase when we’d think the idea of him winning an Oscar was ridiculous. But when Dallas Buyers Club came out, guess what happened. So perhaps dealing only with actors and actresses no longer working or alive is probably a safer bet. In this selection, we look at 10 more movie legends who are either retired from filmmaking or no longer alive. First, you have Ida Lupino, a pint size spitfire onscreen as well as a female Hollywood pioneer behind the scenes. Second, are British actors Hermione Gingold and Sir Ralph Richardson best known for their work in the theater and not being conventionally attractive. Then there is Peter Cushing best known for playing Grand Moff Tarkin from Star Wars as well as being Christopher Lee’s BFF. After that is Japanese movie star, Toshiro Mifune who may have stayed in Tokyo but his collaborations with Akira Kurosawa have influenced much of pop culture with the magic of Hollywood remakes. Next is Broadway darling Julie Harris who was known for kissing James Dean and The Haunting. Then you have Eve Arden known for her roles as the no-nonsense, wisecracking sidekick in films and the principal from Grease followed by David Carradine most memorable for Kung Fu, Kill Bill, and autoerotic asphyxiation. Next comes Paul Henreid who played the guy you didn’t want Ingrid Bergman to end up with in Casablanca. And last but not least, we have Clifton Webb best known as the possible inspiration for Mr. Peabody.

111. Ida Lupino

Though she called herself “the Poor Man’s Bette Davis,” Ida Lupino was a pint-size force to be reckon with onscreen as well as a pioneer among women filmmakers behind the camera as a screenwriter and director. However, outside TCM, I’m not sure that anyone has heard of her.

Personal Life: (1918-1995) Born in London. Mother was an actress and father was a music hall entertainer. Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and made her first film in 1931. Became a US citizen in 1948. Married 3 times and had a daughter to third husband Howard Duff to whom she was with for 32 years (though they were separated a long time before their divorce). Died of a stroke while undergoing a treatment for colon cancer at 77.
Famous for: British American actress, director, and a pioneer among women filmmakers. Appeared in 59 films during her 48 year career. Directed 7 films as well as co-wrote and co-produced some as well. Notable roles are Hope Harcourt from Anything Goes, Jane from The Gay Desperado, Paula Sewell/Paula Monterey from Artists and Models, Ann Brandon from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Lana Carlsen from They Drive by Night, Doris Malone from Sea Devils, Ellen Creed from Ladies in Retirement, Anna from Moontide, Jennifer Whittredge from In Our Time, Emily Bronte from Devotion, Libby Saul from Deep Valley, Ruth Webster from The Sea Wolf, Gemma Smith from Escape Me Never, Julia Thomas from Lust for Gold, Marie from High Sierra, Mary Malden from On Dangerous Ground, Mrs. Helen Gordon from Beware, My Lovely, Agnes Langley from Jennifer, Phyllis Martin from The Bigamist, Amelia van Zandt from Women’s Prison, Marion Castle from The Big Knife, Mildred Donner from When the City Sleeps, Alice Carmichel from Strange Intruder, and Mrs. Skinner from The Food of the Gods.
Nominated for: Lupino was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for being a pioneer for women filmmakers in Hollywood. Seriously, she was directing movies in the 1950s.
Reasons: If you’re known as, “the Poor Man’s Bette Davis” you’ll probably not win Oscars since that might mean a raise in your salary. Then again, Jamie Foxx has been referred to as, “the Poor Man’s Will Smith” and he’s already won an Oscar for Ray but he practically was Ray Charles in that film. Also female directors never get zilch recognition for their movies or accomplishments unless they’re Sophia Coppola or Kathryn Bigelow or on the indie circuit. Nevertheless, Lupino ranks among one of the most seriously underrated figures in Hollywood history and it’s a shame the Academy never gave her the recognition she deserved.
Trivia: Directed 7 movies consisting of Not Wanted, Never Fear, Outrage, Hard, Fast, and Beautiful, The Hitch-Hiker, The Bigamist, and The Trouble with Angels. Directed an episode for The Twilight Zone and Bewitched. Composed “Aladdin’s Lamp” which was performed by the L. A. Philharmonic in 1937. Served as a Lieutenant in the Women’s Ambulance and Defense Corps during WWII. Starred in a movie her mother originally tested for. Took many roles that Bette Davis refused and thus called, “the Poor Man’s Bette Davis.” First woman to direct a film noir. Second woman admitted in the Director’s Guild.

112. Hermione Gingold

Before Harry Potter, when you heard the name, “Hermione” you probably thought of Hermione Gingold. Yet, unlike Granger, she was mainly known for her sharp-tongued, eccentric persona.

Personal Life: (1897-1987) Born in London. Father was a prosperous Vienna-born Jewish stockbroker. Made her professional stage debut at 11 in 1908. Attended Rosina Filippi’s stage school. Made her first film in 1932. Married twice and had 2 sons to first husband Michael Joseph. Retired in 1977. Died from heart problems and pneumonia at 89.
Famous for: British actress known for her sharp tongue, eccentric persona. Had a strikingly individual voice, drawling and deep, the latter a result of nodes on her vocal chords in the 1920s and early 1930s. Started as a child actress with a successful adult career on the stage. Best known for her grand dames in musicals. Was notable in revues. Notable roles are Mrs. Tompkins from The Pickwick Papers, Bianca de Passe from Bell, Book, and Candle, Madame Alvarez, Eulalie Mackechnie Shinn from The Music Man, Lady Effigie Munster from Munster, Go Home!, Mme. Armfeldt from A Little Night Music, and Elizabeth Rennick from Garbo Talks.
Nominated for: Gingold was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1958 for Gigi, which she plays a 3 dimensional character who tries to get her granddaughter to become a high class call girl but later changes her mind.
Reasons: Gingold was more of a comic and musical actress who was much more famous on the stage than the screen particularly in Great Britain.
Trivia: Wrote a play called Abracadabra and contributed original material to many revues she performed. The Gingold Theatrical Group is named after her and is devoted to producing plays on human rights. Made her operatic debut at 77. Descended from Solomon Sulzer who was a famous Jewish cantor and Jewish liturgical composer in Vienna. Appeared in 2 Best Picture winners.

113. Julie Harris

Throughout her career, Julie Harris won 5 Tonys, 3 Emmys, and a Grammy. Yet, as a movie star, she’s just known as one of two women who kissed James Dean as well as a psychic gone mad in The Haunting.

Personal Life: (1925-2013) Born Julia Ann Harris in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Father was an investment banker. Trained at Perry-Mansfield Performing Arts School & Camp and later attended the Yale School of Drama for a year. Debuted on stage in 1948 and made her first film in 1952. Married 3 times and had a son to second husband Manning Gurian. Battled breast cancer, suffered a fall requiring surgery, and had 2 strokes in 2001 and 2010. Died at her home in West Chatham, Massachusetts at 89.
Famous for: American actress noted for her work on stage, film, and television for 65 years. Notable roles are Frances ‘Frankie’ Addams from Member of the Wedding, Abra from East of Eden, Helen Cooper from The Truth About Women, Grace Miller from Requiem for a Heavyweight, Sally Bowles from I Am a Camera, Eleanor ‘Nell’ Lance from The Haunting, Betty Fraley from Harper, Alison Langdon from Reflections in a Golden Eye, Leona Gillings from Journey to Midnight, Alice Fienchild from Voyage of the Damned, Mrs. Greenwood from The Bell Jar, Roz Carr from Gorillas in the Mist, and Carlotta from The First of May.
Nominated for: Harris was nominated for Best Actress in 1953 for Member of the Wedding.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in 1963 for The Haunting. Her performance as a psychic losing her mind is possibly one of the best horror movie performances in history.
Reasons: Well, Harris was nominated early in her career so the Academy thought she’d may have her chance to win in the future. Also, was much more famous as a theater actress than as one on screen. I mean in movies, she’s best known for playing one of 2 women who kissed James Dean and a psychic losing her mind in The Haunting.
Trivia: Won 5 Tony Awards, 3 Emmys, and a Grammy (making one Oscar short of an EGOT). Awarded National Medal of Arts. Recipient of the Sarah Siddons Award for her work in Chicago theater. Was close friends with James Dean. Did the voice of Southern diarist Mary Chestnut in Ken Burns’ The Civil War as well as extensive work for his other films. Broadway lights dimmed in light of her death. Was an original member of the Actors Studio.

114. Peter Cushing

Motivational poster of Peter Cushing: “Killed Dracula with a pair of candle stick holders. Blew up Alderaan. Fought Daleks. Has been at the Earth’s Core. Killed more vampires than Buffy. Outsmarted Moriarty. Verbally bitch-slapped Darth Vader. I beg your pardon, but do you really think Chuck Norris can top that?”

Personal Life: (1913-1994) Born in Surrey, England. Father was a quantity surveyor. Worked as an assistant surveyor before attending the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Made his first film in 1939. Married to Violet Helene Beck for 28 years and took his wife’s 1971 death hard and might’ve attempted suicide but a poem by her made him change his mind. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1982 but would survive 12 years without surgery before dying at 81.
Famous for: British actor famous for his many appearances in Hammer Horror films. Appeared frequently with Christopher Lee and occasionally with Vincent Price. Notable roles are Osric from Hamlet, General Memnon from Alexander the Great, Victor Frankenstein from The Curse of Frankenstein and others, Doctor Van Helsing from Dracula and other films, Sherlock Holmes from The Hound of the Baskervilles, Captain Richard Pearson from John Paul Jones, Merrywether from The Hellfire Club, Dr. Who from Dr. Who and the Daleks and Daleks – Invasion Earth: 2150 A.D., John Meredith from Some May Live, Sir John Rowan from Corruption, and Grand Moff Tarkin from Star Wars as well as others from his Hammer Horror films.
Nominated for: Cushing was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1977 for Star Wars.
Reasons: Face it, despite having a great voice and talent, there’s no way Cushing could win an Oscar after spending much of his career doing Hammer Horror films.
Trivia: Was best friends with Christopher Lee. Was an avid bird watcher and painter as well as a gentlemanly figure who adored his wife. Wrote and illustrated a children’s book. Was a vegetarian at least from 1987.

115. Eve Arden

While Eve Arden is best known by some as the wisecracking teacher from Our Miss Brooks and the principal from Grease by others, her 60 year career crossed most media frontiers in both leading and supporting roles.

Personal Life: (1908-1990) Born Eunice M. Quedens in Mill Valley, California. Parents divorced when she was still a child. Dropped out of high school at 16 and joined a stock theater company. Made her first film in 1929. Adopted her stage name during her Broadway debut in 1934. Married twice and had 4 children to second husband Brooks West to whom she was married to for 32 years. Died of colorectal cancer and heart disease at 82.
Famous for: American actress whose career spanned some 60 years crossing most media frontiers in both supporting and leading roles. Notable roles are Eve from Stage Door,
Sophie De Lemma from Coconaut Grove, Carrie Ashburn from The Forgotten Woman, Gloria from Eternally Yours, Kitty from No, No, Nanette, Patsy Dixon from Ziegfeld Girl, Gabby Trent from San Antonio Rose, Dolly from Manpower, Cornelia Jackson from Cover Girl, Ida Corwin from Mildred Pierce, Paula from The Unfaithful, Molly Stewart from One Touch of Venus, Tommy Thompson from Paid in Full, Pauline Hastings from Tea for Two,
Miss Constance ‘Connie’ Brooks from Our Miss Brooks, Maida Rutledge from Anatomy of a Murder, Lottie Lacey from The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, Lt. Charlotte Kinsey from Sergeant Dead Head, and Principal McGee from Grease.
Nominated for: Arden was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1946 for Mildred Pierce.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Anne Revere in the 1946 Supporting Actress race. She should’ve at least lost to Ann Blyth that year.
Reasons: Arden was primarily known as a comedic actress with her wisecracking roles which works well for television but not so much when it comes to prestigious movie awards.
Trivia: Romantically linked to Danny Kaye. Played the title role in Our Miss Brooks during the 1950s. Was an honorary member of the National Education Association. Recipient of the Sarah Siddons Award for Chicago theatre.

116. Toshiro Mifune

Though he didn’t spend most of his career in Hollywood, Toshiro Mifune’s Ronin in Yojimbo would inspire Clint Eastwood’s “Man with No Name” from the Fistful of Dollars trilogy. Also was George Lucas’ first choice to play Obi Wan Kenobi and appeared in the miniseries Shogun.

Personal Life: (1920-1997) Born in Tsingtao, Shandong in China to Japanese Methodist missionaries. Father was also a commercial photographer whom he assisted in his shop. Spent his first 19 years in China before being drafted into the Imperial Japanese Army Aviation Division where he served in aerial photography during WWII. Was an assistant cameraman at Toho Productions which later went on strike. Basically stumbled into acting by accident when his friends submitted a photo of him without his knowledge. Married to fellow actress Sachiko Yoshimine for 45 years and had 2 sons. Also had a daughter to a mistress actress Mika Kitagawa. Died of multiple organ failure at 77.
Famous for: Japanese actor who appeared in more than 170 films and best known for his collaboration with Akira Kurosawa. He is probably the most famous actor in Japanese history. Notable roles are Tajômaru from Rashomon, Kikuchiyo from Seven Samurai, Musashi Miyamoto (Takezo) from The Samurai Trilogy, Taketoki Washizu from Throne of Blood, General Rokurota Makabe from The Hidden Fortress, Sanjuro Kuwabatake / The Samurai from Yojimbo, Sanjûrô Tsubaki / The Samurai from Sanjuro, Genba Tawaraboshi from 47 Samurai, Dr. Kyojô Niide from Red Beard, Captain Tsuruhiko Kuroda from Hell in the Pacific, Izo Yamura from Gran Prix, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto from Midway, and Cmdr. Akiro Mitamura from 1941.
Nominated for: Mifune was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1954 for Seven Samurai. Not to mention not receiving any Oscar recognition for playing the role that would inspire the Man With No Name, which would make Clint Eastwood’s career.
Reasons: He was primarily a Japanese actor who made Japanese films which weren’t on the Hollywood radar screen until the 1960s.
Trivia: Founded an acting school that closed after 3 years due to financial mismanagement. Played Lord Toranaga in NBC’s Shogun. Was George Lucas’ original choice to play Obi Wan Kenobi.

117. David Carradine

Despite being Caucasian, David Carradine achieved stardom as a Eurasian Buddhist monk in Kung Fu. He would later go on to be the guy Uma Thurman was trying to kill in 2 Quentin Tarantino movies before succumbing to a death from autoerotic asphyxiation.

Personal Life: (1936-2009) Born John Arthur Carradine in Hollywood. Second (but oldest biological) child of actor John Carradine. Had a turbulent childhood for his parents divorced and repeatedly remarried. Parents divorced when he was 7. Spent a few years shuffled between foster homes, boarding school, and reform school due to his dad being involved in heated custody and alimony battles with his first two wives, one of which landed him in jail. Attended San Francisco State College where he studied in music and drama but dropped out. Was arrested for assaulting a police officer in the late 1950s but plead guilty for disturbing the peace. In 1960, he was drafted into the US Army where he drew pictures for training aids. Started acting while stationed at Fort Eustis, Virginia where he as court martialed for shoplifting, but was honorably discharged when his 2 year tour was up. Changed his name to David in 1963 to avoid confusion with his father and made his TV debut that year. Made his first film in 1965. Married 5 times and had a relationship with Barbara Hershey that produced a son as well 2 daughters with his first and third wives. Died in Bangkok of autoerotic asphyxiation at 72.
Famous for: American actor and martial artist. Member of a productive family that began with his father John. Career spanned 4 decades and appeared in 100 films as well as numerous other TV shows. Notable roles are ‘Big’ Bill Shelly from Boxcar Bertha, Drunk from Mean Streets, Woody Guthrie from Bound for Glory, Detective Shepard from Q, Rawley Wilkes from Lone Wolf McQuade, Sorenson from Bird on a Wire, Bill from Kill Bill 1 and 2, and Buckingham from Richard III as well as other roles from action movies.
Nominated for: Carradine was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1976 for Bound for Glory which was one of his best roles and demonstrated his talent as a musician.
Reasons: Carradine wasn’t one of the most stellar actors in Hollywood. I mean the guy has been arrested multiple times throughout his life such as for marijuana possession, shoplifting, attempted burglary, malicious mischief, assault, drunk driving, and kicking the door of the SkyDome during a Rolling Stones concert. Of course, on one occasion, while under the influence of peyote, he wandered around his neighborhood nude and broke into a neighbor’s home (where nothing was stolen but he hurt his arm and bled on the guy’s piano). Later he accosted and allegedly assaulted 2 women while demanding whether she was a witch. Not to mention, as an actor, I’m sure Asians wouldn’t be comfortable with a Caucasian playing a guy on TV who’s supposed to be Chinese, especially during the 1970s. Also did a lot of action movies.
Trivia: Great-grandson of evangelical author Beverly Carradine. Was called, “Jack” by his family. Brother of Bruce Carradine (who was adopted) and half-brother of Christopher, Keith, and Robert. Played Kwai Chang Caine in Kung Fu (yes, he’s white but you know the era) but he learned martial arts while on the set. Was also a musician who played piano, guitar, and flute as well as sang. Was at his father’s side when he died.

118. Paul Henreid

Born in the former Austro-Hungarian Empire and present day Italy, Paul Henreid fled his native Austria when his country was ruled by Fascism in the 1930s. And ironically, if it weren’t for Casablanca co-star Conrad Veidt, he would’ve been deported from Britain. Yet, though Laszlo was a good guy, you still wanted Ilsa to end up with Rick.

Personal Life: (1908-1992) Born Paul Georg Julius Freiherr von Hernried Ritter von Wassel-Waldingau in the Austro-Hungarian city of Trieste which is now part of Italy. Father was an aristocratic Viennese banker. Studied theater in Vienna and under Max Reinhardt. Began his film career in Germany during the 1930s but fled to Great Britain in 1935 due to the Austrian Civil War that contributed to the rise of Fascism. Became a US citizen in 1946. Married to Elizabeth “Lisl” Gluck for 56 years and had 2 daughters. Retired in 1977. Died of pneumonia at 84.
Famous for: Trieste-born American actor and director. Notable roles are Staefel from Goodbye, Mr. Chips, Karl Marsen from Night Train to Munich, Paul from Joan of Paris, Jerry Durrance from Now, Voyager, Victor Laszlo from Casablanca, Henry Bergner from Between Two Worlds, Vincent Van Der Lyn from The Conspirators, Capt. Laurent Van Horn from The Spanish Main, Rev. Arthur Nicholls from Devotion, Philip Carey from Of Human Bondage, Karel Novak from Deception, Robert Schumann from Song of Love, and Jean Lafitte from Last of the Buccaneers.
Nominated for: Henreid was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1942 for Casablanca.
Reasons: Henreid was an Austrian refugee during WWII and ran the risk of interment and deportation in Britain. After the war, he was effectively blacklisted from film for joining the Committee for the First Amendment. And by the 1950s, he was already a has been as far as the movies were concerned and had a more successful career on TV until the 1970s.
Trivia: At the start of WWII risked deportation or internment but was able to stay free in England thanks Conrad Veidt (which is ironic, considering the roles they played in Casablanca). Worked as a translator and book designer with Otto Preminger when they were first starting out.

119. Sir Ralph Richardson

In The Fallen Idol, Sir Ralph Richardson plays a sweet butler who is seeing another woman and gets accused of murdering his wife who is a complete bitch. Or as I call it, Bates’s storyline from Seasons 2 and 3 of Downton Abbey.

Personal Life: (1902-1983) Born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, in England. Father was senior art master at Cheltenham Ladies’ College. At 4, his family split up with this mother taking him and his brothers left with his dad. Split was said to be over his mother’s choice of wallpaper or father’s extramarital affair. Was an altar boy but though his mother wanted him to be a priest, he ran away at 15 after he was sent to Saint Xavier College (he’d later go back to the Catholic faith as a lay adult though). Worked as an office boy for the Liverpool and Victoria insurance company in Liverpool and went to Brighton art school. Was inspired to become an actor when he saw a touring production of Hamlet. Made his stage debut in 1920. Joined the Old Vic in 1931. Made his first movie in 1933. Was knighted in 1947. Married twice and had a son to second wife Meriel Forbes whom he was married for 39 years. Crashed his motorcycle in a cottage where his first wife was staying in 1942 that put him in the hospital for weeks and took her life. Died at 80 after a series of strokes.
Famous for: British actor who dominated the stage and screen during the mid-20th century along with Sir John Gielgud and Sir Laurence Olivier. Made more than 60 films over his over 50 long year career. Notable roles are Lorde Mere from The Divorce of Lady X, Dr. Denny from The Citadel, Karenin from Anna Karenina, Baines from The Fallen Idol, Dr. Sloper from The Heiress, Buckingham from Richard III, James Tyrone from Long Day’s Journey Into Night, Alexander Gromeko from Doctor Zhivago, Joseph Finsbury from The Wrong Box, Gladstone from Khartoum, Wikins Micawber from David Copperfield, Dr. Rank from A Doll’s House, the Supreme Being from Time Bandits, and The Sixth Earl of Greystoke from Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes.
Nominated for: Richardson was nominated twice for Best Supporting Actor in 1950 for The Heiress and 1985 for Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Dean Jagger in 1949. Sure Jagger is good in Twelve O’Clock High. But Richardson does a great portrayal of an emotionally abusive father who treats his little girl like shit (even if he is right about her boyfriend just wanting her money).
Reasons: Being burned by the competition more than anything. Not to mention, he was a much more significant figure in Great Britain than in America, especially in the theater.
Trivia: Could be deeply private or flamboyantly unconventional. Would introduce his colleagues to his ferrets by name, ride high speed on his motorcycle in his seventies, have his parrot fly around eating pencils in his study, and take his pet mouse for a walk. Hobbies included painting and tennis. Was a sub-lieutenant pilot in the British Royal Navy Reserve.
Co-Director of the Old Vic Company.

120. Clifton Webb

While Clifton Webb’s sexual orientation can be debated until the cows come home, we can’t deny that he gave a great performance in Laura as a man who goes homicidal for being friendzoned. Also may have been the possible inspiration for Mr. Peabody.

Personal Life: (1889-1966) Born Webb Parmelee Hollenbeck in Indianapolis, Indiana. Father was a ticket clerk. Parents separated shortly after his birth and were divorced by 1900. Spent most of his childhood in New York City. At 11, his mother married a copper foundry worker. Changed his name to Clifton Webb by 19 while he was a professional ballroom dancer. Made his acting debut on Broadway in 1913 and was also appearing in vaudeville in the 1920s. Made his first film in the late 1920s. Never married or had children and lived with his mother until her death in 1960. Spent his last 5 years as a recluse at his Beverly Hills home before dying of a heart attack at 76.
Famous for: American actor, dancer, and singer. Notable roles are Waldo Lydecker from Laura, Elliott Templeton from The Razor’s Edge, Lynn Belvedere from Sitting Pretty and other films, Frank Bunker Gilbreth from Cheaper by the Dozen, John Philip Sousa from Stars and Stripes Forever, John Frederick Shadwell from Three Coins in the Fountain, Lt. Cmdr. Ewen Montagu from The Man Who Never Was, Victor Parmalee from Boy on Dolphin, and Father Bovard from Satan Never Sleeps.
Nominated for: Web was nominated 3 times once for Best Actor and twice for Best Supporting Actor in 1945 for Laura, 1947 for The Razor’s Edge, and 1949 for Sitting Pretty.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Barry Fitzgerald for Best Supporting Actor in 1945. Now I’m not familiar with Barry Fitzgerald. However, I think Webb should’ve won for playing a “nice guy” who really hates being friend zoned.
Reasons: Let’s just say though it’s still a matter of dispute, Webb’s prissy and elegant stage persona might’ve led Academy voters suspect he was a little light in the loafers. This didn’t help that he actually lived with his mother, never married, and never had children.
Trivia: Was called “Little Webb” by his mother. Grieved for his mother well over a year after her death. His elegant taste kept him on Hollywood’s best dressed lists for decades. Was friends with Noel Coward and appeared in a lot of his plays. Said to be the inspiration for Mr. Peabody.

Karen Black may not have been the most famous actress in Hollywood but she was among the most busy since she’s said to participate in 194 productions until her death in 2013.

Like horror films, movie comedies are also an underrated genre the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences sees as too amateurish for their critical awards ceremonies. Now as we all have seen with the TV previews, there are terrible comedies as well as those that will never age well. Yet, there are also bad dramas, too, that also don’t age well either. Nevertheless, while most of Hollywood has produced a lot of great comedies, many of them are listed as some of the greatest films of all time and are still watched decades after they were made. And don’t get me started on romantic comedies since there were a lot of good ones as well. In this selection, I’m here to bring you 10 more screen legends you may or may not have heard of. First, we have funny ladies Carole Lombard, Una Merkel, Irene Dunne, and Jean Arthur. Second, you have versatile actresses Karen Black and Eleanor Parker. After that comes character giants Charles Bickford and Robert Shaw followed by Douglas Fairbanks Jr. who despite being able to transitioned to sound, was never as famous as his silent screen dad who didn’t. And finally, we have legendary actress Gloria Stuart who started out as an actress in the 1930s before taking time off and then returned to play Old Rose from Titanic. So without further adieu, here are some more profiles of stars who didn’t get to make the Oscar speech.

101. Charles Bickford

Throughout his career, Charles Bickford played in strong supporting roles as authority figures. Yet, in real life, he was prone to frequently argue and nearly came to blows with Louis B. Mayer on one occasion.

Personal Life: (1891-1967) Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Was a very intelligent, independent, but unruly child. At 9, he was tried but acquitted for the attempted murder of a trolley motorman who had callously run over his beloved dog. Drifted across the US as a teenager. Worked as a lumberjack, investment promoter, and pest exterminator. Was working as a stoker and fireman for the US Navy when a friend dared him to get a job in Burlesque, which led to the beginning of his acting career in 1904. Was discovered by Cecil B. DeMille in the 1920s and appeared in his first movie in 1930. Married to Beatrice Loring for 61 years and had 2 children. Died of a blood infection at 76.
Famous for: American actor best known for his strong supporting roles. His burly frame and craggy, intense features, coupled with a gruff, powerful voice lent themselves to a wide variety of roles. Mostly played nice guys like dads, stern businessmen, heavies, ship captains, or authority figures. Notable roles are Hagon Dirk from Dynamite, Matt from Anna Christie, Cash Hawkins from The Squaw Man, Slim from Of Mice and Men, Father Peyramale from The Song of Bernadette, Joseph Clancy from The Farmer’s Daughter, Sam Pierce from Duel in the Sun, Black McDonald from Johnny Belinda, Oliver Niles from A Star is Born, Lt. James Colton from Whirlpool, Maj. Henry Terrill from The Big Country, Zeb Rawlins from The Unforgiven, and Benson Trop from A Big Hand for the Little Lady.
Nominated for: Bickford was nominated 3 times for Best Supporting Actor in 1944 for The Song of Bernadette, 1948 for The Farmer’s Daughter, and 1949 for The Farmer’s Daughter.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving the honorary Oscar he so richly deserved for his career.
Reasons: Bickford didn’t have a nice easy going personality you’d sometimes see in his movies. He was a strong willed and outspoken guy with an independent streak who’d frequently argue and nearly come to blows with some studio executives that he never really graduated to leading man and sometimes got black listed. Then again, he always preferred character roles anyway.
Trivia: Born during the first minute of 1891. Was mauled and nearly killed by a lion while filming East of Java in 1935.

102. Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

While Douglas Fairbanks Jr. manage to transition to sound as a successful leading man and served with distinction during WWII, he would never be as famous as his silent screen icon dad Douglas Fairbanks Sr.

Personal Life: (1909-2000) Born in New York City. Son of silent star Douglas Fairbanks Sr. Parents divorced when he was 9. Lived with his mother in California, Paris, and London. Had his first movie contract for Paramount at 14 and took his career on stage. Was a commissioned officer of the US Navy during WWII and assigned to Lord Mountbatten’s command staff in Burma and served in amphibious units in North Africa and Southern France. Married 3 times with his first wife being Joan Crawford. Was married to second wife Mary Lee Harford for 49 years and had 3 daughters. Retired in 1997. Died of a heart attack at 90.
Famous for: American actor who was able to make the transition from silents to talkies which his dad was unable to do. Appeared in about 100 movies and TV shows. Notable roles are Joe Massara from Little Caesar, Joseph Sheridan from Morning Glory, Grand Duke Peter from The Rise of Catherine the Great, Rodolphe from Mimi, Rupert of Hentzau from The Prisoner of Zenda, Ballantine from Gunga Din, Sinbad from Sinbad, the Sailor, and Dr. John Marlowe from The Great Manhunt.
Nominated for: Fairbanks was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1931 for Little Caesar since that category didn’t exist yet.
Reasons: Despite his success, Fairbanks had big shoes to fill being the son of his iconic silent screen star. And while his career didn’t suffer like his dad’s when the talkies came, he was never able to surpass his father’s fame. Not to mention, he’s also better known for being married to Joan Crawford.
Trivia: Was a stepson of Mary Pickford for 10 years. Was appointed a special envoy to South America by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1941. Retired as Captain in the US Navy Reserve in 1954. For his WWII service, received the United States Navy’s Legion of Merit with bronze V (for valor), the Italian War Cross for Military Valor, the French Légion d’honneur and the Croix de Guerre with Palm, and the British Distinguished Service Cross. Also was awarded the Silver Star and the National Order of the Southern Cross from Brazil. Was awarded the German Federal Cross of Merit for his relief contributions to occupied Germany. Friends with Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir Rex Harrison. Third wife was a QVC merchandiser.

103. Una Merkel

Though she was never a leading lady, Una Merkel was a popular supporting player in a number of films with her Kewpie looks, Southern accent, and wry line delivery. Yet, she nearly lost her life to carbon monoxide poisoning.

Personal Life: (1903-1986) Born in Covington, Kentucky and grew up in Philadelphia and New York City. Began her career as a stand-in for Lillian Gish and made her first film in 1924. Yet, during the 1920s, she spent most of her time on Broadway where she could show her comedic talents more effectively since movies were silent until The Jazz Singer. Married 13 years to Ronald Burla. Mother committed suicide in 1945 and she nearly died from carbon monoxide poisoning that very night, shortly followed by a nervous breakdown. Overdosed on sleeping pills in 1952, though whether she’d tried to take her own life is uncertain. Retired in 1966. Died from an undisclosed illness at 82.
Famous for: American actress known for strong southern accent and wry line delivery. Was often cast as the heroine’s wisecracking best friend and later mothers and maiden aunts. Notable roles are Ann Rutledge from Abraham Lincoln, Sally McBride from Daddy Long Legs, Sally from Red-Headed Woman, Lois Martin from The Secret Witness, Sibyl from Private Lives, Lorraine Fleming from 42nd Street, Mac from Bombshell, Queen from The Merry Widow, Fritzi from Saratoga, Lily Belle from Destry Rides Again, Belinda Watters from Comin’ Around the Mountain, Myrtle Sousè from The Bank Dick, Quimby from The Road to Zanzibar, Rose Dibble from This Is the Army, Betty Johnson from Kill the Umpire, Mary Ann Crabtree from Golden Girl, Sophie Wakefield from The Kentuckian, Verbena from The Parent Trap, Ma Larkin from The Mating Game, Sophie Wakefield from Summer and Smoke, Mrs. Watkins from A Tiger Walks, and Violet Ranley from Spinout.
Nominated for: Merkel was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1961 for Summer and Smoke.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1939 for Destry Rides Again in which she gets into a famous brawl with Marlene Dietrich.
Reasons: Merkel primarily appeared in comedies and was typecast in one role or another during most of her career.
Trivia: Won a Tony Award in 1956.

104. Robert Shaw

Robert Shaw was often cast as villains with his menacing mutter and intimidating demeanor. Of course, while he played a lot of characters in his short life, he’s best known as Quint from Jaws.

Personal Life: (1927-1978) Born in Westhoughton, Lancashire in England. Mother was a nurse while father was a doctor. Moved to Scotland at 7. At 9, his alcoholic dad committed suicide. Went to high school in Cornwall where he taught before attending the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Served on a Royal Air Force air crew at the end of WWII. Made his debut on the West End in 1952 and made his first film in 1951. Married 3 times and had 10 children. Died in Ireland of a heart attack at 51.
Famous for: British actor and novelist. With his menacing mutter and intimidating demeanor, often cast as villains. Notable roles are Grant from From Russia With Love, Squadron Leader Skipper from Battle of Britain, Stanley Webber from The Birthday Party, Henry VIII from A Man for All Seasons, Lord Randolph Churchill from Young Winston, Doyle Lonnegan from The Sting, Quint from Jaws, and the Sheriff of Nottingham from Robin and Marian.
Nominated for: Shaw was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1967 for A Man for All Seasons.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Walter Matthau in 1967 for Best Supporting Actor. Seriously, I’ve never heard of The Fortune Cookie.
Reasons: Playing a Bond villain might’ve ruined his chances. Not to mention, Academy voters weren’t used to seeing a fit and athletic Henry VIII even though the real king would’ve actually been in that shape by then.
Trivia: Wrote novels, plays, and screenplays.

105. Carole Lombard

Carole Lombard was famous for her performances in screwball comedies playing highly neurotic, energetic, and off-beat characters. She’s also remembered for marrying Clark Gable and dying in a plane crash.

Personal Life: (1908-1942) Born Jane Alice Peters in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 1914, parents separated in which her mother took her and her brothers and moved to Los Angeles. Grew up as “a free-spirited tomboy” who participated in sports like tennis, volleyball, and swimming as well as won athletic prizes. Discovered by director Allan Dwan while she was playing baseball with her friends. Made her first film in 1921. Married twice with her husbands being William Powell and Clark Gable. In 1927, she was involved in a car accident that left a scar on her face. Died in a plane crash on Mount Potosi, Nevada while returning from a WWII War Bond Tour at 33.
Famous for: American actress known for her highly neurotic, energetic, and often off-beat roles in screwball comedies in the 1930s and highest paid Hollywood star of the decade. Started out in bit parts and worked up to leading lady. Notable roles are Virginia Hoyt from The Arizona Kid, Connie Randall from No Man of Her Own, Helen Hathaway from Bolero, Lily Garland, aka Mildred Plotka from Twentieth Century, Irene Bullock from My Man Godfrey, Hazel Flagg from Nothing Sacred, Helen Barlett from True Confession, Jane Mason from Made for Each Other, Julie Lee from In Name Only, Ann from Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Maria Tura from To Be or Not To Be.
Nominated for: Lombard was nominated for Best Actress in 1936 for My Man Godfrey.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Luise Rainer in 1936. Seriously, The Great Ziegfeld sucked. Also, Norma Shearer was too old to play Juliet. The other two nominees were from movies I didn’t hear of.
Reasons: Lombard was a comedic actress known for screwball comedies. As good of an actress she was in My Man Godfrey as a crazy spoiled rich girl, the Academy wouldn’t take a sniff at her. Also died in a plane crash at 33.
Trivia: Was considered for Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush. Bought the Encino Ranch with Clark Gable who still owned it at his death. Rose $2 million in war bonds during WWII within a single evening. Had a Liberty ship named after her. Clark Gable made it in his will that he be buried next to her when he died since she was the love of his life.

106. Jean Arthur

While many actresses were seen for their great beauty, Jean Arthur was seen as a romantic lead as a “everyday heroine” particularly in Frank Capra films. She’s also known for her aversion from the public eye and taught Meryl Streep at Vassar.

Personal Life: (1900-1991) Born Gladys Georgianna Greene in Plattsburgh, New York. Father was a photographer and she spent part of her childhood in Maine, New York, and Florida. Dropped out of high school during her junior year. Worked as a stenographer during WWI. Discovered by Fox Studios while doing a modeling job in New York City for a commercial. Married twice. Retired for good in 1975. Died of heart failure at 90.
Famous for: American actress and major film star of the 1930s and 1940s by appearing in films that championed the “everyday heroine.” Called, “the quintessential comedic leading lady.” Started out in shorts and B movies. Notable roles are Janie from The Saturday Night Kid, Sandra Morrison from Whirlpool, Babe Bennett from Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Paula Bradford from The Ex-Mrs. Bradford, Calamity Jane from The Plainsman, Irene Vail from History Is Made at Night, Alice Sycamore from You Can’t Take It With You, Mary Smith from Easy Living, Bonnie Lee from Only Angels Have Wings, Clarissa Saunders from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Phoebe Titus from Arizona, Miss Nora Shelley from The Talk of the Town, Constance “Connie” Milligan from The More the Merrier, Congresswoman Phoebe Frost from A Foreign Affair, and Marian Starrett from Shane.
Nominated for: Arthur was nominated for Best Actress in 1943 for The More the Merrier.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for any of her performances in Frank Capra films.
Reasons: Arthur avoided interviews until she was pressured to do one for a book on Frank Capra during her retirement. She also avoided photographers as well as any kind of publicity. Also was better known as a comedic actress in Frank Capra films as well as the occasional western. Not to mention, she was mostly typecast as a cute secretary for Jimmy Stewart to shag.
Trivia: Taught drama at Vassar College and the North Carolina School of Arts. Was a mentor to Meryl Streep. Took her stage name from 2 childhood heroes: Joan of Arc and King Arthur. First marriage was annulled after one day. Was arrested and jailed for trespassing in North Carolina to console a dog she felt was being mistreated.

107. Irene Dunne

Though Irene Dunne aspired to be an opera singer, she ultimately achieved stardom on Broadway and the movies. However, though I loved her in I Remember Mama, The Awful Truth, and especially Life with Father, I didn’t care much for the soapy Penny Serenade but I think it was the writers’ fault, not hers.

Personal Life: (1898-1990) Born Irene Marie Dunn in Louisville, Kentucky. Father was a steamboat inspector for the United States Government. Mother was a concert pianist and music teacher. At 11, her father died and mother took her and her younger brother to Madison, Indiana. Attended Chicago Musical College on scholarship where she graduated in 1926. Though aspired to be an opera singer, she didn’t pass her audition for the Metropolitan Opera Company. Decided to do musical theater instead and made her Broadway debut in 1922. Made her first film in 1930. Married to dentist Dr. Francis Griffin for 37 years and adopted a daughter. Retired from acting in 1962 and for good in 1985. Died at 91.
Famous for: American actress and singer of the 1930s, 1940s, and early 1950s. Notable roles are Sabra Cravat from Cimarron, Ray Smith from Back Street, Ann Vickers, Countess Ellen Olenska from The Age of Innocence, Helen Hudson from Magnificent Obsession, Magnolia Hawks from Show Boat, Theodora Lynn/Caroline Adams from Theodora Goes Wild, Lucy Warriner from The Awful Truth, Terry Mckay from Love Affair, Ellen Arden from My Favorite Wife, Julie Gardiner Adams from Penny Serenade, Dorinda Durston from A Guy Named Joe, Susan Dunn from The White Cliffs of Dover, Anna Owens from Anna and the King of Siam, Vinnie Day from Life With Father, Martha “Mama” Hanson from I Remember Mama, and Queen Victoria from The Mudlark.
Nominated for: Dunne was nominated for Best Actress 5 times consisting of: 1931 for Cimarron, 1936 for Theodora Goes Wild, 1937 for The Awful Truth, 1939 for Love Affair, and 1948 for I Remember Mama.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Luise Rainier in both 1936 and 1937. Sure she probably wasn’t the best actress that year, but she shouldn’t have lost to an actress who appeared in a terrible movie one year and played an Asian lady the next.
Reasons: Dunne had a tendency to be nominated in very bad years and was burned by the competition.
Trivia: Her and her husband were members of the Knights of Malta. Raised $20 million for St. John’s Roman Catholic Hospital in Santa Monica which had a bust dedicated to her. Was friends with Jimmy Stewart and Loretta Young. Was a trained operatic soprano. Was present at Disneyland’s “Dedication Day” in 1955. Was appointed by Dwight D. Eisenhower as a delegate for the United Nations. Was the first woman on Technicolor’s board of directors. Was a daily communicant.

108. Eleanor Parker

Though most people remember her for her role as the Baroness from The Sound of Music, Eleanor Parker was an actress of notable versatility who was called “the Woman of a Thousand Faces.”

Personal Life: (1922-2013) Born in Cedarville, Ohio and grew up in East Cleveland. Was signed to Warner Brothers at 18 and made her first film in 1942. Married 4 times and had 4 children. Married to fourth husband Raymond N. Hirsch for 35 years. Beverly Hills home burned down in 1951 while she was sick. Died of pneumonia complications at 91.
Famous for: American actress of notable versatility as a leading lady who appeared in some 80 films and TV shows. Called, “Woman of a Thousand Faces.” Notable roles are Emlen Davies from Mission to Moscow, Anne Bergner from Between Two Worlds, Irene Carr from Crime by Night, Kitty Kelly from The Last Ride, Ruth Hartley from Pride of the Marines, Mildred Rogers from Of Human Bondage, Ellen Gayley from Never Say Goodbye, Laurie Fairlie Ann Catherick from The Woman in White, Joan “Jo” Holloway from Chain Lightning, Marie Allen from Caged, Susan Adele Connors Chase from Three Secrets, Christabel “Christy” Sloane from A Millionaire for Christy, Mary McLeod from Detective Story, Lenore from Scaramouche, Lucey Tibbets from Above and Beyond, Joanna Leiningen from The Naked Jungle, Ann Barclay Mercedes from Valley of the Kings, Zosh Machine from The Man with the Golden Arm, Marjorie Lawrence from Interrupted Melody, Carol Carwin from The Seventh Sin, Louise Harris from Panic Button, Esperia Vincenzini from The Tiger and the Pussycat, Baroness Elsa Schrader from The Sound of Music, Aunt Danny from Eye of the Cat, Paula Burgess from Circle of Fear, and Katherine Richardson from Madame X.
Nominated for: Parker was nominated 3 times for Best Actress consisting of: 1950 for Caged, 1951 for Detective Story, and 1955 for Interrupted Melody.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Judy Holliday in the Best Actress race in 1950. Seriously, she should’ve lost to Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, or Gloria Swanson that year.
Reasons: Parker was more or less burned by the competition for 1950s Oscar races had brutal competition.
Trivia: Won the Volpi Cup at the Venice Film Festival for Caged. Converted to Judaism.

109. Gloria Stuart

Gloria Stuart was a 1930s actress who starred in a variety of films before abandoning her film career in the next decade and returning nearly 30 years later. Like her iconic role as Old Rose, she also lived to 100, though she was 87 when she played her.

Personal Life: (1910-2010) Born Gloria Stewart in Santa Monica, California. Father was an attorney and was fatally injured in a car crash when she was 9. Mother remarried a guy named Finch and she attended high school under that name. Was a cub reporter for The Santa Monica Outlook. Majored in philosophy and drama at UC Berkeley. After her first marriage in 1930, she acted at the Theatre of the Golden Bough and worked at The Carmelite Newspaper and waited tables at the tea shop. She also spent her spare time hand sewing aprons, patchwork pillows, and linens as well as created bouquets. Also worked as a night watchman. Made her first film in 1932. Married twice and had a daughter to second husband Arthur Sheekman whom she was married to for 34 years. Retired for good in 2004. Battled breast cancer and lung cancer, the latter which took her life at 100.
Famous for: American actress whose career spanned from 1930s and 1940s to 2004 with a 29 year break. Notable roles are Flora Cranley from The Invisible Man, Princess Sylvia from Roman Scandals, Barbara Kelton from Gift of Gab, Ann Prentiss from Gold Diggers of 1935,
Mrs. Peggy Mudd from The Prisoner of Shark Island, Margaret Allen from Poor Little Rich Girl, Joan Langford from The Girl on the Front Page, Gwen Warren from Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, Queen Anne from The Three Musketeers, Mrs. Horn from My Favorite Year, Old Rose from Titanic, Eleanor from The Love Letter, and Jessica from The Million Dollar Hotel.
Nominated for: Stuart was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1997 for Titanic.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Kim Basinger in 1997. Considering how Basinger’s career went and how amazing Stuart’s life was, it’s kind of disappointing.
Reasons: Well, Stuart probably didn’t have the name recognition Basinger did and was probably burned out by the competition. Also, Basinger played an expy of Lana Turner.
Trivia: Oldest person ever nominated for an Academy Award for Acting at 87 which was the only year when 2 actresses were nominated in different acting categories for playing the same character. Born on the 4th of July. Had a side career as an artist and fine printer. Specialized in bonsai collecting and decoupage. One of the founding members of the Screen Actors Guild and was one of the first Hollywood stars to speak out against the Nazis. Redesigned the interior of her old craftsman style house, including the furniture and landscaping. Celebrated her 100th birthday with James Cameron.

110. Karen Black

Yes, I know this picture is pushing it, but I’ve posted pictures of topless women before mostly in paintings. Yet, Karen Black was busy actress, best known for her work in the 1970s, she also made a lot of horror movies.

Personal Life: (1939-2013) Born Karen Blanche Ziegler to Jewish parents in Park Ridge, Illinois. Father was an engineer and businessman. Made her Broadway debut in 1965 and made her first film in 1960. Married 4 times and had 2 children. Married to fourth husband Stephen Eckelberry for 26 years. Was diagnosed with ampullary cancer at 74.
Famous for: American actress, screenwriter, singer, and songwriter. Notable roles are Karen from Easy Rider, Rayette Dipesto from Five Easy Pieces, Mary Jane Reid – The Monkey from Portnoy’s Complaint, Myrtle Wilson from The Great Gatsby, Nancy Pryor from Airport 1975, Faye Greener from The Day of the Locust, Connie White from Nashville, Fran from Family Plot, Marian Rolf from Burnt Offerings, Judy Drinkwater from Capricorn One, Nehor from Plan 10 from Outer Space, Rose Van Horn from Dogtown, Lucy Romano from Fallen Arches, Mother Firefly from House of 1000 Corpses, Sandra Eleanor from Firecracker, Mrs. Martin from A Single Woman, and Aunt de la Chasse from Repo Chick.
Nominated for: Black was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1970 for Five Easy Pieces.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Helen Hayes in 1970 considering that most people don’t watch Airport as much as Five Easy Pieces. Also that Hayes already had an Oscar by that point.
Reasons: Well, Hayes was a veteran actress by that point while Black was a young upstart. The Academy probably figured she’d have her chance someday. Yet, she’d never get nominated again. Also, did a lot of sci-fi and horror movies after the 1970s.
Trivia: Mother was a writer of several prize-winning children’s novels. Grandfather was first violinist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Was a Scientologist.

Although Roddy McDowall started out as the Huw Morgan from How Green Was My Valley, he also have a successful adult career that would span for decades.

Of course, you might recognize that I tend to feature more men than women in my blog series thus far. Yet, this should come as no surprise since most of the American film industry is dominated by middle aged or older white men, especially at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences which has a 77% count. Not to mention, a lot of the actresses you see in movies don’t really last as long since Hollywood tends to hire them for their looks, which may fade away once they reach a certain age. Some may take fewer roles or just stop acting altogether. Yet, as you see here, there are quite a number of actresses who do make it despite their looks or their age. Now this selection, features an all male lineup mostly because I listed them this way. First, you have Raymond Massey a Canadian actor who played men like Abraham Lincoln, a serial-killer who looks like Boris Karloff, and James Dean’s emotionally abusive dad followed by another Canadian actor by the name of Glenn Ford (I’m surprised by how many actors from Hollywood’s Golden Age are actually from Canada). Second, you have Adolphe Menjou renowned for his fantastic mustache and sharing a name with a particular German dictator. Third, there’s Alan Ladd notable for playing Shane as well as starring with Veronica Lake because they were both short blondes. After that, comes Rex Ingram who was one of the pioneering prolific African American actors due to his strong presence and powerful voice. Then there’s Leslie Howard notable for playing the Gone With the Wind character nobody likes as well as dying during WWII followed by British supporting player Trevor Howard. Next are both actors Roddy McDowall and Mickey Rooney who began their careers as child stars as well as had very successful adult careers. Yet, as Rooney is known for his many trips to the altar, McDowall made none. And last, we have Hollywood leading man Robert Taylor known for his popularity as a leading man as well as his marriage to Barbara Stanwyck. So for your pleasure, here are 10 more actors who’ve never won an Oscar in this classic installment.

91. Raymond Massey

Raymond Massey played a wide range of roles from Abraham Lincoln to Adam Trask and is one of 3 Canadian actors nominated for a Best Actor Oscar (the other 2 being Walter Pidgeon and Ryan Gosling). Also, has a very interesting divorce story that inspired a Hepburn and Tracy comedy.

Personal Life: (1896-1983) Born in Toronto, Ontario in Canada. Mother was American born. Father owned the Massey-Harris Tractor Company. Attended the University of Toronto and eventually graduated from Oxford. Served in the Canadian Army during WWI suffering shellshock and served as an army instructor at Yale. Made his first stage appearance to entertain American troops in Siberia. Yet, was sent home for after being severely wounded in France. After the war he’d join the family business selling farm implements. First appeared on the London stage in 1922. Made his first movie in 1927. Rejoined the Canadian Army in WWII though he was eventually released from service. Became an American citizen after the war. Married 3 times and had 3 children, a son with first wife Margery Fremantle and 2 with second wife Adrienne Allen. Married to third wife Dorothy Whitney for 44 years (who was his divorce lawyer). Retired from acting in 1973. Died of pneumonia at 86.
Famous for: Canadian American actor whose career spanned over 50 years. Notable roles are Citizen Chauvelin from The Scarlet Pimpernel, Philip II of Spain from Fire Over England, Abraham Lincoln from Abe Lincoln of Illinois, John Brown from Santa Fe Trail, Jonathan Brewster from Arsenic and Old Lace, King Cutler from Reap the Wild Wind, Dean Graham from Possessed, Adam Brock from 49th Parallel, Brig. Gen. Ezra Mannon from Mourning Becomes Electra, Gail Wynand from The Fountainhead, Nathan from David and Bathsheba, Sheik Yousseff from The Desert Song, Maj. Gen. Snipes from Battle Cry, Abraham Farlan from A Matter of Life and Death, Gen. Cummings from The Naked and the Dead, Adam Trask from East of Eden, Abbott Donner from The Great Imposter, and the Preacher from Mackenna’s Gold.
Nominated for: Massey was nominated for Best Actor in 1940 for Abe Lincoln of Illinois.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1955 for East of Eden. I mean Adam Trask was a bastard.
Reasons: Acting Oscar races in the 1950s were very brutal competition. Also, his second divorce was the inspiration for Adam’s Rib (which is the best Hollywood divorce story ever).
Trivia: His high profile second divorce was the inspiration for Adam’s Rib in which he and his ex-wife both later married the attorneys who represented them. And did I tell you that the attorneys were married to each other and later got divorced after the Masseys’ trial was over? Brother was the first Canadian born Governor General of Canada. Died the same day as his A Matter of Life and Death co-star David Niven.

92. Adolphe Menjou

Despite his trademark mustache, impeccable fashion sense, French name, and his gentlemanly demeanor, many would be surprised that Adolphe Menjou was born in Pittsburgh and studied engineering.

Personal Life: (1890-1963) Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to a French father and Irish mother. Graduated from Cornell University with a degree in engineering. Made his movie debut in 1916. Served in WWI as a captain in the US Army ambulance service. Married 3 times and had an adopted son with third wife Verree Teasdale to whom he was married for 29 years. Died of hepatitis at 73.
Famous for: American actor whose career spanned silent films and talkies. Famous for his trademark mustache and natty onscreen fashion sense. Notable roles are Dr. Raoul de St. Hubert from The Sheik, Pierre Revel from A Woman of Paris, Walter Burns from The Front Page, Maj. Rinaldi from A Farewell to Arms, Louis Easton from Morning Glory, Sorrowful Jones from Little Miss Marker, Oliver Niles from A Star Is Born, Anthony Powell from Stage Door, Tom Moody from Golden Boy, Billy Flynn from Roxie Hart, Eduardo Acuña from You Were Never Lovelier, Mr. Kimberly from The Hucksters, Jim Conover from State of the Union, Gen. George Broulard from Paths of Glory, and Mr. Pendergast from Pollyanna.
Nominated for: Menjou was nominated for Best Actor in 1931 for The Front Page.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for his 50+ year career and being in Hollywood before than most of the people on this list.
Reasons: Well, it could be some things. For one, it’s understandable for Hollywood not wanting to award a prestigious film prize to a guy named Adolphe after 1933. Not to mention, Menjou was a staunch Republican who equated the Democratic Party with Communism, opposed the New Deal, and cooperated with the House Committee on Un-American Activities. Was also a staunch John Bircher. So I could understand why the Academy didn’t give him an honorary life achievement Oscar.
Trivia: The “Menjou” mustache was named after him. Said his wardrobe contained 2,000 articles, 100 suits, and 15 overcoats alone. Possessed enviable art and coin collections.

93. Alan Ladd

Though best known for his role in Shane, Alan Ladd was a pioneering short actor of his day who appeared in a wide range of genres, making him the Tom Cruise of his day. However, he was never a favorite of the critics and was found dead at his Palm Springs home at 50.

Personal Life: (1913-1964) Born in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Mother was English. Father was an accountant who died when he was 4. Family moved to Oklahoma City soon after where his mother married a house painter. At 5, he was said to set his family apartment on fire while playing with matches. Went to high school in North Hollywood, California. After graduating, he opened his own hamburger and malt shop and worked as a carpenter. Attended the Universal Studios acting school but was dropped for being too blond and too short. So he acted in small theaters and radio. Made his first film in 1932. Married twice and had 3 children (a son to first wife Marjorie Jane Harrold and 2 with second wife Sue Carol). Married to second wife Sue Carol for 22 years. In 1962, he was found unconscious in a pool of blood with a bullet near his heart but survived. Died from a cerebral edema caused by accidental overdose of drugs and alcohol at 44.
Famous for: American actor as well as film and television producer. Successful in noirs and westerns as well as often paired with Veronica Lake (mostly because she was one of the few lead actresses shorter than him). Notable roles are Colin Farrell from Rulers of the Sea, Backwoodsman from The Howards of Virginia, “Baby” from Joan of Paris, Philip Raven from This Gun for Hire, Ed Beaumont from The Glass Key, Johnny Morrison, Lt.Cmdr., ret. From The Blue Dahlia, Jay Gatsby from The Great Gatsby, Al Goddard from Appointment with Danger, Shane, Capt. Joseph C. “Mac” McConnell, Jr. from The McConnell Story, Dr. James Calder from Boy on Dolphin, and Nevada Smith from The Carpetbaggers.
Nominated for: Ladd was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1955 for Shane since it was nominated for 5 other Oscars including Best Picture.
Reasons: Despite being a very popular star, he wasn’t a favorite with the critics. Also, he wasn’t conventional leading man material since he was at least between 5’5″ and 5’9.” Too bad he didn’t live in the age with Tom Cruise, Robert Downey Jr., Mark Wahlberg, Dustin Hoffman, Sylvester Stallone, Daniel Radcliffe, and Johnny Depp. Yeah, short guys have come a long way in Hollywood.
Trivia: Second wife Sue Carol was his agent.

94. Rex Ingram

Though racism prevented him from seeking better roles and winning an Oscar, Rex Ingram managed to make the most of his career with his powerful voice and strong stage presence. And the fact, he managed to be famous in the 1930s that Merle Oberon went to France to see him makes his career even more remarkable.

Personal Life: (1895-1969) Born in Cairo, Illinois. Father was a steamer fireman on the riverboat Robert E. Lee. In 1919, he graduated from Northwestern University medical school and was the first African American man to receive the Phi Beta Kappa key from that school. Went to Hollywood as a young man and made his first film in 1918. Appeared on Broadway in 1929. Married twice. Died of a heart attack at 73.
Famous for: American actor and first African American player to appear in a soap opera as well as had a career spanning 50 years. Easily transitioned to sound because of his strong presence and powerful voice. Notable roles are Adam/De Lawd/Hezdrel from The Green Pastures, Jim from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Djinn from The Thief of Baghdad, Sgt. Major Tambul from Sahara, Tilney from The Talk of the Town, Uncle Felix from God’s Little Acre, and the Black Preacher from Elmer Gantry.
Nominated for: Ingram was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for helping pave ways for African American actors, especially when it came to not playing stereotypical roles in some of his films.
Reasons: Well other than being black, Ingram pled guilty in 1949 for transporting a teenage girl in New York for immoral purposes for which he was sentenced to jail for 18 months. Only served 10 but it had a serious impact on his career for the next 6 years.
Trivia: Was a qualified medical doctor. Invested in a Los Angeles night club which he reopened as a jazz club.

95. Leslie Howard

Despite that we remembering him playing Ashley from Gone With the Wind, Leslie Howard was a big star in Hollywood during the 1930s who specialized in portraying British gentlemen. Of course, he also really hated playing Ashley Wilkes, which isn’t surprising. Was shot down during WWII.

Personal Life: (1893-1943) Born Leslie Howard Steiner in London to a British mother and a Hungarian Jewish father from East Prussia. Family would change their name to Stainer right before WWI. Worked as a bank clerk before enlisting as a subaltern but suffered from shell shock which led to him relinquishing his commission in 1916. Began acting in 1917 on the stage. Married to Ruth Evelyn Martin for 27 years and had 2 children. Yet, he had a reputation as a ladies’ man and was linked to various female stars (but he did have a mistress). Would eventually return to England in order to support his home country during WWII. Died at sea after his plane was shot down by German aircraft at 50.
Famous for: British actor, director, and producer. Normally played British stiff upper lip gentlemen. Best known for playing Ashley Wilkes in Gone With the Wind. Notable roles are Tom Prior from Outward Bound, Tom Collier from The Animal Kingdom, Sir Percy Blakeney from The Scarlet Pimpernel, Philip Carey from Of Human Bondage, Alan Squier from The Petrified Forest, Peter Standish from Berkeley Square, Romeo from Romeo and Juliet, Professor Henry Higgins from Pygmalion, Holger Brandt from Intermezzo, Ashley Wilkes from Gone With the Wind, and Philip Armstrong Scott from 49th Parallel.
Nominated for: Howard was nominated twice for Best Actor in 1933 for Berkeley Square on and in 1938 for Pygmalion.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1939 for Gone With the Wind. Seriously, Howard really didn’t want to take this part in which he said, “I hate the damn part. I’m not nearly beautiful or young enough for Ashley, and it makes me sick being fixed up to look attractive.” Maybe it would’ve been a nice way to vindicate him.
Reasons: Well, I think the Academy probably figured that Howard was to have a long career ahead of him since he was still relatively in his prime when WWII started. Unfortunately, Howard wouldn’t survive.
Trivia: Was friends with Humphrey Bogart who named a daughter after him since he credited him with helping him land his first big acting roles. Founded a short lived film company in London during the 1920s. Left his Beverly Hills home to his mistress. During WWII, he was active in anti-German propaganda and said to be involved with British Allied Intelligence which might’ve lead to his death.

96. Trevor Howard

Though not traditionally handsome, Trevor Howard was one of the most noteworthy British actors quite capable of playing leads and supporting players. However, we aren’t really sure about his war record.

Personal Life: (1913-1988) Born in Cliftonville, Kent in England. Father worked for Lloyd’s of London in Ceylon during part of his childhood. Mother was a nurse. Studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and was on stage for several years until WWII. His wartime service in the Royal Corps of Signals earned him a lot of respect yet was discharged in 1943 for mental instability and “psychopathic personality” (though this is disputed). Made his first film in 1944. Married to Helen Cherry for 44 years. Died of bronchitis, influenza and jaundice at 74.
Famous for: British actor famous for his roles in Brief Encounter and The Third Man but would later play in smaller character roles. Notable roles are Dr. Alec Harvey from Brief Encounter, Lt. David Baynes from I See a Dark Stranger, Maj. Calloway from The Third Man, Captain Thompson from The Cockleshell Heroes, Capt. Chris Ford from The Key, Walter Morel from Sons and Lovers, John Bullit from The Lion, Houghton from Father Goose, Major Eric Fincham from Von Ryan’s Express, Robert Hook from A Matter of Innocence, Lord Cardigan from The Charge of the Light Brigade, Air Vice Marshal Keith Park from Battle of Britain, Father Collins from Ryan’s Daughter, Lord Advocate from Kidnapped, Sir Hector from The Last Remake of Beau Geste, Judge Broomfield from Gandhi, and Captain William Bligh from Mutiny on the Bounty.
Nominated for: Howard was nominated for Best Actor in 1960 for Sons and Lovers.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1949 for The Third Man.
Reasons: Howard was more of a British actor who primarily appeared in British films. Also turned down a knighthood.
Trivia: Was arrested by the Soviets for wearing a British Major’s uniform on the set of The Third Man but was released after it was revealed who he was. Insisted all his contracts include a clause excluding him from work whenever a test match was played.

97. Roddy McDowall

You might not recognize Roddy McDowall in some of his movies, but he had a long and productive movie career since he was a child. Yet, 20th Century Fox really screwed over his chance of being nominated for an Oscar when he played Octavian in Cleopatra.

Personal Life: (1928-1998) Born in London, England. Father was a Royal merchant marine and mother was an Irish-born aspiring actress. First appeared as a baby model. Appeared in a lot of films as a boy starting at 9. Achieved a lot of success as a child actor and go on to adult roles. Family moved to the US in 1940 to escape WWII and became a US citizen in 1949. Never married and some suspected him as gay, though there’s nothing to prove that. Died of lung cancer at 70.
Famous for: British American actor, director, photographer, and voice artist. Began his long career acting as a child in England and most frequently appeared as a character actor while an adult. Notable roles are Huw from How Green Was My Valley, Ken McLaughlin from My Friend Flicka, Joe Carraclough from Lassie Come Home, Malcolm from Macbeth, Malcolm Stanley from Midnight Lace, Octavian from Cleopatra, Walter Bains from Inside Daisy Clover, Alan ‘Mollymauk’ Musgrave from Lord Love a Duck, Arthur Pimm from It!, Cornelius from Planet of the Apes, Wister from Midas Run, Mr. Jelk from Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Acres from The Poseidon Adventure, and Mr. Soil from A Bug’s Life.
Nominated for: McDowall was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1963 for Cleopatra mainly because a clerical error at 20th Century Fox which led his name being submitted for Best Actor instead. And this was probably the closest time he had to an Oscar nomination. Should’ve also received an honorary Oscar for his efforts in movie preservation as well.
Reasons: Well, it might have to do that he was subject to a 1974 raid on his home by the FBI for copyright infringement and piracy. It was a collection that consisted of 160 16mm prints and 1,600 cassettes before the era of commercial video tapes. Of course, he did purchase Errol Flynn’s home movie films and his directorial debut of Tam-Lin which he used video tapes for longer lasting archival footage. No charges were filed. Yet, the Academy has its archive named after him. As for earlier, well, he started out as child actor appearing in Lassie films.
Trivia: Was friends with Elizabeth Taylor. Was on the Board of Governors for Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and the Selection Committee for the Kennedy Center Honors. Released 5 books on photograph and took pictures for various magazines.

98. Robert Taylor

From the 1930s to the 1950s, Robert Taylor was one of the most popular leading men of his time. In 1941, he was called “The Man with the Perfect Profile.” Not bad for a guy from Nebraska born with the very unsexy name of Spangler Arlington Brugh.

Personal Life: (1911-1969) Born Spangler Arlington Brugh in Filley, Nebraska. Father was a farmer turned doctor. Grew up in Beatrice where his family moved when he was 8. Enrolled in Donne College but transferred to Pomona in Los Angeles when he heard his cello teacher was moving there. Spotted by an MGM talent scout and made his first film in 1934. During WWII, he served as a flight instructor for the US Navy Air Corps. Married twice with his first wife being Barbara Stanwyck and had 2 children to second wife Ursula Thiess. Smoke 3 packs of cigarettes a day since he was a boy. Died of lung cancer at 57.
Famous for: American actor who was one of the most popular men of his time. Notable roles are Armand Duval from Camille, Lee Sheridan from A Yank at Oxford, William “Bill” Carey from Lady of the Tropics, Roy Cronin from Waterloo Bridge, Billy the Kid, Terry Trindale from Her Cardboard Lover, Sergeant Bill Dane from Bataan, Dr. Robert Merrick from Magnificent Obsession, Johnny Eager, Alan Garroway from Undercurrent, Major Michael Curragh from Conspirator, Marcus Vinicius from Quo Vadis, Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe from Ivanhoe, Lancelot from Knights of the Round Table, and Barry Morland from The Night Walker.
Nominated for: Taylor was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1940 for Waterloo Bridge in which he plays a loveable but totally clueless romantic lead.Then again, he played this role a lot but it really stands out for me in Waterloo Bridge.
Reasons: Well, Taylor was more or less considered a pretty boy or matinee idol type guy who was taken as serious credo by critics and prestigious awards organizations. In fact, he was more or less valued by his looks and professionalism than talent. However, this isn’t helped at all by the fact he “outed” actors Howard DaSilva and Karen Morley as well as screenwriter Lester Cole as Communists during his testimony to the House Committee on Un-American Activities. Though DaSilva would eventually work again on stage, Morley and Cole’s careers were basically ruined.
Trivia: Hobbies included flying on his twin breach “Missy” on hunting and fishing trips and skeet. Had a 34 room home at Mandeville Canyon on 112 acres now called The Robert Taylor Ranch. Ronald Reagan delivered the eulogy at his funeral. Made 17 US Navy training films during WWII.

99. Mickey Rooney

Now Mickey Rooney’s career spanned 88 years as well as consisted of 4 Oscar nominations and appearing in over 300 films. Yet, most would remember him for his legendary 8 marriages when you mention him.

Personal Life: (1920-2014) Born Joseph Yule Jr. in Brooklyn, New York City. Parents were vaudevillians. May have made his stage debut during infancy. Parents split at 4. Started appearing in movies at 6. Was drafted into the US Army in 1944 and spent 21 months until after WWII. Famous for being married 8 times with Ava Gardner as his first wife (though he was only divorced 6 since his fifth wife Barbara Ann Thomason was murdered and he was still technically married to his eighth wife when he died). Had 9 children and was married to eighth wife Jan Chamberlain for 37 years (though they separated in 2012 and were estranged in 2009). Was addicted to sleeping pills and gambling which he only overcame in the 2000s as well as struggled with alcoholism. Filed for bankruptcy in 1962 due to financial mismanagement. Last years were filled with alleging family members of elder abuse and trying to disinherit all but one of his children and his estranged wife. Was arrested for beating his wife Jan in 1997 but no charges were filed. Died in his sleep at 93 while family members squabbled over his affairs as well as owing medical bills and back taxes.
Famous for: American actor, whose career spanned 9 decades until shortly before his death. Appeared in more than 300 films and was one of the last surviving stars of the silent era with one of the longest careers in movie history. Could sing, dance, clown, play various musical instruments, and was a celebrated character actor later in his career. Made 43 films between 15 and 25 at the height of his career. Notable roles are Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Andy Hardy from the eponymous film series, Tommy from Ah, Wilderness, Whitey Marsh from Boys Town, Dan from Captains Courageous, Huckleberry Finn from The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Jimmy Connors from Strike Up the Band, Homer Macauley from The Human Comedy, Mickey Moran from Babes in Arms, Danny Churchill Jr. from Girl Crazy, Mi Taylor from National Velvet, Mike Forney from The Bridges of Tokyo-Ri, Dooley from The Bold and the Brave, Baby Face Nelson, Mr. Yunioshi from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Army from Requiem for a Heavyweight, Ding Bell from It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, George ‘Blue Chips’ Packard from Skidoo, Henry Dailey from The Black Stallion, Adult Tod from The Fox and the Hound, Gus from The Night at the Museum series, and Elderly Smalltown Resident from The Muppets.
Nominated for: Rooney was nominated 4 times, twice for Best Actor and twice for Best Supporting Actor consisting in 1939 for Babes in Arms, 1943 for The Human Comedy, 1956 for The Bold and the Brave, and 1980 for The Black Stallion.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Paul Lukas in 1943. Nobody watches Watch on the Rhine nowadays. Still, even if Rooney didn’t win for The Human Comedy, he should’ve at least lost to Humphrey Bogart, who should’ve won for Casablanca for God’s sake.
Reasons: Well, it’s easier to explain the first two times because Rooney wasn’t even 30. Yet, I do think his lifestyle and being infamously known as a train wreck by the 1970s. Not to mention by the end of WWII, he would never have the same success again since he was too old to play teenagers and too short to play leading men. Also had a fling with Norma Shearer at 18 (after her husband Irving Thallberg died).
Trivia: During WWII, he helped entertain the troops in America and Europe, spent part time as a radio personality on the American Forces Network, and was awarded the Bronze Star for entertaining the troops in combat zones as well as the Army Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. Received 2 honorary Oscars. Loved golf and ponies. Was friends with Judy Garland. Has 4 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Was a pallbearer at Errol Flynn’s funeral.

100. Glenn Ford

Glenn Ford wasn’t a handsome leading man by any means yet he specialized in playing regular guys in unusual circumstances which jived with the post-war film noir scene perfectly. He also played Superman’s adoptive father Jonathan Kent.

Personal Life: (1916-2006) Born Gwyllyn Samuel Newton Ford in Quebec City, Canada. Father was a railway conductor and later executive. Moved to Santa Monica, California at 8. Became US citizen in 1939 around the time he started acting in Hollywood. In 1942, volunteered for the US Marine Corps Reserve, rose to sergeant, and was discharged for an ulcer in 1944. Later joined the US Naval Reserve where he rose to the rank of Captain and would go to Vietnam in 1967 before retiring in the 1970s. Retired from acting in 1991. Married 4 times and had a son to first wife Eleanor Powell. Died at 90 after a series of strokes.
Famous for: Canadian-American actor from Hollywood’s Golden Era with a career that spanned over 50 years. Best known for playing ordinary men in unusual circumstances. Notable roles are Johnny Adams from Men Without Souls, Johnny Farrell from Gilda, John L. Montgomery from Gallant Journey, Mike Lambert from Framed, Col. Owen Devereaux from The Man from Colorado, Don Jose from The Loves of Carmen, Prof. Bentley ‘Bass’ Bassett Jr. from The Return of October, Joe Miracle from Mr. Soft Touch, Dr. Michael Corday from The Doctor and the Girl, Joe Hufford from Convicted, Ben Hogan from Follow the Sun, Jim Canfield from The Secret of Convict Lake, Det. Sgt. Dave Bannion from The Big Heat, Jeff Warren from Human Desire, Richard Dadier from Blackboard Jungle, Capt. Fisby from The Teahouse of the August Moon, Ben Wade from 3:10 to Yuma, Dave the Dude from Pocketful of Miracles, Lt. Gen. Omar N. Bradley from Is Paris Burning?, Marshal Dan Blaine from The Last Challenge, Rear Adm. Raymond A. Spruance from Midway, and Pa Kent from Superman.
Nominated for: Ford was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1957 for 3:10 to Yuma. Even if he’s flatter than the Russell Crowe portrayal, you still can’t help but like his Ben Wade.
Reasons: Despite being a versatile actor, Ford mainly acted in noir and westerns during the good part of his career.
Trivia: Great-nephew of Canada’s first prime minister John Macdonald. Worked for Will Rogers who taught him horsemanship. Regularly worked on plumbing, wiring, and air conditioning at home. Also worked as a roofer and installer of plate-glass windows. For his service in Vietnam received the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Rifle Marksman Badge, and the US Marine Corps Reserve Medal. Was one of the highest ranking stars in the military after Jimmy Stewart. Illegally raised 140 leghorn chickens at his Beverly Hills farm before being stopped by police.

We mostly remember Boris Karloff for his portrayal of Frankenstein during the 1930s. Yet, his distinctive build made him well suited for a career in horror movies. However, despite playing monsters, he was a sweet man who liked children.

While it has produced classics and legends in its own right, the horror genre rarely gains any prestige and respect its counterparts receive. Of course, this might have to do with how many horror movies become classics after they’ve been around for awhile and they may not always be that scary by then. Not to mention, many horror movies tend to have value for their flaws or humorous scenes like The Invisible Man or the monk scene from Bride of Frankenstein that was soon parodied by Mel Brooks. In this selection, you’ll see an assortment of 10 more Hollywood and international stars that you may or may not have seen. First, we have swash buckling legend and Sherlock Holmes portrayer Basil Rathbone followed by legendary leading man Tyrone Power who usually beat him on screen since Rathbone was usually the bad guy. Second, we have Paulette Goddard who’s best known for her involvement with Charlie Chaplin as well as her former husband and Rocky’s trainer Burgess Meredith. Then come Robert Ryan and Anthony Perkins, who were both handsome guys identified with playing villains. Of course, we always tend to identify Perkins as Norman Bates. After that is John Garfield who was once a promising leading man before becoming a casualty of McCarthyism. Next is British New Wave and Manchurian Candidate assassin Laurence Harvey followed by horror movie legend Boris Karloff. Finally, we conclude with a man who’ve baby boomers identify as Maverick and millennials have remembered as Old Ryan Gosling from The Notebook, James Garner. So without further adieu, here are 10 more screen legend who never got to see a competitive  Academy Award in their careers.

81. Burgess Meredith

Though best identified with the Rocky movies by later generations, Burgess Meredith’s career roles consisted of a lot more than just Rocky’s trainer or the Penguin as far as my mom’s concerned. He was also married to Paulette Goddard by the way.

Personal Life: (1907-1997) Born in Cleveland, Ohio. Father was a Canadian-born physician. Attended Amherst College and served in the Army Air Forces during WWII where he rose to the rank of Captain. Theater debut in 1929. Made his first movie in 1939. Married 4 times with Paulette Goddard as his 3rd wife. Married for 46 years to his 4th wife Kaja Sundsten and had 2 children with her. Died from complications from Alzheimer’s and melanoma at 89.
Famous for: American actor whose career spanned for over 60 years. Called “a virtuosic actor” and “one of the most accomplished actors of the century.” Notable roles are George Milton from Of Mice and Men, Sebastian from That Uncertain Feeling, Ernie Pyle from Story of G. I. Joe, Quillary from Idiot’s Delight, Herbert Gelman from Advise & Consent, Doc Scully from A Big Hand for the Little Lady, the Storekeeper from MacKenna’s Gold, Harry Greener from The Day of the Locust, Mickey from Rocky, Charles Chazen from The Sentinel, and Ammon from Clash of the Titans.
Nominated for: Meredith was nominated twice for Best Supporting Actor in 1975 for The Day of the Locust and 1976 for Rocky.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar he so richly deserved.
Reasons: Probably the fact he’s been best known as Rocky’s trainer and the Penguin might’ve had something to do with not winning the Oscar. Also was better known in the theater scene.
Trivia: Played the Penguin on Batman during the 1960s. Adam West spoke at his funeral. Lifetime member of the Actors Studio. Won several Emmys.

82. Paulette Goddard

Though Paulette Goddard was a highly accomplished actress in her own right who was nominated for an Academy Award, she’s mostly identified with her 2 movies and real life relationship with Charlie Chaplin (even though it’s unclear whether the two were even married).

Personal Life: (1910-1990) Born Pauline Goddard Levy in New York City (a lot of the details on her life is disputed due to her family dysfunction). Father was son of a Jewish cigar manufacturer. Parents separated when she was very young and divorced in 1926. Father either left the family or mother absconded with her. Yet, in either case she and her mother moved often during her childhood to avoid a custody battle (very possible in those days). Worked at Saks Fifth Avenue and Hattie Carnegie as a child model. Introduced to Florenz Ziegfeld by her great-uncle and made her stage debut in 1926 as a Ziegfeld Follie where she first used her stage name. Made her first film in 1929. Married 3 or 4 times (depending on whether you count Chaplin as her second husband) with second/third marriage to Burgess Meredith and third/fourth marriage to author Eric Maria Remarque. Moved to Switzerland during her marriage to Remarque. Retired in 1972. Was successfully treated for breast cancer in her later years. Died of heart failure and emphysema in Switzerland at 79.
Famous for: American actress and major star at Paramount during the 1940s. Started in Hollywood as an extra and rose through the ranks. Notable roles are Ellen Peterson – A Gamine from Modern Times, Leslie Saunders from The Young at Heart, Nana from Dramatic School, Mimi Aarons from The Women, Hannah from The Great Dictator, Molly McCorkle from Pot o’ Gold, Anita Dixon from Hold Back the Dawn, Loxi Claiborne from Reap the Wild Wind, Lt. Joan O’Doul from So Proudly We Hail!, Kitty, Celestine from The Diary of a Chambermaid, Abigail “Abby” Martha Hale from Unconquered, Mrs. Laura Cheveley from An Ideal Husband, Anna Lucasta, Jezebel from Sins of Jezebel, Angie from A Stranger Came Home, and Mariagrazia from Time of Indifference.
Nominated for: Goddard was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1943 for So Proudly We Hail!
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in 1945 for Kitty.
Reasons: No matter how talented Goddard was in her own right, she’s mostly known today for her relationship with Charlie Chaplin and is usually considered his third wife, despite that there was no record of them ever being married (but they did live together). And in the 1940s and 1950s, Chaplin was starting to come under intense scrutiny for his left wing political views from the US government. Also, she got into an ugly legal battle with her father.
Trivia: Since her parents’ separation as a young child, she would never see her father again until she became famous in the 1930s (but unlike John Lennon’s situation, this didn’t end happily with her father suing for libel, defamation, and support. She was forced to pay her dad $35 a week. She also claimed he wasn’t her biological father). Would live in the same neighborhood with Charlie Chaplin in her later years. Was considered for the role of Scarlett O’Hara. Was friends with Andy Warhol. In the 1980s, she was a socialite who appeared covered in jewels at many high cultural functions with several well-known men. Contributed millions to New York University despite having a high school education. Formed Monterey Pictures with John Steinbeck in 1949.

83. Basil Rathbone

Basil Rathbone was a highly accomplished fencer yet he usually lost his onscreen sword battles mostly because he was cast as an evil aristocrat. Yet, off-screen, he’d clean the clock of just anyone in Hollywood. Was distantly related to a man who witness the Lincoln assassination.

Personal Life: (1892-1967) Born in Johannesburg, South Africa to English parents. Mother was a violinist while father was a mining engineer. Family fled to the UK when he was 3 years old because his father was accused by the Boers for being a spy after the Jameson Raid during the Boer Wars. Worked for Liverpool and Globe Insurance Companies. Stage debut in 1911. Served in the London Scottish Regiment during WWI as an intelligence officer and rose to the rank of captain. Film career began in 1925. Married twice and had 2 children including a son to his first wife Marion Foreman and an adopted daughter to second wife Ouida Bergere. Married to second wife Ouida Bergere for 45 years who was also his manager. Died of a heart attack in New York City at 75.
Famous for: South African-born British actor who rose to prominence in the UK as a Shakespearean stage actor and went on to appear in over 70 films, primarily swashbucklers and costume dramas. Frequently played suave villains or morally ambiguous characters. Admired for his athletic cinema swordsmanship even though he usually had to lose most of his onscreen duels, especially to Errol Flynn. Notable roles are Karenin from Anna Karenina, Pontius Pilate from The Last Days of Pompeii, Levasseur from Captain Blood, Marquis St. Evremonde from A Tale of Two Cities, Tybalt from Romeo and Juliet, Count Ferdinand Anteoni from The Garden of Allah, Sir Guy of Gisbourne from The Adventures of Robin Hood, Baron Wolf von Frankenstein from Son of Frankenstein, Sherlock Holmes from the Sherlock Holmes series, Captain Esteban Pasquale from The Mark of Zorro, King Louis XI from If I Were King, Sir Ravenhurst from The Court Jester, and John F. Black, Esq. from The Comedy of Terrors.
Nominated for: Rathbone was nominated twice for Best Supporting Actor in 1937 for Romeo and Juliet and in 1939 for If I Were King.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for his long career of having to lose all those swordfights to Errol Flynn and if not, then Tyrone Power.
Reasons: Rathbone normally played bad guys in swashbucklers and sometimes horror films. Also got typecast as Sherlock Holmes. Oscar wise he was more or less burned by the competition, especially against Joseph Schildkraut who very closely resembled the real Captain Alfred Dreyfus and that The Life of Emile Zola is still an excellent film.
Trivia: Distant cousin of Major Henry Rathbone who witnessed the Lincoln assassination at Ford’s Theater as well as seriously wounded while trying to stop John Wilkes Booth. Awarded the Military Cross for his day time scouting actions and conduct under the especially dangerous raids. Said his favorite role was that of Romeo and would rather have been remembered for his stage career. He and Ouida used to hold extravagant parties at their house. Listed fencing as one of his favorite recreations. Had a cousin who was a British MP. Won a Tony for Best Actor in a Play in 1948.

84. Robert Ryan

Despite his good looks, Robert Ryan is mostly identified with playing hardened cops and ruthless villains in his movies. Still, when you look at his performances it’s a wonder he’s not remembered more than some of his peers.

Personal Life: (1909-1973) Born in Chicago, Illinois. Graduated from Dartmouth College in 1932 after winning the school’s heavyweight championship 4 years in a row. Worked as a ship stoker, a WPA worker, and a Montana ranch hand. Wanted to be a playwright but was forced into acting to support himself. Studied acting in Hollywood and began his stage and film career in the early 1940s. Enlisted in the Marine Corps during WWII and served as a drill instructor. Married to Jessica Cadawalader for 33 years and had 2 sons. Died of lung cancer in New York City at 63.
Famous for: American actor who often played hardened cops and ruthless villains. Notable roles are Montgomery from Crossfire, Jim Wilson from On Dangerous Ground, Stoker from The Set-Up, Ben Vandergroat from The Naked Spur, Sandy Dawson from The House of Bamboo, Reno Smith from Bad Day at Black Rock, Earle Slater from Once Again Tomorrow, Col. Everett Dasher Breed from The Dirty Dozen, Deke Thornton from The Wild Bunch, and Larry Slade from The Iceman Cometh.
Nominated for: Ryan was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1947 for Crossfire.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1955 for Bad Day at Black Rock. As a villain, this is Ryan playing perhaps one of his most despicable characters who covers up a very ugly hate crime in this small Western town.
Reasons: Contrary to some of his roles, Ryan was a pacifist who opposed McCarthyism and fought against racial discrimination during the Civil Rights Movement. He was also against nuclear weapons. His wife was a Quaker who held similar views. Not to mention, the Hollywood establishment wasn’t too keen on awarding Oscars to guys known for playing incredibly realistic and ruthless villains like Ryan had.
Trivia: Took up painting as a hobby. Sublet an apartment for John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Helped open a progressive school for his kids in his backyard called Oakwood.

85. Anthony Perkins

Though Anthony Perkins was groomed as a potential romantic lead in his early films, he’s best remembered for playing the psyhcotic Norman Bates in Psycho. His private life was marked by struggles with his sexual identity.

Personal Life: (1932-1992) Born in New York City. Son of actor Osgood Perkins who died when he was 5. Attended Columbia University and Rollins College. Made his film debut in 1953. Married photographer Berinthia “Berry” Berenson and had 2 sons. Died of AIDS related pneumonia at 60.
Famous for: American actor and singer. Best known for playing Norman Bates in Psycho. Notable roles are Fred Whitmarsh from The Actress, Josh Birdwell from Friendly Persuasion, Cornelius Hackl from The Matchmaker, Abel from Green Mansions, Lt. Peter Holmes from On the Beach, Philip Van der Besh from Goodbye Again, Joseph K from The Trial, Sgt. Warren from Is Paris Burning?, Chaplain Capt. A.T. Tappman from Catch-22, Reverend LaSalle from The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, and McQueen from Murder on the Orient Express.
Nominated for: Perkins was nominated once for Best Supporting Actor in 1956 for Friendly Persuasion.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1960 for Psycho. Seriously, Norman Bates is perhaps one of the scariest villains in movie history and should’ve at least gotten that.
Reasons: It was well-known in Hollywood that Perkins may have been at least bisexual (if not, then gay) and was linked to having relationships with Tab Hunter, Rudolf Nureyev, and Stephen Sondheim. He went through gay conversion therapy to overcome this (but was never really successful). He also died of AIDS in the 1990s which was leaked through The National Enquirer. Not to mention, suffered from typecasting after Psycho.
Trivia: Descendent of Mayflower passenger John Howland. Paternal great grandson of wood engraver Andrew Varick Stout Anthony. Lifetime member of The Actors Studio. Recorded 3 pop music albums. Co-wrote The Last of Sheila with Stephen Sondheim. Hosted Saturday Night Live in 1976. Wife died on 9/11.

86. Laurence Harvey

Laurence Harvey is best known for his role as a brainwashed mommy’s little assassin in The Manchurian Candidate, his career would decline in the 1960s due to his terrible personality.

Personal Life: (1928-1973) Born Zvi Mosheh Skikne in Joniškis, Lithuania to a Jewish family. At 5, family immigrated to South Africa and he grew up in Johannesburg as Harry Skikne. Served in an entertainment unit in his teens during WWII for the South African Army. Moved to London after the war and attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and changed his name to “Laurence Harvey” when he started performing on stage. Made film debut in 1948. Married 3 times and had a daughter to third wife Paulene Stone. Was a heavy smoker and drinker. Died of stomach cancer at 45.
Famous for: Lithuanian, South African, and British actor whose career spanned a quarter century. Most famous for playing social climbers in movies from the 1960s. Notable roles are Christopher Isherwood from I Am a Camera, Sir Humphrey Tavistock from The Truth About Women, Joe Lampton from Room at the Top, William Barret Travis from The Alamo, Weston Ligget Butterfield 8, Raymond Shaw from The Manchurian Candidate, John Buchanan, Jr. from Summer and Smoke, Phillip Carey from Of Human Bondage, Miles Brand from Darling, Hamlet from The Magic Christian, and Jason Henry from Welcome to Arrow Beach.
Nominated for: Harvey was nominated for Best Actor in 1959 for Room at the Top.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1962 for The Manchurian Candidate. Seriously, it’s not easy to play a man who’s being brainwashed into a Communist assassin by Angela Lansbury.
Reasons: Well, despite being married 3 times and having a few affairs, he was rumored to being bisexual and might’ve had a long term non-platonic relationship with his agent. Frank Sinatra’s valet said he made passes at him and Sinatra was alleged to call him, “Ladyboy.” Not to mention, he’d often clash with his co-workers and terrible public comments to the press, which might’ve been a bigger reason. Also was mostly seen as a British actor and his career went downhill in the last decade of his life as well as died young.
Trivia: Daughter was a model and bounty hunter. Friends with Frank Sinatra.

87. James Garner

Though known for his good looks and disarming charm on TV and film, James Garner had a rather difficult childhood to overcome before he achieved his big break as the loveable anti-hero Maverick.

Personal Life: (1928-2014) Born James Scott Bumgarner in Norman, Oklahoma. At 5, his mother died and he was sent to live with relatives until his father remarried. Yet, his stepmother was physically abusive but luckily she left when he was 14. After that, his family moved to Los Angeles. At 16, he became a Merchant Marine near the end of WWII but suffered from chronic seasickness. Became a swimsuit model at 17 for Jantzen. Was a high school dropout. Spent 7 months in the National Guard and served as regular Army in Korea for 14. Was wounded by shrapnel in the face and hand as well as shot in the ass from friendly fire. Acting career began in 1954 on Broadway and made his first film in 1956. Would later drop the “Bum” from his name legally. Married to Lois Josephine Fleischman Clarke for 57 years (though they were separated for 2 years but reconciled) and had 2 daughters (one being an adopted stepdaughter). Had chronic knee problems during the 1970s. Had quintuple bypass surgery in 1988. Suffered a stroke in 2008. Died of a myocardial infraction at 86.
Famous for: American actor, voice artist, and comedian. Had a career of more than 5 decades starring in Maverick and The Rockford Files as well as acted in 50 films. Notable roles are Capt. Mike Bailey, USMC from Sayonara, Dr. Joe Cardin from The Children’s Hour, Hendley “The Scrounger” from The Great Escape, Dr. Gerald Boyer from The Thrill of It All, Lt. Cmdr. Charles Edward Madison from The Americanization of Emily, Nick Arden from Move Over, Darling, Casey Barnett from The Art of Love, Jess Remsberg from Duel at Diablo, Pete Aron from Grand Prix, Wyatt Earp from Hour of the Gun, Jason McCullough Support Your Local Sheriff, King Marchand from Victor Victoria, President Matt Douglas from My Fellow Americans, Tank Sullivan from Space Cowboys, Murphy Jones from Murphy’s Romance, and Old Noah Calhoun “Duke” from The Notebook.
Nominated for: Garner was nominated for Best Actor in 1985 for Muphy’s Romance.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1964 for The Americanization of Emily.
Reasons: Mostly because Garner usually acted in comedies and westerns which really weren’t considered in the realm of serious acting. Not to mention, television was considered a lower form of art until relatively recent times.
Trivia: Was part Cherokee descent. Played Bret Maverick in Maverick and Jim Rockford from The Rockford Files. Received two Purple Hearts. Married his wife after knowing her for 2 weeks (but at least it worked out, mostly). Owned an auto racing team between 1967 and 1969. Was an avid golfer. Joined Martin Luther King Jr. in “The March on Washington” and sat in the third row during King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. Was a big Oakland Raiders fan.

88. John Garfield

John Garfield was once a promising young actor known to play brooding, rebellious, working class characters. Yet, he made the unfortunate mistake of marrying a former Communist that resulted in him being blacklisted during McCarthyism, which cost his career.

Personal Life: (1913-1952) Born Jacob Julius Garfinkle in Manhattan’s Lower East Side in New York City. Parents were Jewish Russian immigrants. Father was a clothes presser and part-time cantor. At 7, his mother died 2 years after experiencing a difficult pregnancy with his younger brother, Max. After that, he and his brother were sent to live with various relatives, all poor until his father remarried. In the Bronx he joined a series of gangs and soon became a gang leader. Was introduced to acting after being sent to a school for difficult children and took speech therapy to overcome his stammer. Studied acting at the American Laboratory Theater and would later to the New York Theater and the Group Theater while he began his Broadway career in 1932. Moved to Hollywood in 1937 and signed with Warner Bros. as John Garfield. Tried to enlist in the armed forces during WWII but was turned down for a heart condition. Married childhood sweetheart Roberta Seidman and had 3 children. Was in the process of divorcing her when he died. Died of coronary thrombosis in New York at 39 and was found in a showgirl’s apartment.
Famous for: American actor adept at playing brooding, rebellious, working-class characters. Acknowledged as the predecessor for the Method actors such as Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, and James Dean. Notable roles are Mickey Borden from Four Daughters, Johnnie from They Made Me a Criminal, Porfirio Diaz from Juarez, Gabriel Lopez Daughters Courageous, Rims Rosson from Saturday’s Children, Joseph Enrico ‘Joe’ Lorenzo from East of the River, Danny from Tortilla Flat, Wolf from Destination Tokyo, Al Schmid from Pride of the Marines, Frank Chambers from The Postman Always Rings Twice, Paul Boray from Humoresque, Charley Davis from Body and Soul, Dave Goldman from Gentlemen’s Agreement, and Harry Morgan from The Breaking Point.
Nominated for: Garfield was nominated twice, once for Best Supporting Actor and once for Best Actor in 1938 for Four Daughters and in 1947 for Body and Soul.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1946 for The Postman Always Rings Twice.
Reasons: Well, Garfield was a longtime liberal married to a former Communist which got him in a lot of trouble after WWII with the Red Scare. Though he denied Communist affiliation during his testimony at the House Committee on Un-American Activities, his refusal to name names effectively ended his career (and the stress from it all might’ve actually killed him). He’s one of the most famous blacklisted Hollywood actors.
Trivia: He and Bette Davis were driving forces behind opening the Hollywood Canteen for American servicemen during WWII and traveled overseas to entertain the troops. Funeral was largest in New York since Rudolph Valentino’s.

89. Boris Karloff

Though Boris Karloff is best known for his career in horror movies, particularly playing villains, he also did a lot of audio recordings particularly with children’s stories and horror anthologies respectively.

Personal Life: (1887-1969) Born William Henry Pratt in London, England but grew up in Enfield. Father worked for the Indian Salt Revenue Service but abandoned the family and died when he was a baby. Lost his mother as a child as well and was raised by his older siblings. Was bow legged, had a lisp, and stuttered as a young boy (yet well he conquered the stutter, he didn’t overcome the lisp, which was noticeable all throughout his career. But he still had a very nice voice.). Attended London’s King’s College but dropped out. Worked as a farm laborer and did various odd jobs before getting into acting. In 1909, he traveled to Canada and changed his professional name to “Boris Karloff” which he might’ve done to conceal himself as the “black sheep” of the family for going into show biz (yet his family was incredibly supportive). Also worked as railway package handler for a time. Because of his manual labor jobs, he suffered back problems for the rest of his life and didn’t fight in WWI. Made his first Hollywood film in 1919. Never became a naturalized citizen or legally changed his name. Married 5 times and had a daughter to fourth wife Dorothy Stine. Married to Evelyn Hope Helmore for 23 years. Battled emphysema and arthritis for years. Died of pneumonia at his Bramshott, England cottage at 81.
Famous for: British actor best remembered for his roles in horror films especially as Frankenstein’s monster, resulting in immense popularity and international fame. Notable roles are the Monster from the first 3 Frankenstein films, Gaffney from Scarface, Dr. Fu Manchu from The Mask of Fu Manchu, Imhotep/Ardath Bey from The Mummy, Count Ledrantz from The House of Rothschild, Hjalmar Poelzig from The Black Cat, Edmond Bateman from The Raven, Mord the Executioner from Tower of London, Dr. Gustav Niemann from House of Frankenstein, Dr. Hugo Hollingshead from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, John Gray from The Body Snatcher, and Byron Orlok from Targets.
Nominated for: Karloff was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for his acting career. Seriously, he really deserved it.
Reasons: Horror movie actors no matter how great never get prestigious acting prizes in Hollywood. Even if they are Boris Karloff.
Trivia: Was part East Indian on his father’s side as well as was the great nephew of Anna Leonowens (whose tales about life in the royal court of Siam [now Thailand] were the basis of the musical The King and I). Did voice work for Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas cartoon and won a Grammy for the album. Brother was a distinguished diplomat. Witnessed a devastating tornado in Saskatchewan in 1912 and assisted with cleanup efforts. Did a lot of spoken word recordings for children’s books and horror anthologies. Despite his roles, he was a very kind gentleman who gave generously, especially to children’s charities. Would dress up as Father Christmas to hand out presents for disabled children in a Baltimore hospital every Christmas. Charter member of the Screen Actors Guild and was outspoken on the conditions actors had to deal with. Rushed to the hospital in full makeup during the filming of Son of Frankenstein when his daughter was born. Appeared on Broadway as Jonathan Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace, which was a tailor made role for him (as a self-referential joke). His portrayal as Frankenstein’s monster was the artistic inspiration for the Incredible Hulk. Shared a birthday with his daughter.

90. Tyrone Power

Born in a showbiz family that spanned generations, Tyrone Power appeared in dozens of films in the 1930s to the 1950s as a matinee idol appearing from romance and swashbuckling movies like The Mark of Zorro to serious drama like The Razor’s Edge. He also served in the Marines in WWII. Tragically, he died of a heart attack at 44.

Personal Life: (1914-1958) Born in Cincinnati, Ohio. Father was the English stage and screen actor Tyrone Power Sr. often known as Fred. Came from a long theatrical line dating from his great-grandfather who lived in the first half of the 19th century, an actor and comedian also named Tyrone Power (You can see how it gets confusing). Mother was also an actress as well as a drama and voice coach. She also gave her son acting and singing lessons in her spare time. Family moved to California while he was a small child on a doctor’s advice it would improve his health. At 6, his parents divorced. At 14, he appeared with his mother in his first stage play in San Gabriel. At 16, his family moved back to Cincinnati where they lived with his great aunt who founded a drama school. After graduating high school, he joined his father in 1931 who died in his arms that December. Decided to pursue an acting career from then on. After a time in community theater and New York, he moved to Hollywood in 1936. During WWII in 1942, he enlisted in the Marine Corps as a pilot. Married 3 times and had 3 children consisting of 2 daughters with second wife Linda Christian and a posthumous son with third wife Deborah Minardos (whose name was, yes Tyrone Power as well). Also known to have many extramarital affairs. Died of a heart attack in Spain at 44.
Famous for: American actor who appeared in dozens of films in the 1930s and 1940s, often in swashbucklers and romantic leads. Though largely a matinee idol known for his good looks, from drama to light comedy, sometimes as a romantic lead. Yet, in the 1950s, he began to set limits on the amount of films he made to have time for stage work. Notable roles are Count Axel de Fersen from Marie Antoinette, Ferdinand de Lesseps from Suez, Jesse James, Barton Dewitt Clinton from Rose of Washington Square, Don Diego Vega / Zorro from The Mark of Zorro, Roger “Alexander” Grant from Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Juan Gallardo from Blood and Sand, Jamie Waring from The Black Swan, Larry Darrell from The Razor’s Edge, Stanton Carlisle from Nightmare Alley, Andrea Orsini from Prince of Foxes, Jacob “Jake” Barnes from The Sun Also Rises, and Leonard Vole from Witness to the Prosecution.
Nominated for: Power was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1946 for The Razor’s Edge, which he plays a shell-shocked vet who seeks relief through traveling the world. Also not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1957 for Witness to the Prosecution.
Reasons: Well, while Power was a box office draw he was more of what we’d call an action star since he mostly starred in swashbucklers and sometimes romances. He wasn’t really taken seriously as an actor for a very long time in his career.
Trivia: Flew missions carrying cargo and wounded marines during the Battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Received American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, two Bronze Stars, and the WWII Victory Medal. Was promoted to captain in the reserves in 1951. Was very respected among the men he served with during WWII and after. Played the title role of Mister Roberts on Broadway. Said to have affairs with Judy Garland and Lana Turner. One of the top 100 box office moneymakers of all time. Interred at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery with a military service in which Sir Laurence Olivier recited a poem called “High Flight.”