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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

For some strange reason, we always like to know about our movie stars and celebrities, which many tend to idolize. Of course, this is a major reason why we have gossip columns, tabloids, TMZ, and a whole media industry dedicated to it. I usually stay away from the gossip because I’m really not interested in certain details of their personal lives and feel that they deserve some privacy. Also, some of the stuff you hear in the Hollywood gossip columns, well, they’re obtained through dubious means like paying people money for information, which I’ve learned in journalism class is totally unethical. In this selection, you’ll see some more Hollywood legends as well as a few from around the world, naturally. First, you have Merle Oberon best known as Catherine Earnshaw from Wuthering Heights as well as someone who lied about being born in Tasmania to conceal her mixed Indian heritage. Second, comes legendary swashbuckling Errol Flynn who was actually born in Tasmania but carried a scandalous lifestyle. Then there’s comic Danny Kaye whose films preserve his original genius in physical comedy, idiosyncratic pantomine, and rapid-fire nonsense songs. After that are French actors Maurice Chevalier and Charles Boyer who were inspirations for two very well known cartoon characters followed by legendary character actresses Agnes Moorehead and Edna May Oliver. Then there’s Madeline Kahn best known as a leading lady in Mel Brooks movies as well as Ralph Bellamy famous for playing doomed nice guys in Cary Grant films as well as Franklin Delano Roosevelt. And last but not, least is none other than one of the greatest silent screen actresses of all time Lillian Gish. So for your pleasure, here are 10 more movie stars who have never won an Oscar.

71. Merle Oberon

Personal Life: (1911-1979) Born Estelle Merle Thompson in Bombay, British India. Mother Anglo-Indian with partial Maori descent who might’ve had her at 12. Father might’ve been a mechanical engineer who worked in Indian Railways who later joined the British Army and died during the Battle of the Somme in WWI. Most likely raised by her grandmother. Would later try to conceal her Indian heritage by saying she was born in Tasmania and that all her school records were destroyed by fire. Would maintain such fiction for her professional life and admitted that it wasn’t true in the last year of her life. Records located since her death have confirmed her true origin. Moved to Calcutta in 1917 and quit school as a teenager. Said to work as a telephone operator, won a contest for a restaurant, and first performed with the Calcutta Amateur Dramatic Society. Was discovered by a man who said he’d introduce to her to Rex Ingram but bailed out one her once he saw she was mixed race. Yet, though he avoided her, she went to France and met Ingram at Nice. Made her first film in 1928. Came to England at 17 where she worked as a club hostess under the name Queenie O’Brien. Married 4 times with her first marriage to director Sir Alexander Korda. Adopted 2 children with third husband Bruno Pagiliai. Was involved in a serious car accident in 1937 which scarred her for life. Was said to suffer further damage to her complexion in 1940 from cosmetic poison and an allergic reaction to sulfa drugs. Retired in 1973. Died of a stroke in Malibu, California at 68.
Famous for: Anglo-Indian actress. Notable roles are Anne Boleyn from The Private Life of Henry VIII, Antonita, a Dancer of Passionate Temperament from The Private Life of Don Juan, Lady Blakeney from The Scarlet Pimpernel, Kitty Vane from Dark Angel, Karen Wright from These Three, Messalina from I, Claudius, Leslie Steele / Lady Claire Mere from The Divorce of Lady X, Cathy Earnshaw from Wuthering Heights, Joan Ames from ‘Til We Meet Again, Jill from That Uncertain Feeling, Lydia MacMillan from Lydia, Marjorie Ismay from Forever and a Day, Kitty Langley from The Lodger, George Sand from A Song to Remember, Cathy Mallory from Night Song, Linda Venning from Affair in Monte Carlo, Empress Josephine from Desiree, Dorothy Donnelly from Deep in My Heart, and Serena Moore from Interval.
Nominated for: Oberon was nominated for Best Actress in 1935 for The Dark Angel.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in 1939 for Wuthering Heights. Of course, the competition was brutal that year anyway.
Reasons: Well, Oberon’s face was scarred early in her career due to a 1937 car accident and might’ve suffered some more damage to cosmetic poisoning in 1940. And though makeup and camera technicians manage to hide her facial flaws, her career was in decline by 1945. Also, she didn’t get along with Sir Laurence Olivier during the filming of Wuthering Heights as well as The Divorce of Lady X and we know that Olivier’s career was gangbusters in the 1940s and 1950s, which may have cost her roles in Shakespearean film productions.
Trivia: Was of Sri Lankan and Maori extraction. Nicknamed, “Queenie.” Received stage name from her first husband. Romantically linked to David Niven. Fourth husband Richard Wolders was best known as Audrey Hepburn and Leslie Caron’s boyfriend.

72. Danny Kaye

Personal Life: (1911-1987) Born David Daniel Kaminsky in Brooklyn, New York to Ukranian Jewish immigrants. Mother died while he was in his teens. Was a high school dropout and ran away to Florida with a friend where they formed band. Worked as a soda jerk, insurance investigator, and office clerk. Was a tummler in the Borscht Belt and at the White Roe Resort for 4 seasons. Used the name Danny Kaye for the first time when he toured with a vaudeville group. Also worked for a burlesque revue. Made his film debut in 1935. Married to Sylvia Fine for 47 years and had a daughter named Dena. However, he and Sylvia became estranged in 1947 and he was involved with a succession of women (despite gay and bisexual rumors as well as an alleged affair with Sir Laurence Olivier that probably never happened). Died of heart failure brought on by complications of Hepatitis C which he received from a tainted blood transfusion during bypass surgery at 76.
Famous for: American actor, singer, dancer, and comedian. Performances featured physical comedy, idiosyncratic pantomimes, and rapid-fire nonsense songs. Made 17 films. Made a lot of movies with Virginia Mayo. Notable roles are Danny Weems from Up in Arms, Burleigh Hubert Sullivan from The Kid from Brooklyn, Walter Mitty from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Professor Hobart Frisbee from A Song Is Born, Georgie from The Inspector General, Hans Christen Andersen, Phil Davis from White Christmas, Hubert Hawkins from The Court Jester, Samuel L. Jacobowsky from Me and the Colonel, Red Nichols from The Five Pennies, and the Ragpicker from The Madwoman of Chaillot.
Nominated for: Kay was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar at least.
Reasons: He was mainly a comedian and mostly made comedy films. Such would make him automatically ineligible for Oscars. Also spoke out against McCarthyism and the Hollywood Blacklist during the Red Scare.
Trivia: Attended a public school that was later named in honor of him. Witnessed a typhoon in Osaka, Japan in 1934, which nearly killed him. Yet, when the storm subsided, he had to calm his audience on stage with a flashlight to sing every song as loud as he can as well as inspired him to do pantomime, gestures, songs, and facial expressions. First ambassador-at-large for UNICEF. Hosted and sang for the 25th anniversary Disneyland celebration and help open for Epcot in 1982. Grew up a few blocks away from his wife and worked for her father, but didn’t meet until he was already in show business in 1939. Hosted the Academy Awards in 1952. Recorded, “I’ve Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts.” Couldn’t read a note of music so learned scores by ear. Entertained at home as a chef, specializing in Italian and Chinese food. Also taught Chinese cooking classes in San Francisco and built a kitchen in his house. Was an aviation enthusiast and operated several aircraft. Was part-owner of the Seattle Mariners but was a Dodgers fan. The only one in his original Brooklyn family born in America.

73. Errol Flynn

Personal Life: (1909-1959) Born in Tasmania, Australia. Father was a biologist, lecturer, and later professor at the University of Tasmania (later at the Queen’s University at Belfast). Educated in England for 2 years and would later be expelled from another school in Australia. Was a junior clerk at a shipping company but was fired for stealing petty cash. At 18, went to Papua New Guinea where he tried but failed to find his fortune in metals mining and tobacco planting. Made his first film in 1933 and joined the Northampton Repertory Company in England where he received 7 months training as a professional actor. The next year he was dismissed over a violent fracas with a female stage manager which led her tumbling down a stairwell and joined Warner Bros. Made his first Hollywood film in 1935. Became a US citizen in 1942. Married 3 times and had 4 children (1 son to first wife Lili Damita, 2 daughters to second wife Nora Eddington, and 1 daughter to third wife Patrice Wymore). Had a reputation for womanizing, hard drinking, and narcotic abuse. Was rejected for service in WWII due to a health problems such as enlarged heart with a murmur, lingering chronic tuberculosis, and numerous STDs. Lost his savings in the 1950s after a series of financial disasters. Was prematurely aged and overweight by that time as well. Suffered from spinal osteoarthritis near the end of his life. Had hepatitis as early as 1952 which damaged his liver. Most likely died of a pulmonary embolism at 50.
Famous for: Australian American actor known for his romantic swashbuckler roles in films and his playboy lifestyle. Also was renown for his fast movie sword play you wouldn’t see in a fencing match. Appeared in 8 movies with Olivia DeHavilland. His successful career in Hollywood ended after WWII and did a series of flops in the 1950s in which he spent sailing aimlessly in the Western Mediterranean. Notable roles are Peter Blood from Captain Blood, Geoffrey Vickers from The Charge of the Light Brigade, Miles Hendon from The Prince and the Pauper, Robin Hood from The Adventures of Robin Hood, Captain Courtney from The Dawn Patrol, Wade Hatton from Dodge City, Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex from The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, Kerry Bradford from Virginia City, Capt. Geoffrey Thorpe from The Sea Hawk, J. E. B. Stuart from The Santa Fe Trail, George Armstrong Custer from They Died With Their Boots On, Francis Warren from Footsteps in the Dark, James J. Corbett from Gentleman Jim, Jean Picard from Uncertain Glory, Captain Nelson from Objective, Burma!, Mark Caldwell from Cry Wolf, Don Juan de Marana from Adventures of Don Juan, Soames Forsyte from That Forsyte Woman, William Tell from The Story of William Tell, and Mike Campbell from The Sun Also Rises.
Nominated for: Flynn was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1939 for The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex. And yes, the Earl of Essex was really the hot idiot Flynn portrayed him to be.
Reasons: Well, other than acting in westerns and swashbucklers, Flynn had a lifestyle of womanizing as well as drug and alcohol abuse. In 1942, his lifestyle caught up with him when 2 underage girls accused him of statutory rape. Although he survived, he gained a notorious reputation as a ladies’ man which permanently damaged his screen image as an idealized romantic lead player. Not to mention, he wasn’t great to work with. Also, was already a has been after WWII.
Trivia: Father of photojournalist and war correspondent Sean Flynn who went missing in Cambodia in 1970 (probably murdered in the Khmer Rouge). Longtime friend of painter Boris Smirnoff who painted his portrait several times. Friends with Edward G. Robinson, Barbara Stanwyck, Norma Shearer, and Jean Harlow. Once thought Bette Davis had a crush on him while on the set of Elizabeth and Essex but her quarrelsome nature that led her to slap him across the face was really about her sharing equal billing with a guy she didn’t consider a real actor. And it wasn’t until years later when she said, “Damn it! The man could act!” Was a sailing and sea enthusiast. Was a war correspondent for the US during the Spanish Civil War. Wrote 3 books including an adventure novel.

74. Lillian Gish

Personal Life: (1893-1993) Born in Springfield, Ohio. Father deserted the family before she was old enough to remember him but was later found institutionalized at an Oklahoma Hospital, where he died in 1912. Mother was an actress who later opened a candy store where she and her sister would sell popcorn and candy to theater patrons. Spent her childhood in Ohio, Illinois, and Oklahoma. Raised by her mother and relatives from both sides. Moved to New York when the theater next to her mother’s candy store burned down where they joined a theater and took modeling jobs. Was discovered by neighbor and aspiring actress Gladys Smith (a. k. a. Mary Pickford) who introduced her to D. W. Griffith. Made her first film in 1912. Never married or had children. Retired in 1987. Died of heart failure at 99.
Famous for: American actress, director, and writer whose career spanned 75 years. Was called “The First Lady of American Cinema.” Was a star of the Silent Era who successfully transitioned to sound and character roles. Notable roles are Elsie Stoneman from Birth of a Nation, The Woman Who Rocks the Cradle / Eternal Mother from Intolerance: Love’s Struggle Throughout the Ages, Lucy – The Girl from Broken Blossoms or The Yellow Man and the Girl, Anna Moore from Way Down East, Henriette Girard from Orphans of the Storm, Romola, Hester Prynne from The Scarlet Letter, Annie Laurie, Mimi from La Boheme, Laura Belle McCanles from Duel in the Sun, Mother Mary of Mercy from Portrait of Jennie, Rachel Cooper from The Night of the Hunter, Mattilda Zachary from The Unforgiven, Mrs. Smith from The Comedians, Hetty Seibert from Follow Me, Boys!, and Sarah Webber from The Whales of August.
Nominated for: Gish was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1947 for Duel in the Sun.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1955 for The Night of the Hunter. Seriously, she was totally badass when she scared Robert Mitchum with a shotgun. Luckily she received an honorary Oscar in the 1970s.
Reasons: I’m sure members of the Academy wouldn’t see her in a great light if they knew she starred in Birth of a Nation (a film which makes Gone With the Wind look like Glory. I mean it basically glorifies lynching and the KKK). Was an outspoken non-interventionist and member of the America First Committee during the early years of WWII which resulted her being briefly blacklisted. Also, her sound career was sporadic. Also, in her early years, she was typecast as an ingénue.
Trivia: Was friends with Helen Hayes as well as her son’s godmother. Was also close to Mary Pickford discovered her and introduced to her career while they were neighbors. Romantically linked to D. W. Griffith. Survived the 1918 flu pandemic. Has a prize named in her and her sister’s honor. Older sister to Dorothy (whose career in sound wasn’t so prolific). Only silent era actress to receive the American Film Institute Lifetime Achievement Award. Directed Remodeling Her Husband in 1920.

75. Agnes Moorehead

Personal Life: (1900-1974) Born in Clinton, Massachusetts. Father was a Presbyterian minister. Mother was a singer. Said her first performance was reciting “The Lord’s Prayer” at her father’s church when she was 3 years old. Grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and later joined the chorus of the St. Louis Municipal Opera Company. Graduated from Muskingum College with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Taught school for 5 years in Soldiers Grove Wisconsin and earned a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin. Graduated with honors from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts with honors. Her early acting career was marked with constant unemployment and days she went hungry but eventually found work in radio. Yet, her career finally took off when she met Orson Welles in 1937. Made her first film in 1941. Married twice and might’ve adopted a son. Died in Rochester, Minnesota of uterine cancer at 74 (possibly caused by filming The Conqueror at the nuclear test site in Yucca Flat, Nevada).
Famous for: American actress whose career spanned 3 decades in stage, radio, film, and television. Could play many different types but often portrayed haughty and arrogant characters. Notable roles are Mary Kane from Citizen Kane, Fanny from The Magnificent Ambersons, Violette Shumberg from The Big Street, Mrs. Mathews from Journey into Fear, Mrs. Reed from Jane Eyre, Mrs. Emily Hawkins from Since You Went Away, Baroness Aspasia Conti from Mrs. Parkington, Bruna Jacobson from Our Vines Have Tender Grapes, Madge Rapf from Dark Passage, Aggie MacDonald from Johnny Belinda, Nancy Ashford from Magnificent Obsession, Sara Warren from All That Heaven Allows, Hunlun from The Conqueror, Ellen Shawnessy from Raintree County, Queen Elizabeth I from The Story of Mankind, Vassilissa Mironova from The Tempest, Mrs. Snow from Pollyanna, Velma from Hush…Hush, Sweet Charlotte, Sister Cluny from The Singing Nun, and The Goose from Charlotte’s Web.
Nominated for: Moorehead was nominated 4 times for Best Supporting Actress in 1942 for The Magnificent Ambersons, 1944 for Mrs. Parkington, 1948 for Johnny Belinda, and 1964 for Hush…Hush Sweet Charlotte.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1941 for Citizen Kane.
Reasons: Well, she was closely associated with Orson Welles and was burned by the competition whenever she was nominated. Also, despite being married twice, a conservative Republican, and a devoutly religious woman, she was widely believed to be a lesbian in the entertainment community and might’ve even acknowledged it. Bewitched co-star and closet case, Paul Lynde would say of her, “Well, the whole world knows Agnes was a lesbian–I mean classy as hell, but one of the all-time Hollywood dykes.” A journalist reported an incident of one of her husbands cheating on her, “Agnes screamed at him that if he could have a mistress, so could she.” However, though we know she worked with a few gay people and had gay friends, rumors of her lesbianism have never been confirmed.
Trivia: Played Endora on Bewitched. Said to show up on the set with “a Bible in one hand and a script in the other” according to Dick Sargent. Served on her alma mater’s board of trustees for a year and received an honorary doctorate in literature. Was an inaugural member of the Mercury Theatre Company. Left a lot of her family’s estate and farmlands to Bob Jones University as well as biblical studies books from her personal library (which is ironic considering that many of her own peers thought she was a lesbian). BJU would later trade her stuff with an Ohio college for $25,000. Also left her professional papers, scripts, Christmas cards, and scrapbooks to the Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research at the Wisconsin Historical Society.

76. Madeline Kahn

Personal Life: (1942-1999) Born Madeline Gail Wolfson in Boston to a non-observant Jewish family. Father was a garment manufacturer. At 2, her parents divorced and moved to New York City with her mother. Kahn was the name of her stepfather who later adopted her as Paula Kahn. Attended Hofstra University on a drama scholarship but graduated in speech therapy in 1964. Briefly taught school and made her debut as a chorus girl and appeared on Broadway in 1968. Made her first film the same year. Married to John Hansbury. Died of ovarian cancer at 57.
Famous for: American actress, comedian, and singer. Best known for her performances in Mel Brooks and Peter Bogdanovitch films. Notable roles are Eunice Burns from What’s Up Doc?, Trixie Delight from Paper Moon, Lili Von Shtupp from Blazing Saddles, Elizabeth from Young Frankenstein, Jenny Hill from The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother,
Victoria Brisbane from High Anxiety, Mrs. Montenegro from The Cheap Detective, Caroline Howley from City Heat, El Sleezo Patron from The Muppet Movie, Empress Nympho from History of the World: Part I, Betty from Yellowbeard, Mrs. White from Clue, Gussie Mausheimer from An American Tail, Mrs. Munchnik from Mixed Nuts, Martha Mitchell from Nixon, and Gypsy Moth from A Bug’s Life.
Nominated for: Kahn was nominated twice for Best Supporting Actress in 1973 for Paper Moon and 1974 for Blazing Saddles.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1974 for Young Frankenstein, which is a better Mel Brooks film than Blazing Saddles. Seriously, her performance as Elizabeth was much better than Lili Von Shtupp.
Reasons: She’s best known for her comedic roles as a sexy leading lady in Mel Brooks movies. Also was more of a theater actress.
Trivia: Won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play in 1993. Was an operatically trained singer. Husband and brother erected a bench for her in New York’s Central Park. Was a host of Saturday Night Live.

77. Maurice Chevalier

Personal Life: (1888-1972) Born in Paris, France. Father was a house painter. Worked as a carpenter’s apprentice, electrician, printer, and doll painter. Started in show business in 1901 singing at a café for which he wasn’t paid. Was wounded by shrapnel and became a prisoner of war during WWI for 2 years. Debuted on Broadway in 1922 and went to Hollywood in 1928. Married twice and had many mistresses. Died at 83.
Famous for: French actor, Cabaret singer, and dancer. Career spanned for over 60 years. Best known for signature songs including “Louise”, “Mimi”, “Valentine”, and “Thank Heaven for Little Girls” and for his films. Bowler hat was his trademark attire. Was partner to the biggest female name in France for 2 years. Made 60 films and was paired with Jeannette McDonald. Notable roles are Maurice Marney from Innocents of Paris, Count Alfred Renard from The Love Parade, Pierre Mirande from The Big Pond, Albert Loriflan from Playboy in Paris, Maurice from Love Me Tonight, Danilo from The Merry Widow, Gaston de Nerac ‘Paragot’ from The Beloved Vagabond, Emile Clément from Man About Town, the King from A Royal Affair, Honoré Lachaille from Gigi, Claude Chavasse from Love in the Afternoon, Paul Barriere Can-Can, and Panisse from Fanny.
Nominated for: Chevalier was nominated twice for Best Actor in 1929 for The Love Parade and 1930 for The Big Pond.
Most Crushing Loss: Not winning Best Actor in 1929 for The Love Parade. I could understand him losing to Wallace Beery for The Big House, but George Arliss? Nevertheless, at least he received an honorary Oscar in the 1950s the same year Gigi came out.
Reasons: Not sure about the 1930s but in the 1940s, he was blackballed by Hollywood and the French filmmaking industry for performing for Allied POWs at a German prison camp. Of course, the Nazis wanted him to do more but he refused all their offers save for the camp where he himself was held prisoner in WWI. Yet, he was still arrested by the French government for collaboratism for which he was acquitted. Yet, it would be several years before he was granted a visa to leave the country. Was also seen as “potentially dangerous” to the US government for signing an anti-nukes petition called the Stockholm Appeal.
Trivia: Thought a 10 cent parking fee was a bit too much. Spoke with a heavy French accent in his films even though his real English was quite fluent and sounded more American. Was friends with Adolphe Menjou and Charles Boyer. Has inspired countless imitations such as Lumiere from Beauty and the Beast being the most famous. Subject of the first official celebrity roast at the New York Friars’ Club in 1949.

78. Ralph Bellamy

Personal Life: (1904-1991) Born in Chicago, Illinois. Mother was a Canadian immigrant. Ran away from home at 15 and joined a road show before landing in New York where he started acting on stage. Movie debut in 1931. Married 4 times. Was married to Alice Murphy for 42 years. Died of a lung ailment at 87.
Famous for: American actor whose career spanned 62 years. Played leading and supporting roles garnering acclaim and awards. Co-starred in 5 films with Fay Wray. Notable roles are Johnny Franks from The Secret Six, Dr. Ladd from Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, Daniel Leeson from The Awful Truth, Bruce Baldwin from His Girl Friday, Dr. Davis from Footsteps in the Dark, Colonel Paul Montford from The Wolf Man, Franklin Delano Roosevelt from Sunrise at Campobello, Randolph Duke from Coming to America, and James Morse from Pretty Woman.
Nominated for: He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1937 for The Awful Truth.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1960 for Sunrise at Campobello. Seriously, he’s practically said to be Franklin Delano Roosevelt during the 1920s. Luckily he was so respected by his peers that he was awarded an Honorary Oscar.
Reasons: More than anything, he’s kind of an underrated actor who was much more respected in theater than in Hollywood. Also helped shelter those blacklisted in Hollywood in the Actors’ Equity Broadway Theater during the darkest days of McCarthyism.
Trivia: Owned his own theater company in 1927. Opened the popular Palm Springs Raquet Ball Club in 1934 with Charles Farrell. Founding member of the Screen Actors Guild in 1933. President of Actors’ Equity from 1952-1964. Won a Tony for Sunrise at Campobello.

79. Charles Boyer

Personal Life: (1899-1978) Born in a small town in Southern France as a merchant’s son. Discovered the movies at 11. During WWI, he performed comedy sketches for soldiers and worked as a hospital orderly. Studied in the Sorbonne and Paris Conservatory. Big acting break came when he replaced a leading man in a stage production which became an immediate hit. Performed on stage and silent screen during the 1920s before signing an MGM contract and moving to the US though his film career didn’t really take off until talkies. Married to British actress Pat Paterson for 44 years and had a son who committed suicide at 21 through Russian roulette. Became a US citizen in 1942. Died of an overdose on Seconal while at a friend’s house in Scottsdale 2 days after his wife’s death shortly before his 79th birthday, which was probably a suicide.
Famous for: Franco-American actor who appeared in more than 80 films between 1920 and 1976. Though best known for playing romantic leads particularly suave and sophisticated ladies’ men, he also played character roles as he got older and sometimes the occasional villain. Yet, he was said to be the last of cinema’s great lovers since his career lasted longer than most romantic actors. Notable roles are Pepe le Moko from Algiers, Boris Androvski from The Garden of Allah, Napoleon Bonaparte from Conquest, Michel Marnet from Love Affair, Cesar from Fanny, Gregor Anton from Gaslight, and other character roles.
Nominated for: He was nominated 4 times for Best Actor: 1937 for Conquest, 1938 for Algiers, 1944 for Gaslight, and 1961 for Fanny.
Most Crushing Loss: His 1944 Oscar loss to Bing Crosby is perhaps one of the most undeserving losses for an actor in movie awards history. His phenomenal performance as Ingrid Bergman’s husband from hell in Gaslight is the main reason why we refer “gaslighting” as a term for psychological abuse. You can’t deny that Boyer should’ve won that year.
Reasons: Well, losing to Spencer Tracy (twice) and Maximilian Schell is understandable. Yet, his loss to Bing Crosby might be more or less due to Crosby’s popularity as a beloved entertainer and easy going public persona. Didn’t hurt that Going My Way was a feel-good family film. Gaslight was neither but it’s still a far superior movie. Also, 1940s movie awards ceremonies weren’t known for giving Oscars for scary villain roles. Just look at why Richard Widmark lost to Edmund Gwenn.
Trivia: His performance in Algiers was an inspiration for Looney Tunes character Pepe Le Pew. Recorded an album in 1966 which was said to be one of Elvis Presley’s favorites. Awarded an honorary Oscar certificate for establishing the French Research Foundation in Los Angeles. Spoke 5 languages including German, Italian, and Spanish.

80. Edna May Oliver

Personal Life: (1883-1942) Born Edna May Nutter in Malden, Massachusetts. Dropped out of school at 14 to pursue a stage career and made her big break in 1917. Made her first film in 1923. Briefly married to David Welford Pratt. Tied of small intestinal complications at 59.
Famous for: American actress and one of the best known character players in the 1930s who often played tart-tongued spinsters. Mostly appeared in period pieces, particularly Charles Dickens adaptations. Notable roles are Mrs. Tracy Wyatt from Cimarron, Aunt March from Little Women, The Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland, Aunt Betsy Trotwood from David Copperfield, Miss Pross from A Tale of Two Cities, Juliet’s Nurse from Romeo and Juliet, Mrs. McKlennar from Drums Along the Mohawk, Maggie Sutton from The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, Countess de Mavon from Nurse Edith Cavell, and Lady Catherine Brough from Pride and Prejudice.
Nominated for: Oliver was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1939 for Drums Along the Mohawk.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1936 for Romeo and Juliet.
Reasons: 1939 was perhaps one of the worst years for an Oscar nominee in the actress categories for those who weren’t in Gone With the Wind. Also, as a character actress mostly known for playing older women, the Academy basically thought that Oliver would have another chance since she was expected to have a long career ahead of her. They didn’t expect she’d die so suddenly.
Trivia: Descendant of John Quincy Adams. Appeared on Broadway with a young Humphrey Bogart. Asked why she played predominantly comedic roles, she replied, “With a horse’s face, what more can I play?”

When looking at this list, you may notice that some of these actors have voices you might’ve heard in imitation whether it be by comics or on Saturday morning cartoons. A lot of movie stars from the Golden Age of Hollywood tend to be imitated by comedians, impersonators, and cartoonists long after they’re dead. Of course, this is no surprise since many of them had voices, looks, and mannerisms that were rather distinct. For a long time Warner Bros. cartoons would have voice talents specializing in celebrity impressions imitating actors like Edward G. Robinson, Peter Lorre, Kirk Douglas, Vincent Price, and others you’ll see in this series. Some movie stars have even been inspirations for cartoon characters as well. Yet, while some Oscar winners may drop off from the face of the earth after giving their speeches, those who are frequently mocked and parodied in cartoons and SNL will be remembered forever. In this selection, here are 10 more movie stars for your viewing pleasure. First, you have screen blondes like Lana Turner and Miriam Hopkins. Second, there’s song and dance sensation Robert Preston best known for The Music Man and “The Chicken Fat Song.” Then there is James Mason famous for his deep baritone English voice who also liked cats. After that is the legendary comic genius and impressionist extraordinaire, Peter Sellers. Next comes Sal Mineo and Dennis Hopper who were both featured as troublesome teenagers in Rebel Without a Cause where they both end up dead followed by utility player and Preston Sturges’ favorite Joel McCrea. Then there’s Brock Peters most famous for playing the black guy who got screwed in To Kill a Mockingbird. And finally, there is Chief Dan George who’s one of the best known Native American movie actors but treated show business as a retirement job. So for your viewing pleasure, here are 10 more stars who never won the little statuette called Oscar.

61. Joel McCrea

Personal Life: (1909-1990) Born in South Pasadena, California. Father was an executive for the L. A. Gas & Electric Company. Was a paperboy for The Los Angeles Times. Graduated from Pomona College in 1928 and started acting in the Pasadena Playhouse. Got his first substantial role in 1929 and moved to RKO. Married to Frances Dee for 57 years and had 3 sons. Died of pneumonia at 84.
Famous for: American actor whose career spanned 50 years and appeared in 90 films. Did a lot of movies with Miriam Hopkins and Barbara Stanwyck. Yet, he’s best known for some of his films by Preston Sturges and comedies during the 1940s. Made nothing but westerns after 1946 because he didn’t want to be cast with a substantially younger co-start as his love interest. Notable roles are Johnny Baker from Bird of Paradise, Sanger “Bob” Rainsford from The Most Dangerous Game, Ramsay MacKay from Wells Fargo, Johnny Jones / Huntley Haverstock from Foreign Correspondent, Joe Carter from The More the Merrier, John L. Sullivan from Sullivan’s Travels, Tom Jeffers from The Palm Beach Story, Steve Judd from Ride the High Country, and the Virginian.
Nominated for: Joel McCrea was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1941 for Sullivan’s Travels. It’s probably one of the best comedies ever made.
Reasons: McCrea mostly acted in comedies and westerns, which may give great box office returns but don’t make him eligible for many prestigious movie awards.
Trivia: Used to deliver newspapers to Cecil B. DeMille. Watched D. W. Griffith film Intolerance. Worked as a stunt double, bit player, and extra while in college. Held horses for Richard S. Hart and Tom Mix. Filmed a controversial nude scene with Dolores Del Rio in the early. Was friends with Will Rogers. Estate included working ranch property and made a lot of money selling it that he was a multimillionaire by the 1940s. Donated several acres of his land to the Conejo Valley YMCA. Went to school with Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Died on his 57th wedding anniversary.

62. Miriam Hopkins

Personal Life: (1902-1972) Born in Savannah, Georgia but raised in Bainbridge. Attended the Goddard Seminary in Barre, Vermont and Syracuse University. At 20, became a chorus girl in New York City. Signed with Paramount Pictures in 1930 and made her first film the same year. Married 4 times with her third marriage being to Anatole Litvak and is said to adopt a son between marriages. Retired in 1970. Died of a heart attack in New York City at 69.
Famous for: American actress known for her versatility. Made a lot of films with Joel McCrea and Ernest Lubitsch. Notable roles are Princess Anna from The Smiling Lieutenant, Ivy Pearson from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Lily from Trouble in Paradise, Gilda Farrell from Design for Living, Becky Sharp, Mary ‘Swan’ Rutledge from Barbary Coast, Martha Dobie from These Three, Delia Lovell Ralston from The Old Maid, Julia Hayne from Virginia City, Mrs. Leslie Carter from Lady with Red Hair, Aunt Lavinia from The Heiress, Fran Carleton from The Mating Season, and Lily Mortar from The Children’s Hour.
Nominated for: Hopkins was nominated for Best Actress in 1935 for Becky Sharp.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1949 for The Heiress. She really should’ve gotten something for that.
Reasons: Hopkins may have had a long but her glory days were in the 1930s, especially with the Pre-Hays Code era when films were a little more risqué (but not like today’s). Though she managed to reinvent herself as a supporting player, her stardom basically fizzled by the time 1940 rolled around.
Trivia: Had a long running feud with Bette Davis (who allegedly had a fling with her third husband Anatole Litvak). Distinguished Hollywood hostess who moved along intellectual and creative circles. Uncle was head of the Syracuse University Geology department. Was Margaret Mitchell’s first choice to play Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind.

63. Brock Peters

Personal Life: (1927-2005) Born George Fisher in New York City. Father was a sailor. Wanted to be in show business since he was 10 and attended a performing arts high school. Studied physical education at City College of New York but quit when he landed a role in Porgy and Bess in 1949 and went on tour with the opera. Married to Dolores Daniels for 27 years.
Famous for: American actor best known for his performance as Tom Robinson from To Kill a Mockingbird. Notable roles are Sergeant Brown from Carmen Jones, Johnny from The L-Shaped Room, Matthew Robinson from Heavens Above!, Tom Robinson from To Kill a Mockingbird, Aesop from Major Dundee, Rodriguez from The Pawnbroker, Lieutenant Hatcher from Soylent Green, and Fleet Admiral Cartwright from Star Trek: The Voyage Home and Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country.
Nominated for: Peters was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1962 for To Kill a Mockingbird. Seriously, he should’ve gotten it easily.
Reasons: Well, until Sidney Poitier won the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in Lilies of the Field in 1963, African American actors had a very small chance of winning the Oscar, especially in a non-stereotypical role.
Trivia: Played Commander Benjamin Sisko’s dad in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Performed the eulogy at Gregory Peck’s funeral. Sang background vocals to Harry Belafonte’s “Banana Boat Song (Day-O)” and “Mama Look a Boo-Boo.” Also sang “Where” from Randy Weston’s Live at the Five Spot and shared vocal duties with Martha Flowers in Uhuru Africa. Was friends with Charlton Heston.

64. Dennis Hopper

Personal Life: (1936-2010) Born in Dodge City, Kansas. Family moved to Kansas City, Missouri after WWII and attended Saturday art classes at the Kansas City Art Institute. At 13, family moved to San Diego where his mother was a lifeguard instructor while his father was a “post office manager” (but really an OSS agent or so he says). Studied acting at San Diego’s Old Globe Theater and the Actors’ Studio in New York studying under Lee Strasberg for 5 years. Married 5 times with Michelle Phillips as his second wife and had 1 child to each of his wives but her. Was in the process of divorcing his fifth wife Victoria Duffy at the time of his death and his estate was involved in an ugly inheritance dispute. Died of prostate cancer at 74.
Famous for: American actor, filmmaker, photographer, and artist whose career spanned for 55 years. Known for his unconventional style and as one of the “enfant terribles” in Hollywood. Best known roles are Goon from Rebel Without a Cause, Jordan Benedict III from Giant, Billy Clanton from Gunfight at the O. K. Corral, Tom Boyd from From Hell to Texas, Johnny Drake from Night Tide, Dave Hastings from The Sons of Kate Elder, Babalugats from Cool Hand Luke, Moon from True Grit, Billy from Easy Rider, Father from Rumble Fish, Kansas from The Last Movie, Daniel Morgan from Mad Dog Morgan, American Photojournalist from Apocalypse Now, Frank Booth from Blue Velvet, Shooter from Hoosiers, Howard Payne from Speed, Walter Pensky from Black Dahlia, Deacon from Waterworld, and Donald Greenleaf from Swing Vote.
Nominated for: Hopper was nominated twice for Original Screenplay in 1970 for Easy Rider with Peter Fonda and Terry Sothern and for Best Supporting Actor in 1987 for Hoosiers.
Most Crushing Loss: Not winning the screenplay for Easy Rider in 1970.
Reasons: He was said to be one of Hollywood’s most notorious drug addicts for 20 years as well as spent the 1970s and early 1980s living as a an outcast after the success of Easy Rider. Was also known for his troubled relationships with women (though I can easily see why his marriage with Michelle Phillips broke up after 2 weeks). Also spent periods being blackballed by the movie industry.
Trivia: Despite being a Republican in his later years, he supported Barack Obama in the 2008 election mostly over the selection of Sarah Palin as the Republican vice presidential candidate. Was a prolific photographer, painter, and sculptor. Was friends with Vincent Price and greatly admired James Dean. Loved Shakespeare.

65. Robert Preston

Personal Life: (1918-1987) Born Robert Preston Meservey in Newton, Massachusetts. Father was a garment worker and later billing clerk for American Express. Attended high school in Los Angeles. Studied acting at the Pasadena Community Playhouse. Joined the Army Air Corps during WWII where he served as an intelligence officer in Belgium where his main job was receive information from headquarters and briefing bomber crews on what to expect on their mission. He was also promoted to Captain. Was told by the studio not to use his family name. Married to Catherine Craig for 47 years. Was an intensely private person and doesn’t have an official biography to this day. Died of lung cancer at 68.
Famous for: American actor best remembered for originating the role of Harold Hill in The Music Man. Mostly appeared in westerns. Notable roles are Digby Geste from Beau Geste, Dan Cutler from Reap the Wild Wind, Michael Crane from This Gun for Hire, Francis Macomber from The Macomber Affair, James Cloud “The Wichita Kid” from The Sundowners, Harold Hill from The Music Man, Rubin Flood from The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, Ace Bonner from Junior Bonner, Beauregard Jackson Pickett “Beau” Burnside from Mame, Jay Follett from All the Way Home, Carole “Toddy” Todd from Victor Victoria, and Centauri from The Last Starfighter.
Nominated for: Preston was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1983 for Victor Victoria.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1962 for The Music Man. Guess the 76 trombones was too much for the Academy.
Reasons: Let’s just say an actor who’s best known for doing westerns and musicals may win Tony Awards, but he’s not going to win prestigious acting prizes in Hollywood, especially if he sang the “Chicken Fat” song. Also, being one of the first actors to be nominated for an Oscar for playing a gay character.
Trivia: Won a Tony Award for playing Harold Hill in The Music Man on Broadway in 1957. Was Meredith Willson’s choice for the lead in the film while Frank Sinatra was Jack Warner’s. Also originated the role of Henry II during the Broadway production of The Lion in Winter. Sang the “Chicken Fat” song which was distributed to schools across the nation and played for students in calisthenics every morning (which you can listen to on the website of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. Really it’s the first result when you Google it.)

66. Chief Dan George

Personal Life: (1899-1981) Born Geswanouth Slahoot at Burrard Indian Reserve No. 3 in North Vancouver, Canada where his father was the tribal chief. Anglicized name Dan Slaholt was changed to George when he entered the mission boarding school where use of native language was discouraged, if not forbidden. Worked as a longshoreman, construction worker, and school bus driver. Was married and fathered 6 children. Died at 82.
Famous for: Canadian actor, poet, author, and chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Began his acting career for television at 60. May not have been the first Native American actors onscreen but he’s certainly one of the most famous since he’s certainly responsible for a more positive portrayal of Indians on film since the 1970s. Notable roles are Ol’ Antoine from Smith!, Old Lodge Skins from Little Big Man, Lone Watie from The Outlaw Josey Wales, and Sam Two Feathers from Harry and Tonto.
Nominated for: George was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Little Big Man in 1970.
Most Crushing Loss: Not getting an Honorary Oscar he so greatly deserved.
Reasons: Sure he may have been one of the first real native actors a lot people have seen, but he’s better known for more comic and adventure works. Also had a short acting career and is a way more significant figure in Canada.
Trivia: Always insisted on playing “good” First Nation characters. Wrote, “My Heart Soars,” which was recited by Donald Sutherland at the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010. Band chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation from 1951–63 and his son is chief today. Was an influential speaker on the rights of native peoples in North America. Wrote 2 books of poetry. Awarded the Order of Canada in 1971. Recorded a single with Fireweed in 1974. Died on the same reservation he was born.

67. Sal Mineo

Personal Life: (1939-1976) Born in the Bronx, New York. Parents were coffin makers. Father was an Italian immigrant while Italian American mother was born in the United States. Mother enrolled him in dancing and acting school at an early age just to keep him from joining a street gang. Stabbed to death in an alley behind his apartment building by a pizza deliveryman named Lionel Williams at 37.
Famous for: American actor best known for his performance of John “Plato” Crawford in Rebel Without a Cause. Battled being typecast as a troubled teen later in his career. Notable roles are Jerry from Six Bridges to Cross, Cadet Col. Sylvester Dusik from The Private War of Major Benson, John “Plato” Crawford from Rebel Without a Cause, Romolo from Somebody Up There Likes Me, Angel Obregón II from Giant, White Bull from Tonka, Dov Landau from Exodus, Gene Krupa from The Gene Krupa Story, and George Blaylock from Stranger on the Run.
Nominated for: He was nominated twice for Best Supporting Actor in 1955 for Rebel Without a Cause and in 1960 for Exodus.
Most Crushing Loss: Not winning the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1955 for Rebel Without a Cause, which he really deserved. If there was any actor who could play a troubled teen, it would be him and Plato is probably one of cinema’s most messed up.
Reasons: To make a long story short, he was gay and his performances were said to reflect a homosexual subtext. Also, didn’t have a long career.
Trivia: One of the first major actors to publicly acknowledge his homosexuality. Directed an opera in Detroit. Beat out Clint Eastwood for a role in Six Bridges to Cross. Recorded a handful of pop songs and an album with 2 of his songs reaching the Top 40 and one selling a million copies that he was awarded a golden disc. Was a model for Harold Stevenson’s The New Adam, which is considered “one of the great American nudes.” Nickname was, “The Switchblade Kid.” Played on stage in original productions of The Rose Tattoo and The King and I. Played a bisexual burglar in P. S. Your Cat Is Dead around the time he was murdered.

68. Lana Turner

Personal Life: (1921-1995) Born Julia Jean Turner to teenaged parents in Wallace, Idaho. Father was a miner while mother would become a beautician. Parents separated after the family moved to San Francisco. In 1930, her father was found murdered on a San Francisco street the day after winning a craps game. The robbery and murder were never solved. In 1931, she and her mother moved to Los Angeles for her mother’s health and were so poor that her mom worked 80 hours a week to support them and she occasionally had to live with acquaintances and friends. Was discovered at a Hollywood drug store at 16 by someone from The Hollywood Reporter and was referred to Zeppo Marx. Made her first film in 1937. Married 8 times with first marriage to bandleader Artie Shaw and twice to second husband Joseph Stephen Crane and had daughter Cheryl with him. Private life was marred by personal turmoil as well as unsurprisingly battled substance abuse problems. Said she was an alcoholic who had 2 abortions and 3 stillbirths as well as slit her wrists in 1951. Yet she said she turned herself around in the 1970s. Retired in 1991. Died of throat cancer at 74. Left the bulk of her estate to her maid, which was contested by daughter Cheryl Crane.
Famous for: American actress often featured as an ingénue at first, before establishing herself as a leading lady. Nicknamed, “The Sweater Girl.” Notable roles are Cynthia Potter from Love Finds Andy Hardy, Rosalie Lewett from Calling Dr. Kildare, Patty Marlow from The Dancing Co-Ed, Sheila Regan from Ziegfeld Girl, Bea Emery from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Elizabeth Cotton from Honky Tonk, Lisbeth Bard from Johnny Eager, Cora Smith from The Postman Always Rings Twice, Crystal Radek from The Merry Widow, Samarra from The Prodigal, Georgia Lorrison from The Bad and the Beautiful, Diane de Poitiers from Diane, Constance MacKenzie from Peyton Place, Lora Meredith from Imitation of Life, Sheila Cabot from Portrait in Black, Rosemary Howard from Bachelor in Paradise, and Holly Parker from Madame X.
Nominated for: Turner was nominated for Best Actress in 1957 for Peyton Place.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in 1946 for The Postman Always Rings Twice or in 1959 for Imitation of Life.
Reasons: Well, being cast as a sex symbol for one. Second, she was well known in Hollywood for dating often, marrying and divorcing often (granted most of her husbands were bonafide assholes and a few were even worse), changing partners often, and never shying away from how many lovers she had in her lifetime. Yet, she’s best remembered for her relationship to mob bodyguard/hitman, Johnny Stompanato which was marked by constant fighting and abuse as well as an incident where he threatened her and Sean Connery on the set with a gun (luckily Connery grabbed the gun out of Stompanato’s hand and twisted his wrist, causing him to back off. Yeah, that Sean Connery). Their relationship ended with her teenage daughter Cheryl stabbing Stompanato with a kitchen knife at her mother’s defense.
Trivia: Had auburn hair and dyed it blonde. Detested “The Sweater Girl” nickname. Romantically linked to Clark Gable and Tyrone Power.

69. Peter Sellers

Personal Life: (1925-1980) Born Richard Henry Sellers in Portsmouth, England. “Peter” was a childhood nickname. Parents were variety entertainers. Presented on stage as a baby. Had a very close relationship with his mother which Spike Milligan would refer as unhealthy for a grown man. Was also Jewish on his mother’s side. Learn stage craft from his parents and had mixed feelings for show business. Formal education ended at 14 due to WWII. Started as a janitor in the theater and worked his way up to box office clerk, usher, assistant stage manager, and lighting operator. Also worked as a drummer for various bands. Joined the Royal Air Force in 1943 though it’s unclear whether he volunteered or was drafted. Was kept on the ground due to poor eyesight. Yet, his show business career took off from there when he joined Squadron Leader Ralph Reader’s Gang Show. Married 4 times with model Brit Ekland as his second wife. Had 3 children to his first 2 wives (a daughter and son to first wife Anne Howe and a daughter to Ekland). Struggled with depression and mental insecurities throughout his life. Suffered a series of 8 heart attacks after taking amyl nitrites (poppers) in 1964 and his heart continued to deteriorate within the next 16 years. Had a lot of issues with drugs including an alcohol and cocaine dependency. In 1977, he had another heart attack and was fitted with a pacemaker. Died of a heart attack at 54.
Famous for: British actor, comedian, and singer. Started on the BBC Goon Show. Was known for his many film characterizations. Versatility enabled him to portray a wide range of comic characters using different accents and guises, and he would often assume multiple roles within the same film, frequently with contrasting temperaments and styles. Satire and black humor were a main feature in many of his movies. Made over 50 films. Notable roles are Fred Kite from I’m All Right Jack, Clare Quilty from Lolita, Mr. Robinson from The Ladykillers, Prime Minister Amphibulos from Carlton-Browne of the F.O., Grand Duchess Gloriana XII, Prime Minister Count Rupert Mountjoy, and Tully Bascombe from The Mouse that Roared, Dr. Ahmed el Kabir from The Millionairess, Inspector Jaques Clouseau from The Pink Panther series, Group Captain Lionel Mandrake, President Merkin Muffley, and Dr. Strangelove from Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, Henry Orient from The World of Henry Orient, Doctor Fritz Fassbender from What’s New, Pussycat?, Aldo Vanucci from After the Fox, Harold from I Love You, Alice B. Toklas, Sir Guy Grand KG, KC, CBE from The Magic Christian, Sidney Wang from Murder By Death, Rudolf IV, Rudolf V, Syd Frewin from The Prisoner of Zenda, and Chance from Being There.
Nominated for: Sellers was nominated twice for Best Actor in 1964 for Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb and 1979 for Being There.
Most Crushing Loss: Sellers should’ve won the Oscar for Best Actor in 1979 for Being There. Sure Dustin Hoffman is a good actor but his role as a divorced dad was nothing compared to Sellers’ playing a sheltered guy who’s seen as an intellectual sage that he’s certainly not.
Reasons: Well, Sellers was known for having a lot of problems. His behavior off-screen was often erratic and compulsive. Frequently clashed with directors, producers, and co-stars, especially during the 1970s when his physical and mental health as well as substance abuse problems were at their worst. His on-and-off set tantrums were legion, especially when he was doing commercials. This with a demanding style got him a lot of bad press. And this is why we’ll never know whether Sellers walked off the set of Casino Royale or got fired (yet he did get in a fistfight with one of directors and tried to upstage Orson Welles). Was also allegedly a domestic abuser. Still, Blake Edwards said of him, “At times, Peter was more or less great fun. The other times he was Hell.”
Trivia: Had an infatuation for Sophia Loren and declared his love for her in front of his first wife (of course knowing her relationship with Carol Ponti, it was unrequited). Married second wife Brit Ekland just 10 days after meeting her. Was close friends with Anthony Armstrong Jones, 1st Earl of Snowdon best known as the husband to Princess Margaret. Was a comic inspiration for Monty Python. Believed in astrology and spiritualism. Described as, “the greatest comic genius this country has produced since Charles Chaplin.” TCM called him, “one of the most accomplished comic actors of the late 20th century.” Recorded a lot of songs that became hits in the 1960s. Had “In the Mood” played at his funeral a song he hated. Thought that nobody would attend his funeral because of his torrid personal life but thousands did. Third wife became a Countess of Stockton while fourth wife later married David Frost. Was friends with the Beatles. One of Elvis Presley’s favorite actors who had his films with him on the airplane when he was on tour. Spoke highly of Steve Martin and Robin Williams before his death. Was an amateur photographer and camera nut.

70. James Mason

Personal Life: (1909-1984) Born in Huddersfield, West Riding Yorkshire, England. Father was a wealthy textile merchant. Attended Cambridge University. Had no formal training as an actor and initially became involved in theater as a hobby since he planned a career as an architect. Made his stage debut in 1931 before joining The Old Vic. Made his film debut in 1935 but mostly starred in British films until after WWII. Registering as a conscientious objector during the war led to a break with his family for many years. Suffered a severe heart attack in 1959. Settled in Switzerland in 1963. Married twice and had 2 children with first wife Pamela Mason. Died of a heart attack at 75.
Famous for: British actor who made the transition to the United States after achieving much success in the United Kingdom. Roles ranged from hard-bitten and melancholy protagonists to more heroic figures and sometimes outright villains. His languid but impassioned voice and good looks made him well suited for almost anything. His mellifluous and distinctive voice managed to convey volumes of emotion while often remaining surprisingly understated. Played a lot of aristocrats. Notable roles are Lord Rohan from The Man in Grey, Nicholas from The Seventh Veil, Gustave Flaubert from Madame Bovary, Field Marshal Erwin Johannes Rommel from The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel, The Captain (‘The Secret Sharer’) from Face to Face, Brutus from Julius Caesar, Norman Maine from A Star Is Born, Captain Nemo from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Phillip Vandamm from North by Northwest, Sir. Oliver S. Lindenbrook from Journey to the Center of the Earth, Sir Edward Carson from The Trials of Oscar Wilde, Prof. Humbert Humbert from Lolita, Norman Main from A Star Is Born, Timonides from The Fall of the Roman Empire, Gentleman Brown from Lord Jim, James Leamington from Georgy Girl, Emperor Franz-Joseph from Mayerling, Trigorin from The Sea Gull, General Count von Klugermann from The Blue Max, Ed Concannon from The Verdict, Captain Hughes from Yellowbeard, and Sir Randolph Nettleby from The Shooting Party.
Nominated for: Mason was nominated 3 times 1 for Best Actor and 2 for Best Supporting Actor consisting of: 1954 for a Star Is Born, 1966 for Georgy Girl, and 1982 for The Verdict.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actor in 1962 for Lolita.
Reasons: I’d say he was more or less burned by the competition, especially in the 1954 Oscar race in which Marlon Brando won for On the Waterfront.
Trivia: Loved animals, particularly cats. He and first wife Pamela wrote a book called The Cats in Our Lives which he mostly wrote and illustrated. In this he recounted all the humorous and sometimes touching tales about all the cats and dogs he had known and loved. In 1952, he bought a house previously owned by Buster Keaton and discovered several nitrate film reels of some of the silent actor’s previously lost movies, which he arranged to have them transferred to safety stock and saved them from being permanently lost. Read the eulogy at Judy Garland’s funeral. Was a friend and neighbor to Charlie Chaplin as well as was buried near him.

When watching a movie, there are some actors who you recognize no matter what roles they’re in since you see their name listed high on the credits and their picture on a magazine cover. Then there are actors who may pop up now and then, yet whenever you recognize them, you say, “That person looks familiar, I wonder where I’ve seen him or her before,” “Is that what’s his/her face?,” or “Is he that guy from…” etc. Of course, those in the latter category tend to be known as character actors who usually play supporting roles. Some may fit a certain type, while some may play a whole range. Some may win Oscars but most don’t. However, unlike leading movie stars, they enjoy steady careers and are rarely out of work. Yet, whoever they are, Hollywood can’t do without them for they’re essential to any movie cast. Now in this selection, we have 10 more legends of the silver screen you may or may not recognize. First, there are character acting legends Eli Wallach, Claude Rains, and Lee J. Cobb. Second, you have actresses Vera Miles and Janet Leigh both best known for appearing in Psycho. Then there is Ann Blyth who usually played nice girls but is best known as Mildred Pierce’s eternally ungrateful daughter from hell. After that you have Walter Pidgeon, a Canadian actor notable for his films with Greer Garson and practically not aging for years as well as Dana Andrews best known for playing hard boiled detectives in the 1940s and a vet who can’t go back to being a soda jerk. Last but not least, there’s Victor Mature who was a mainstay in 1950s sword and sandal epics as well as Hollywood sex siren and World’s Sexiest Inventor Hedy Lamarr. So without further adieu, here are 10 more non-Oscar winning stars for your reading pleasure.

51. Victor Mature

Personal Life: (1913-1999) Born in Louisville, Kentucky. Father was an Italian immigrant who anglicized his name and worked as a cutler. Had a brother who died of osteomyelitis at 11 years old. Attended the Virginia Military Institute and Spencerian Business School. Sold candy and operated a restaurant before moving to California. Studied acting at the Passedena Community Playhouse while living in a tent for 3 years. Spotted by a Hal Roach talent scout. Married 5 times. Died of leukemia at 86.
Famous for: American actor and leading man with a career that spanned 45 years. Best known for appearing in sword and sandal films as well as appearing bare chested in them. Yet, he was seen by producers as a low risk, scandal-free, leading man. Notable roles are Tumak from One Billion Years B. C., William Trainor from No, No, Nanette, Doc Holliday from My Darling Clementine, Nick Bianco from Kiss of Death, Samson from Samson and Delilah, Demetrius from The Robe and Demetrius and the Gladiators, Chief Crazy Horse, Jed Cooper from The Last Frontier, Hannibal, Horemheb from The Egyptian, and Tony Powell from After the Fox.
Nominated for: Mature was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Should’ve been nominated for a Best Supporting Actor in 1953 for The Robe.
Reasons: Let’s just say appearing in enough films with his shirt off led to him being derided by male critics. Not to mention, he was seen more or less as a Hollywood hunk and sex symbol, even in biblical movies like Samson and Delilah. As Groucho Marx said, “I can’t enjoy any picture where the leading man’s chest is bigger than the leading lady’s.”
Trivia: Served in the Coast Guard during WWII and did a series of War Bond tours and morale shows in 1944. Was also engaged to Rita Hayworth and Anne Shirley. Loved golf and had his San Diego house built to overlook the ninth hole of the Rancho Santa Fe Golf Course. Savvy real estate investments and booming television market allowed him to take on roles he wanted and whenever he wanted them.

52. Janet Leigh

Personal Life: (1927-2004) Born Jeanette Helen Morrison in Merced, California. Daughter of Danish immigrants who worked at a ski resort called Sugar Bowl. Discovered by Norma Shearer in 1945 and showed her to talent agent Lew Wasserman while vacationing there. Prior had attended University of the Pacific where she studied music and psychology but left for MGM. Had no prior acting experience prior to the contract and was placed under the tutelage of drama coach Lillian Burns. Appeared in a radio anthology series at 19 and made her first film in 1947. Married 4 times with third marriage being to Tony Curtis and had Jamie Lee and Kelly to him. Married to fourth husband Robert Brandt for 42 years. Suffered from vasculitis and peripheral neuropathy, which caused her right hand to become gangrenous. Died of a heart attack at 77.
Famous for: American actress best remembered for her role in Psycho. Appeared in 5 movies with third husband Tony Curtis. Notable roles are Lissy Anne MacBean from The Romance of Rosy Ridge, Effie Bright from If Winter Comes, Margaret ‘Meg’ March/Brooke from Little Women, June Forsyte from That Forsyte Woman, Connie Ennis from Holiday Affair, Jennifer Paige Angels in the Outfield, Aline de Gavrillac de Bourbon from Scaramouche, Bess Houdini from Houdini, Lina Patch from The Naked Spur, Princess Aleta from Prince Valiant, Lady Anne from The Black Shield of Falworth, Eileen Sherwood from My Sister Eileen, Susan ‘Susie’ Vargas from Touch of Evil, Morgana from The Vikings, Marion Crane from Psycho, Eugenie Rose Chaney from The Manchurian Candidate, Rosie DeLeon from Bye Bye Birdie, Susan Harper from Harper, Mary Ann from Grand Slam, Gert Meredith from One Is a Lonely Number, Gerry Bennett from Night of the Lepus, and Florence Cohen from Boardwalk.
Nominated for: Leigh was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1960 for Psycho.
Most Crushing Loss: Well, she probably should’ve beat Shirley Jones for Best Supporting Actress in 1960. I mean who can forget her in the iconic shower scene though Jones was good, too. Perhaps not receiving an honorary Oscar is more crushing.
Reasons: Maybe because the studios weren’t happy about her and Curtis getting together. Then again, it could be just getting burned by the competition. Also was seen more as a sex symbol in many of her roles such as Marion Crane.
Trivia: Wrote 4 books. Served on the board of directors of the Motion Picture and Television Foundation. Was so traumatized from the shower scene from Psycho that she avoided showers for the rest of her life.

53. Vera Miles

Personal Life: (1929-present) Born Vera June Ralston in Boise City, Oklahoma. Grew up in Pratt, Kansas and Wichita. Moved to Los Angeles in 1950 where she landed small roles on film and TV. Made her first film in 1952. Married 3 times and had 4 children. Took the name Miles from her first husband. Retired in 1995 and refuses to grant interviews or make public appearances as of 2015.
Famous for: American actress best known for working closely with Alfred Hitchcock. Career spanned for 45 years. Notable roles are Denny Burke from The Rose Bowl Story, Jill Hardy from Tarzan’s Hidden Jungle, Laurie McCoy from Wichita, Laurie Jorgensen from The Searchers, Jean Lennox from 23 Paces to Baker Street, Virginia Hanson from Autumn Leaves, Betty Compton from Beau James, Lucy Ann Hardesty from The FBI Story, Rose Balestrero from The Wrong Man, Virginia Killain from A Touch of Larceny, Lila Crane from Psycho, Liz Saxon from Back Street, Hallie Stoddard from The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence, Dorothy Williams from A Tiger Walks, Lydia (Liddy) Calloway from Those Calloways, Vida Downey from Follow Me, Boys!, Ellen Wedloe from Gentle Giant, Madelyn Buckman from Hellfighters, and Joan Caper from Into the Night.
Nominated for: Miles was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1960 for Psycho.
Reasons: She usually identified as an icy Hitchcock blonde than anything. Also, her movies after the 1960s aren’t very well known and was typecast as wives, love interests, and mothers. Still, she was a rather underrated actress who didn’t take showy roles that usually land Oscar nominations anyway.
Trivia: Was Miss Kansas in 1948 and third runner up for Miss America. Appeared on Groucho Marx’s You Bet Your Life as a “beauty contest winner” in 1951. Has a son named Michael Scott.

54. Ann Blyth

Personal Life: (1928-present) Born in Mount Kisco, New York. Parents divorced shortly after her birth. Debuted on Broadway in 1941. Signed to Universal and made her first film in 1944. Married to Dr. James McNulty for 54 years and had 5 children. Lived in La Jolla and Toluca Lake, California. Retired in 1985.
Famous for: American actress and singer often cast in Hollywood musicals, but also successful in dramatic roles. Notable roles are Bessie Jo Kirby from Bowery to Broadway, Veda Pierce from Mildred Pierce, Ruth from Brute Force, Sheila Carrson from Killer McCoy, Doris Mead from A Woman’s Vengeance, Regina Hubbard from Another Part of the Forest, Lenore the Mermaid from Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid, Dorothy Benjamin from The Great Caruso, Princess Shalimar from The Golden Horde, Valerie Carns from Thunder on the Hill, Countess Marina Selanova from The World in His Arms, Rose Marie Lemaitre from Rose Marie, Kathie Ruder from The Student Prince, Lady Mary from The King’s Thief, Marsinah from Kismet, Gloria Brent from The Buster Keaton Story, and Helen Morgan from The Helen Morgan Story.
Nominated for: Blyth was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1945 for Mildred Pierce.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Anne Revere in the 1945 Best Supporting Actress race she should’ve one. I mean her performance as the scheming and ungrateful Veda Pierce has made more mothers feel better about their teenage daughters than anyone else in movie history. I mean this girl can really play a bitch, to put it lightly.
Reasons: Though Blyth would have a long acting career as an actress, she would quit movies in 1957 and would spend the rest of it in musical theater, television, and summer stock. Also, the Academy probably preferred to award the Oscar to women playing kind, endearing mothers than possibly psychopathic daughters from hell.
Trivia: Her and husband James McNulty received the rank of Lady and Knight of the Holy Sepulchre by Cardinal Cook. Sister-in-law of singer Dennis Day. Married a man named James McNulty (which is ironic since there’s a guy from The Wire with the same name who’s a womanizing drunk whose catchphrase is, “What the fuck did I do?”). Received a Cadillac and swimming pool from Howard Hughes.

55. Hedy Lamarr

Personal Life: (1914-2000) Born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler in Vienna during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Father was a banker and mother was a concert pianist. Made her first film in 1933 at 18. Fled her Nazi first husband and Germany for Paris in 1937 and was discovered by Louis B. Mayer who signed her to an MGM contract. Arrived in Hollywood in 1938. Married 6 times and had 3 children. Became a US citizen in 1953. Retired in 1958. Was arrested for shoplifting in 1966 and 1991. Was estranged from her son James for almost 50 years (and left him out of her will but he sued her $3.3 million estate). Had plastic surgery in her later years. Died in Casselberry, Florida of heart failure, chronic valvular heart disease, and arteriosclerotic heart disease at 85.
Famous for: Austrian American actress who became a star in the 1930s to the 1950s in glamorous parts alongside leading men and was promoted as the “world’s most beautiful woman.” Had a controversial nude sex scene in Ecstasy. Notable roles are Eva Hermann from Ecstasy, Gaby from Algiers, Manon deVargnes Carey from Lady of the Tropics, Karen Vanmeer from Boom Town, Sandra Kolter from Ziegfeld Girl, Dolores Ramirez from Tortilla Flat, Lucienne Talbot from Crossroads, Tondelayo from White Cargo, Irene Von Mohr from The Conspirators, Madeleine Damien from Dishonored Lady, Delilah from Samson and Delilah, and Joan of Arc from The Story of Mankind.
Nominated for: Lamarr was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar or a Science or Technical Award for being a pioneer in Wi-Fi which probably has made movie making a hell of a lot easier, especially since filmmaking is a collaborative effort, especially nowadays.
Reasons: Lamarr was basically typecast as a sex symbol whose roles emphasized her beauty and sexuality but were light on lines. Also, the Science and Technical field in the Academy is a male dominated field. Still, the main reason she’s on here has more to do with her inventing a world changing communications technology in her spare time.
Trivia: Co-created a frequency hopping and spread spectrum with neighbor and avant garde composer, George Antheil as a way to help counter torpedoes which became important to the US military during WWII. Both were inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame in 2014. Also invented an improved traffic stop light and a tablet that would dissolve in water to create a carbonated beverage, which she said tasted like Alka-Seltzer. First husband was a weapons seller who had government ties to Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. Hosted lavish parties with her first husband, sometimes with Hitler and Mussolini in attendance (no wonder she ran away from him). Sued Mel Brooks for $10 million for invasion of privacy on the unauthorized use of her name in Blazing Saddles (which was settled out of court).

56. Eli Wallach

Personal Life: (1915-2014) Born in Brooklyn, New York City to Jewish immigrants from Poland. Parents owned Bertha’s Candy Store. Graduated with a degree in history from the University of Texas at Austin. Earned a master’s degree in education from the City College of New York. Gained his first method acting experience at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City where he studied under Sanford Meisner. Drafted into the US Army in 1941 serving as a staff sergeant in a military hospital in Hawaii and was later commissioned as a second lieutenant after going through Officer’s Candidate School in Texas for medical administrative work. Served in Casablanca and France during WWII. Made his Broadway debut in 1945. Film debut was in 1956. Married to Anne Jackson for 65 years and had 3 children. Was a teetotaler. Lost sight in his left eye due to a stroke. Died of natural causes at 98.
Famous for: American actor whose career spanned over 60 years. TCM states he’s “one of the greatest ‘character actors’ ever to appear on stage and screen,” with over 90 film credits. He and his wife were one of the best known acting couples in America on stage. Founding member of the Actor’s Studio where he studied under Lee Strasberg. His versatility gave him the ability to play a wide variety of different roles throughout his career, primarily as a supporting actor. Notable roles are Silva Vacarro from Baby Doll, Calvera from The Magnificent Seven, Guido from The Misfits, the General from Lord Jim, Tuco from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, Davis Leland from How to Steal a Million, Ben Baker from McKenna’s Gold, Cotton Weinberger from The Two Jakes, Don Altobello from The Godfather Part III, Mr. Loonie from Mystic River, and Old Man from The Ghost Writer.
Nominated for: Wallach was never nominated for an Oscar but he received an honorary one which he deserved.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1966 for The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
Reasons: Let’s just say making Babydoll during the 1950s might’ve had something to do with it. I mean that film was very controversial back in the day. Then again, it did manage to get nominated for stuff. Then again, it could just as well being burned by the competition.
Trivia: While at Austin, he performed plays with Ann Sheridan and Walter Cronkite. Also learned to ride horses there, too. He and his unit wrote a play that inspired Irving Berlin’s This Is the Army. Nearly died 3 times while filming The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Great-uncle of critic A. O. Scott. Had to ask John Huston how to play a drunk while filming The Misfits. Played Mr. Freeze on Batman.

57. Dana Andrews

Personal Life: (1909-1992) Born in Collins, Mississippi to a family with 13 children. Father was a Baptist minister. Moved and grew up in Huntsville, Texas. Attended Sam Houston State University where he studied business administration and moved to Los Angeles in 1931 to become a singer. Worked various jobs that included pumping gas. Employer paid for his studies in opera and theater school at the Pasadena Playhouse. Film career began in 1940. Married twice and had 4 children (1 to first wife Janet Murray and 3 to second wife Mary Todd). Married to second wife Mary Todd for 53 years. Suffered from alcoholism and managed to get sober in the 1970s. Near the end of his life he suffered from Alzheimer’s. Died of congestive heart failure and pneumonia at 88.
Famous for: American actor who was one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the 1940s and continued acting into the 1980s though in less prestigious roles. Appeared in 5 films with Gene Tierney. Notable roles are Joe Lilac from Ball of Fire, Donald Martin from The Ox-Bow Incident, Mark McPherson from Laura, Captain Fred Derry from The Best Years of Our Lives, Detective Sgt. Mark Dixon from Where the Sidewalk Ends, Edward Mobley from While the City Sleeps, Tom Garrett from Beyond Reasonable Doubt, John Holden from Night of the Demon, Alan Eaton from The Fear Makers, Scott Freeman from Airport 1975, and Red Ridingwood from The Last Tycoon.
Nominated for: Andrews was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Being the only one from the 3 leads not being nominated for his performance in 1946 for The Best Years of Our Lives. Also not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1943 for The Ox-Bow Incident.
Reasons: Andrews was an alcoholic and by the 1950s his drinking was really starting to derail his career that it almost cost him his life on the highway. Then again, it might’ve been that he was just burned by the competition.
Trivia: In 1972, he appeared in a public service announcement on alcoholism. Older brother of Steve Forrest from S. W. A. T. and Dallas. President of the Screen Actors Guild from 1969-1970. Was friends with Burt Lancaster who suffered a paralyzing stroke while visiting him which took his life 2 years later. Also buddies with Vincent Price, Henry Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, Gene Tierney, Barbara Stanwyck, and Anne Bancroft.

58. Lee J. Cobb

Personal Life: (1911-1976) Born Leo Jacob in the Bronx, New York City to a Jewish family of Russian and Romanian extraction. Father was a compositor for a foreign language newspaper. Studied at New York University and made his acting debut in 1934 before joining the Group Theatre in 1935. Married twice and had 2 children from each of his marriages. Died of a heart attack at 64.
Famous for: American actor who typically played arrogant, intimidating, and abrasive characters, but often had roles as respectable figures such as judges and police officers.
Nominated for: Cobb was nominated twice for Best Supporting Actor in 1954 for On the Waterfront and 1958 for The Brothers Karamazov. Notable roles are Mr. Bonaparte from Golden Boy, Dr. Dozous from The Song of Bernadette, Brian Kelly in Call Northside 777, Johnny Friendly from On the Waterfront, Judge Bernstein from The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit, Juror #3 from 12 Angry Men, Fyodor Karamazov from The Brothers Karamazov, Barak Ben Canaan from Exodus, and the Editor from MacKenna’s Gold.
Most Crushing Loss: Should’ve been nominated in 1957 for Best Supporting Actor in 12 Angry Men. Also should’ve won in 1955 for On the Waterfront.
Reasons: He was accused of being a Communist in 1951 and testified before the House Committee on Un-American Activities which he refused until threatened with a blacklist 2 years later. Then he named 20 names as former members of the Communist Party USA. You can see why some of his peers might’ve been a bit uneasy on awarding him an Oscar.
Trivia: Played Willy Loman in the original Broadway production of Death of a Salesman. Served in the First Motion Picture Unit of the US Armed Forces during WWII. Buried in Los Angeles’ Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery. Died a day before Exodus co-star Sal Mineo was murdered.

59. Claude Rains

Personal Life: (1889-1967) Born in London. Said to grow up with a very serious Cockney accent and a speech impediment. Father was also an actor in stage and film. Made his stage debut at 11. Was discovered by Sir Herbert Beerborn Tree who paid for him to have the elocution lessons he needed to succeed as an actor at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he later taught. Served in WWI in which he was involved in a gas attack that made him nearly blind in his left eye for the rest of his life. Became a US citizen in 1939. Married 6 times and had a daughter to his 4th wife Frances Propper. Died from an abdominal hemorrhage in Laconia, New Hampshire at 77.
Famous for: British American actor whose career spanned for 46 years. Best known for being nominated for Best Supporting Actor 4 times but never won, a record he shares with Arthur Kennedy. Began his acting career on the London stage, moved to Broadway in the 1920s, and made his first film in 1933. Notable roles are the Invisible Man, Prince John from The Adventures of Robin Hood, Dr. Alexander Tower from Kings Row, Sen. Joseph Harrison Paine from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Don José Alvarez de Córdoba from The Sea Hawk, Mr. Jordan from Here Comes Mr. Jordan, Sir John Talbot from The Wolf Man, Dr. Jaquith from Now, Voyager, Captain Louis Renault from Casablanca, Captain Freycinet from Passage to Marseilles, Job Skeffington from Mr. Skeffington, Alex Sebastian from Notorious, and Mr. Dryden from Lawrence of Arabia.
Nominated for: Rains was nominated 4 times all for Best Supporting Actor consisting of: 1939 for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, 1942 for Casablanca, 1943 for Mr. Skeffington, and 1945 for Notorious.
Most Crushing Loss: I’d like to say he was robbed for playing possibly the nicest Nazi ever portrayed on film for 1946 yet, I don’t think anyone was going to beat Harold Russell in that race. Perhaps maybe his 1942 loss to Charles Coburn but then again, Coburn was fairly good, too. Just not as memorable as Claude Rains playing Renault.
Reasons: Well, being burned by the competition could apply to 1939, 1942, and 1945 since the nominees from the 1939 and 1942 came from movies we now consider classics. Not to mention, there was no way he’d win against Harold Russell in 1946. As for 1944, well, I haven’t seen Mr. Skeffington yet so I can’t say about that one.
Trivia: While at RADA as a teacher, his students included Sir John Gielgud and Sir Laurence Olivier. Gielgud would say of him many years later, “He was a great influence on me. I don’t know what happened to him. I think he failed and went to America.” During WWI, he served in the London Scottish regiment alongside Ronald Colman, Herbert Marshall, and Basil Rathbone as well as promoted from Private to Captain by the end. Bought the Stock Grange Farm in West Bradford Township, Pennsylvania in 1941 and would spend time between takes reading on agricultural techniques. However, he sold it when he and his 4th wife divorced in 1956.

60. Walter Pidgeon

Personal Life: (1897-1984) Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Father was a haberdasher. Studied law and drama at the University of New Brunswick, which was only interrupted by his WWI service in the 65th Royal Canadian Artillery where he’d only be crushed by two guns in an accident resulting in a 17 month stay at a military hospital and never saw action. After the war, worked as a bank runner in Boston while studying voice at the New England Conservatory of Music. Yet, he soon got tired with banking and moved to New York where he can prove he could act and sing to E. E. Clive. Made his Broadway debut in 1925. Married twice and had a daughter to first wife Edna Pickles. Married to second wife Ruth Walker for 47 years.
Famous for: Canadian American actor who starred in many films with a career spanning over 50 years. Made 9 movies with Greer Garson and did a number of silent films. When talkies came, he starred in some early Technicolor musicals. Notable roles are Mr. Gruffydd from How Green Was My Valley, Clem Miniver from Mrs. Miniver, Pierre Curie from Madame Curie, Major Augustus Parkington from Mrs. Parkington, William Sylvester Packett from Julia Misbehaves, Young Jolyon Forsyte from That Forsyte Woman, Harry Pebbel from The Bad and the Beautiful, Dr. Edward Morbius from Forbidden Planet, Florenz Ziegfeld from Funny Girl, Senate Majority Leader Robert “Bob” Munson from Advise & Consent, Casey from Harry in Your Pocket, and James Ellswirth from The Last Time I Saw Paris.
Nominated for: Pidgeon was nominated twice for Best Actor consisting of 1943 for Mrs. Miniver and 1944 for Madame Curie.
Most Crushing Loss: Not getting nominated for Best Supporting Actor for How Green Was My Valley. As far as I know this is one of the few films in which he uses an accent.
Reasons: I think this might have more to do with him being nominated for playing the husband to Greer Garson’s protagonist. Also for not talking like an English guy in Mrs. Miniver. Not to mention, you don’t give an Oscar to a guy named, “Pidgeon.”
Trivia: His first wife’s name was Pickles. Was a classically trained baritone. President of the Screen Actors Guild from 1952-1957. Hobbies included tending to his rose garden and playing bridge. Donated his body to UCLA Medical School for research and medical purposes.

As I said before, most movie stars don’t win Oscars. Of course, sometimes it’s expected since many of our best known stars work in genres that seldom get Oscar recognition like action movies, horror films, sci-fi and fantasy movies, westerns, or comedy even though many of these genres generate top box office dollar. Now this selection features many stars who are very much legends in their own right even in genres that end up falling prey to the Academy’s snobbery since it’s run by white middle aged men who’d rather see dramas. First, you have respected supporting players Thelma Ritter and Arthur Kennedy who both received about 5 Oscar nominations each without winning. Not to mention, Sydney Greenstreet best for his roles in Casablanca and The Maltese Falcon. You also have men like Joseph Cotten and Brian Donlevy who specialized in both. Then there’s Gene Wilder best known for his collaborations with Mel Brooks, Willy Wonka, and his marriage to Gilda Radner. Next you have the one and only Bruce Lee who everyone knows had no shot at getting an Oscar in the first place but since he contributed so much to movies, martial arts, and entertainment, you can’t have a series like this without him. After that is song and dance sensation Ann Miller whose shoes you can view at the Smithsonian followed by frequent John Wayne leading lady and onscreen abuse target Maureen O’Hara. Finally, we conclude with Veronica Lake best known for her appearances in film noir, her peek-a-boo hairstyle, and her steep decline in the 1950s due to alcoholism and mental illness. So for your viewing and entertaining pleasure, here are 10 more actors and actress who’ve never got to make the Oscar speech.

41. Thelma Ritter

Personal Life: (1902-1969) Born in Brooklyn, New York City. Trained as an actress at the American Academy for Dramatic Arts and performed in stock companies before taking a hiatus to raise her kids. Married to Joseph Moran for 42 years and had 2 children. Made her first film in 1947. Died of a heart attack at 66.
Famous for: American actress best known for her comedic roles as working class characters with a strong New York accent. Received 6 nominations for Best Supporting Actress without winning. Prone to play smart asses. One of the most recognizable and imitable female voices ever (which says a lot). Notable roles are Peter’s Mother from Miracle on 34th Street, Sadie Dugan from A Letter to Three Wives, Mrs. Katie Cusack from City Across the River, Birdie Coonan from All About Eve, Ellen McNulty from The Mating Season, Clancy from With a Song in My Heart, Stella from Rear Window, Moe Williams from Pickup on South Street, Alma from Pillow Talk, Isabelle Steers from The Misfits, Elizabeth Stroud from Birdman of Alcatraz, and Bertha from Boeing Boeing.
Nominated for: Ritter was nominated 6 times for Best Supporting Actress consisting of 1950 for All About Eve, 1951 for The Mating Season, 1952 for With a Song in My Heart, 1953 for Pickup on South Street, 1959 for Pillow Talk, and 1962 for Birdman of Alcatraz.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for her career which she probably would’ve gotten if she didn’t die so soon. Either that or losing to Josephine Hull in 1950, yet she was quite good in Harvey but that was the only year she had a real chance to win. Seriously, even in movies where she doesn’t receive credit, you still know who she is.
Reasons: Ritter was nominated in very bad years and was just burned by the competition. I mean she lost to Josephine Hull, Kim Hunter, Gloria Grahame, Donna Reed, Shelley Winters, and Patty Duke. Of course, the Academy probably thought she’d have her chance and didn’t bet she’d die of a heart attack at 66 considering that her career was doing very well by then.
Trivia: Won a Tony for Lead Actress in a Musical. Hosted the Oscars one year with Bob Hope.

42. Gene Wilder

Personal Life: (1933-2016) Born Jerome Silberman to a Jewish family in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Wanted to be an actor since he was 8. At 15, mother sent him to a military school in Hollywood where he wrote about being bullied and sexually assaulted for being the only Jewish kid so he returned home and became involved with community theater. Graduated from the University of Iowa in 1955 as well as studied at the Old Vic and HB Studio. In 1956, he was drafted into the army and was assigned to the Medical Corps where he served as a paramedic at the Valley Forge Army Hospital. Mother died from ovarian cancer in 1957. Supported himself through acting school as a limo driver and fencing instructor. Changed his name to Gene Wilder at 26 and studied under Lee Strasberg at the Actors’ Studio. Was discovered by Mel Brooks and Anne Bancroft during a performance of Mother Courage and Her Children in 1963. Married 4 times with Gilda Radner as his 3rd wife. Hasn’t done an acting gig since 2003 but lived in semi-retirement. Was hospitalized with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 1999 but has been in complete remission since 2005. Died in his 1734 Colonial home in Stamford, Connecticut he’s resided in since his marriage to Radner of complications from Alzheimer’s he had been suffering for the past 3 years at 83.
Famous for: American actor, director, screenwriter, author, and activist. Career spanned for 42 years. Best known for his films with Gilda Radner and Mel Brooks. One of the most iconic and influential comic actors in the latter half of the 20th century. Notable roles are Eugene Grizzard from Bonnie and Clyde, Leo Bloom from The Producers, Willy Wonka from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Dr. Doug Ross from Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex* (*But Were Afraid to Ask), Jim, “The Waco Kid” from Blazing Saddles, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein from Young Frankenstein, The Fox from The Little Prince, Sigerson Holmes from The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes’ Smarter Brother, George Caldwell from Silver Streak, Avram Belinski from The Frisco Kid, Skip Donahue from Stir Crazy, Teddy Pierce from The Woman in Red, and Dave Lyon from See No Evil, Hear No Evil.
Nominated for: Wilder was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1969 for The Producers and in 1974 with Mel Brooks for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Most Crushing Loss: Not winning the Oscar for adapted screenplay for Young Frankenstein. Seriously, it’s one of the funniest movies of all time and one of the most quotable. At least Mel Brooks thanked him 3 times in his Oscar speech for The Producers.
Reasons: No matter how good an actor Wilder was, he wouldn’t win an Oscar since he’s considered a comic actor.
Trivia: Wrote 6 books. Co-founded Gilda’s Club and helped found the Gilda Radner Ovarian Cancer Detection Center in Los Angeles. Met his current wife who was a clinical Supervisor at the New York League for the Hard of Hearing and coached him in lip reading while he was doing See No Evil, Hear No Evil.

43. Bruce Lee

Personal Life: (1940-1973) Born in San Francisco (but he had many names so I’m not going to list them). Father was a famous Chinese opera singer and family moved back to Hong Kong when he was 3 months old. Spent nearly 4 years under Japanese occupation during WWII. Was trained in martial arts by the Yip Man after getting involved in a series of street fights. Father introduced him to the film industry and appeared in several films as a child actor. Moved to the United States at 18 with only $100 to finish high school in Seattle. In 1961, enrolled in the University of Washington to major in drama and started teaching martial arts. Dropped out of college in 1964 and moved to Oakland. Acting career in Hollywood began in 1964 after competing in the Long Beach Karate Championships and fight with Wong Jack Man. Married to Linda Emery and had 2 children. Son Brandon died of a prop gun accident on the set of The Crow in 1993. Died of a brain aneurysm at 32 caused by a reaction between painkillers and brain swelling medication.
Famous for: Hong Kong American actor, actor, martial arts instructor, philosopher, filmmaker, and founder of Jeet Kune Do. Considered to be one of the most influential martial artists of all time and pop culture icon of the 20th century. Often credited with helping to change how Asians were presented in films. Started out as a child actor and appeared in 20 films by 18. Sparked a huge interest for Chinese martial arts in the West during the 1970s. Notable roles are Winslow Wong from Marlowe, Cheng Chao-an from The Big Boss, Cheng Chao-an from Fist of Fury, Tang Lung from The Way of the Dragon, and Lee from Enter the Dragon. Also played Kato from The Green Hornet on TV.
Nominated for: Lee was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: He probably should’ve at least gotten an Honorary Oscar for helping how Asians are presented in film but didn’t live long enough.
Reasons: Face it, Lee’s movies were made as action films and never meant to win Oscars in the least.
Trivia: Wrote poetry. Philosophical influences include Taoism, Jiddu Krishnamurti, and Buddhism. Was well read and had an extensive library. Was really into physical fitness and tried bodybuilding. Taught martial arts to James Coburn, Kareem Abdul-Jabar, Roman Polanski, Lee Marvin, Joe Lewis, and Chuck Norris.

44. Joseph Cotten

Personal Life: (1905-1994) Born in Petersburg, Virginia. Father was an assistant postmaster. Studied at the Hickam School of Speech and Expression in Washington D. C. for acting. Worked as an advertising agent, lifeguard, shipping clerk, salesman for vacuums, paint, and potato salad, and theater critic for the Miami Herald before being involved with theater in Virginia and New York City. Debuted on Broadway in 1930 and met Orson Welles 4 years later while they were doing a radio show. Was an inaugural member of his Mercury Theater in 1937. Married twice with both marriages lasting at least 30 years. Adopted a stepdaughter to first wife Leonore Kipp. Suffered a stroke that cut his career short in 1981 which temporarily made him unable to speak. In 1990, his larynx was removed due to cancer. Died of pneumonia at 88.
Famous for: American actor who achieved prominence on Broadway in original productions of The Philadelphia Story and Sabrina Fair. Gained worldwide fame for appearing in Orson Welles’s movies such as Citizen Kane, The Magnificent Ambersons, and Journey Into Fear. Went on to become one of the leading Hollywood actors of the 1940s. Career spanned for 50 years. Notable roles are Jed Leland for Citizen Kane, Eugene Morgan from The Magnificent Ambersons, Charles Oakley from Shadow of a Doubt, Brian Cameron from Gaslight, Jesse McCanless from Duel in the Sun, Eben Adams from Portrait of Jeannie, Holly Martins from The Third Man, Samson Flusky from Under Capricorn, Allen Quinton from Love Letters, George Loomis from Niagara, Coroner from Touch of Evil, Dr. Drew Bayliss from Hush..Hush, Sweet Charlotte, William R. Simonson from Soylent Green, and Henry L. Stimson from Tora! Tora! Tora!.
Nominated for: Cotten was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1941 for Citizen Kane or 1943 for Shadow of a Doubt. Seriously, he’s the ultimate evil uncle in Shadow of a Doubt in the most twisted way.
Reasons: Being Orson Welles’s BFF probably hurt his chances more than anything when it came to movie awards when he was at the height of his stardom in the 1940s.
Trivia: Was best man at Orson Welles’ wedding to Rita Hayworth. Modeled for the cover of the September issue for The American Magazine. Played Cary Grant’s character from The Philadelphia Story on Broadway but his agent talked him out of reprising his role for the film. Also credited with the screenplay for Journey Into Fear.

45. Sydney Greenstreet

Personal Life: (1879-1954) Born in Sandwich, Kent in England. Father was a leather merchant. One of 8 siblings. At 18, left his home to make his fortune as a Ceylon tea planter but drought forced him out of business. Took acting lessons just to escape the boredom managing a brewery. Made his stage debut in 1902, yet refused to appear in a movie until he was 62 despite many offers. Signed on to Warner Brothers in 1941. Dorothy Marie Ogden in 1918 and had one son. Suffered from diabetes and Bright’s Disease. Retired from film in 1949. Died from diabetic complications at 74.
Famous for: Versatile English actor who didn’t appear in films until he was 62 but enjoyed a string of hits during his 8 year career at Warner Bros. Appeared in 9 films with Peter Lorre. Best known roles are Caspar Gutman from The Maltese Falcon, Signor Ferrari from Casablanca, Major Duval from Passage to Marseille, Ricardo Quintanilla from The Conspirators, Supt. George Edward Grodman from The Verdict, and Sheriff Titus Semple from Flamingo Road.
Nominated for: Greenstreet was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1941 for The Maltese Falcon.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Donald Crisp during the 1941 Oscar race. Should’ve gotten his hands on that statuette for The Maltese Falcon.
Reasons: Until Casablanca came out, Warner Bros. wasn’t seen as a reputable studio equivalent to MGM. I mean this was a studio that just made gangster films to save money. Also Greenstreet wasn’t in movies for long.
Trivia: Tennessee Williams dedicated The Last of My Solid Gold Watches to him.

46. Ann Miller

Personal Life: (1923-2004) Born Johnnie Lucille Collier in Chireno, Texas. Father was a criminal lawyer and womanizer. Started taking dance lessons at 5 after suffering from rickets. Moved to Los Angeles at 9 when her parents separated and worked as a nightclub dancer and showgirl because her deaf mother had a hard time finding work where she started going by Ann Miller. Was discovered at a San Francisco club by Lucille Ball and a talent scout/agent at 13 (though she told them she was 18) as well as received an RKO contract. Made her first film in 1934. Married 3 times and had a daughter who died at birth. Retired in 2001. Died of lung cancer at 80.
Famous for: American actress, dancer, and singer best remembered for her work in Hollywood musicals during the 1940s and 1950s. Was noted as a dance prodigy. Notable roles are Annie from Stage Door, Essie Carmichael from You Can’t Take It With You, Hilda from Room Service, Kitty Brown from Time Out for Rhythm, Nadine Hale from Easter Parade, Lola from Go West, Young Lady, Claire Huddesen from On the Town, Fiesta Specialty Dancer from The Kissing Bandit, Lois Lane ‘Bianca’ from Kiss Me Kate, Dance specialty in ‘Artists and Models’ from Deep in My Heart, Ginger from Hit the Deck, Gloria from The Opposite Sex, and Catherine ‘Coco’ Lenoix from Muholland Drive.
Nominated for: Miller was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for her career. Seriously, the Academy should give her some recognition since she has her shoes displayed at the freaking Smithsonian! That alone really shows that she’s an American treasure.
Reasons: Well, when she was just starting out, Miller lied about her age (though she had to use her dancing skills to support her and her deaf mother). Also, she was kind of underappreciated in her career even though she was mostly in musicals and comedies. Not to mention, her film career was effectively over by 1956.
Trivia: Romantically linked to Howard Hughes, Conrad Hilton, and Louis B. Mayer. Attorney father represented men like Machine Gun Kelly, the Barrow Gang, and Baby Face Nelson. Helped popularized pantyhose in the 1940s. Said to tap 500 times per minute but it most of her tap dancing sounds were actually dubbed by sound engineers since her dancing shoes had rubber soles made for a slippery set. Favorite pair of tap shoes are on display at the Smithsonian she named “Moe and Joe.” Won the Sarah Siddons Award in 1983. Was interested in psychic phenomena and claimed to be the reincarnation of the Egyptian Queen Hathshepsut. Refused to do movies for a long time due to content of nudity, sex, and violence but agreed to do Muholland Dr. which features explicit sex, nudity, and graphic violence.

47. Maureen O’Hara

Personal Life: (1920-present) Born Maureen FitzSimons in Dublin, Ireland. Father was in the clothes business as well as part owner of a soccer team. Mother was a former opera contralto and a successful women’s clothier. Trained as an actress at the Abbey Theatre and the Ena Mary Burke School of Drama and Elocution. Joined a theater company at 10. Yet, to satisfy her practical dad’s wishes, she enrolled in business school and became a bookkeeper and typist. Made her first film in 1938. Became a US citizen in 1946 and holds dual citizenship. Marred 3 times and had a daughter to second husband Will Price. Retired in 2000 for good. Has homes in Ireland, Arizona, and the Virgin Islands. Suffered a stroke in 2005.
Famous for: Irish American actress and singer noted for playing fiercely passionate heroines with a highly sensible attitude. Often worked with John Ford and John Wayne. One of the last living actresses from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Notable roles are Mary Yellen from Jamaica Inn, Esmeralda from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Sydney Fairfield from A Bill of Divorcement, Angharad from How Green Was My Valley, Mary Carter from To the Shores of Tripoli, Lady Margaret Denby from The Black Swan, Toni Donne from The Fallen Sparrow, Louisa Frederici Cody from Buffalo Bill, Contessa Francesca from The Spanish Main, Julie Beck / Weatherly from Sentimental Journey, Shireen from Sinbad the Sailor, Doris Walker from Miracle on 34th Street, Mrs. Kathleen Yorke from Rio Grande, Mary Kate Danaher from The Quiet Man, Joanna Dana from Malaga, Lady Godiva from Lady Godiva of Coventry, Sylvia Merrill from Lisbon, Beatrice Severn from Our Man in Havana, Margaret “Maggie” McKendrick from The Parent Trap, Katherine Gilhooley McLintock from McClintock!, Martha McCandles from Big Jake, and Rose Muldoon from Only the Lonely.
Nominated for: O’Hara was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in 1939 for The Hunchback of Notre Dame. At least she won an honorary Oscar for her career.
Reasons: Well, she mostly acted in westerns and adventure films. Also was usually overshadowed by John Wayne even though he was a really terrible actor (no offense but he’s very much overrated).
Trivia: Was the CEO of her third husband’s airline after his death in a plane crash on a Grumman Goose which she later sold. Third husband was also a former Brigadier general in the US Air Force. Sister Peggy joined the Sisters of Charity. Charles Laughton was her mentor. Took and transcribed John Ford’s production notes for The Quiet Man. Was Grand Marshal for New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1999.

48. Veronica Lake

Personal Life: (1922-1973) Born Constance Frances Marie Ockelman in Brooklyn, New York City. Father worked for an oil company aboard a ship and died of an industrial explosion in Philadelphia in 1932. Mother soon remarried a newspaper staff artist and she adopted her stepfather’s surname, Keane. Spent part of her childhood in Saranac Lake, New York and Miami, Florida. Was expelled from an all-girls Catholic school in Canada. According to her mother, she had a troubled childhood and was diagnosed as a schizophrenic. Moved to Beverly Hills in 1938 and attended the Bliss-Hayden School of Acting and started working in films as an extra. Made her first film in 1939. Married 4 times and had 4 kids. By the late 1940s, she had struggles with mental illness and alcoholism as her career declined. In 1951, the IRS seized her and second husband Andre de Toth’s home for unpaid taxes and they declared bankruptcy. This led her to leave her husband for New York. In the late 1950s she drifted between cheap hotels and was arrested several times for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct. Diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver in 1973 and died of hepatitis and acute renal failure in Vermont at 50.
Famous for: American actress who won popular and critical acclaim for her comedies and femme fatale roles in film noir during the 1940s. Well known for her peek-a-boo hairstyle. Appeared in several movies with Alan Ladd because they were both short. Notable roles are Sally Vaughn from I Wanted Wings, The Girl from Sullivan’s Travels, Ellen Graham from This Gun for Hire, Janet Henry from The Glass Key, Jennifer from I Married a Witch, Dora Bruckmann from The Hour Before Dawn, Joyce Harwood from The Blue Dahlia, Susan Cleaver from Saigon, and Dr. Elaine Frederick from Flesh Feast.
Nominated for: Lake was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1941 for Sullivan’s Travels. This is probably her best role and she was pretty convincing dressed as a boy.
Reasons: She had a complex personality and a reputation of being difficult to work with. Co-star Eddie Bracken would say, “She was known as ‘The Bitch’ and she deserved the title.” Was also typecast as a Hollywood sex symbol, had a drinking problem, as well as issues with mental illness. Not to mention, her peek-a-boo hairstyle might’ve hurt her career in the late 1940s when the US government encouraged women to adopt more practical looks and her stardom was short lived. Was even sued for non-support by her own mother.
Trivia: Some of her ashes were found in a New York antique store in 2004. Popular pin-up girl in WWII and traveled across the country to raise war bonds. Earned her pilot’s license in 1946 and flew solo from New York to Los Angeles. Romantically linked to Howard Hughes and Aristotle Onassis.

49. Arthur Kennedy

Personal Life: (1914-1990) Born in Worcester, Massachusetts. Father was a dentist. Attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh where he received a B. A. in drama in 1934. Joined the Group Theatre in New York in 1937. Discovered by James Cagney and made his first movie in 1940. Married to Mary Cheffrey for 37 years and had 2 children. Had problems with alcoholism, failing eyesight, and thyroid cancer in his later life. Died of a brain tumor in Branford, Connecticut at 75.
Famous for: American actor known for his versatility in supporting roles and his ability to create, “an exceptional honesty and naturalness on stage.” Shares the record with Claude Raines as being nominated for 4 Best Supporting Actor Oscars without winning a single one. Notable roles are Eddie Kenny from City of Conquest, Red from High Sierra, Tom Wingfield from The Glass Menagerie, Connie Kelly from Champion, Larry Nevins from Bright Victory, Vic Hansbro from The Man from Laramie, Deputy Sheriff Jesse Bard from The Desperate Hours, Bernard Castle from Trial, Lucas Cross from Peyton Place, Frank Hirsh from Some Came Running, Jim Lefferts from Elmer Gantry, Jackson Bentley from Lawrence of Arabia, Bill Bowdrie from Nevada Smith, and Couglin from Signs of Life.
Nominated for: Kennedy was nominated 5 times with 4 for Best Supporting Actor and 1 for Best Actor consisting of: 1949 for Champion, 1951 for Bright Victory, 1955 for Trial, 1957 for Peyton Place, and 1958 for Some Came Running.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing Best Supporting Actor to Red Buttons in 1957 since Lucas Cross was very much his best role in his career.
Reasons: He was probably a classic case of just being burned by the competition since acting races during the 1950s were especially brutal competition.
Trivia: Member of the original cast of Death of a Salesman and received a Tony Award for his performance as Biff Loman. Also was among the original casts in All My Sons, The Price, and The Crucible. Served in the Army Air Corps between 1943 and 1945 making aviation training films. Buried in Nova Scotia with his wife.

50. Brian Donlevy

Personal Life: (1901-1972) Born in Armaugh, Ireland. Moved to the Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin between 1910 and 1912. Father was a supervisor for the Brickner Woolen Mills. At 14, he lied about his age to volunteer in the Wisconsin National Guard for the Pancho Villa expedition as a bugler. In 1917, he went to France to fight WWI. Began his acting career in theater and silent films during the 1920s and his big movie break came in 1935. Married 3 times and had a daughter to second wife Marjorie Lane. Died of throat cancer at 71.
Famous for: Irish American actor known for playing dangerous tough guys from the 1930s to the 1960s. Usually played supporting roles. Said in his Times obituary that, “any consideration of the American ‘film noir’ of the 1940s would be incomplete without him.” Notable roles are Knuckles Jacoby from Barbary Coast, Sergeant Markoff from Beau Geste, Daniel McGinty from The Great McGinty and The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek, Kent from Destry Rides Again, Trampas from The Virginian, Paul Madvig from The Glass Key, and Assistant District Attorney Louis D’Angelo from Kiss of Death.
Nominated for: Donlevy was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1939 for Beau Geste.
Most Crushing Loss: Probably not being nominated for The Great McGinty.
Reasons: Well, he was just burned by the competition in 1939. His portrayal of the sadistic and cruel Markoff was fabulous, but I do think Thomas Mitchell deserved to win for Stagecoach.
Trivia: Liked gold mining and writing poetry. Said he only smoked for the movies. Was best man in William Holden’s wedding to Brenda Marshall. Third marriage was to Bela Lugosi’s ex-wife. Had his own TV show in the 1950s.

Of course, I have a lot of people on their known just for their looks and being heartthrobs. Of course, while there weren’t a lot of shirtless scenes during the Golden Age of Hollywood, they still had their sex symbols such a pin-ups. And many of these appeared in movies. Nevertheless, many movie stars who became famous for their looks don’t usually win Oscars because the Hollywood establishment doesn’t exactly take them as seriously unless they’ve done serious dramatic work or have a great Shakespearean British accent (you know who you are, Alan Rickman). Yet, while some fade, there are those who seem to endure. Now this post pertains to a lot of stars known to entice sex in the pictures like Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell, Rita Hayworth, Jean Harlow, Marlene Dietrich, and Kim Novak. Of course, there are female stars on this post who didn’t become sex symbols like the sickeningly wholesome Doris Day (Ugh!) and the Broadway darling Rosalind Russell. Finally, we have a couple male stars on here such as Montgomery Clift, a promising actor whose career and life would never be the same after crashing his car into a telephone pole and Richard Harris, drinking buddy with Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole but later sobered up enough to play Albus Dumbledore before dying of cancer. So without further adieu, here is 10 more actors and actress who never made that iconic Oscar speech for beating Meryl Streep, Katharine Hepburn, or whoever else received a lot of acting nominations at the time.

31. Montgomery Clift

Personal Life: (1920-1966) Born in Omaha, Nebraska. Father was vice-president of the Omaha National Trust Company. Mother thought she was an adopted illegitimate child from Southern aristocracy and had her children home schooled by private tutors until they were teenagers. During WWII, he was rejected for service due to colitis and allergies. First appeared on Broadway at 15 and performed there for 10 years before Hollywood. In 1956, he crashed his car through a telephone pole after leaving a dinner and was seriously injured with a broken jaw and nose, a fractured sinus, and several facial lacerations which required plastic surgery. He would never fully recover and began to depend on alcohol and pills for relief. His health and physical condition would deteriorate from then on. He also became erratic with his performances suffering and his career declined that he was unemployable by the 1960s. Died of a heart attack at 45.
Famous for: American actor known for playing moody and sensitive outsiders and hero victims as well as helped change Hollywood masculinity. One of the original Method Actors of Hollywood. First actor to refuse to sign a Hollywood contract and choose films independently, later adopted by Robert Redford and the Independent Film movement. Notable roles are Ralph ‘Steve’ Stevenson from The Search, Matthew ‘Matt’ Garth from Red River, Morris Townsend from The Heiress, George Eastman from A Place in the Sun, Fr. Michael William Logan from I Confess, Pvt. Robert E. Lee ‘Prew’ Prewitt from From Here to Eternity, John Wickliff Shawnessy from Raintree County, Dr. Cuckrowicz from Suddenly, Last Summer, Perce Howland from The Misfits, Sigmund Freud from Freud, and Rudolph Petersen from Judgment at Nuremberg.
Nominated for: Clift was nominated for Best Actor 3 times and Best Supporting Actor once consisting of: 1948 for The Search, 1951 for A Place in the Sun, 1953 for From Here to Eternity, and 1961 for Judgment at Nuremberg.
Most Crushing Loss: He probably should’ve won the Oscar for From Here to Eternity which basically devastated him when he lost to William Holden. Yet, the movie’s producer sent him a small golden bugle which he treasured for the rest of his life.
Reasons: Clift was said to be unpopular among the Hollywood elite for refusing to conform to Hollywood standards. He refused to reveal his private life (since he was a closeted bisexual), avoided movie premieres and parties, was usually unavailable for interviews, and preferred not to live in Los Angeles. Also, despite receiving the best care available for 1956, he’d never recover from smashing his car in a telephone pole.
Trivia: Spoke French, German, and Italian. Brother was married to Eleanor Clift and had a child with Kim Stanley. Had a twin sister who survived him by 48 years. Spent a few days in a monastery and studied priests for I Confess. Made his fellow cast and crew members cry while filming his death scene in From Here to Eternity and learned to play the bugle even if he knew it would be dubbed. Burt Lancaster was nervous and afraid Clift would out act him prior to working with him. Spent a night in a state prison for A Place in the Sun. James Dean would sometimes call him just to hear his voice.

32. Marilyn Monroe

Personal Life: (1926-1962) Born Norma Jeane Mortenson in Los Angeles, California, later changed to Baker. Father either divorced her mother soon after her birth or her parents were never married at all (we’re not sure who her father was). If he knew of her existence, then he was certainly a deadbeat for her mother was mentally and financially unstable as well as unable to care for her. Spent much of her childhood in foster homes as a ward of the state and possibly experienced at least attempted sexual assault. Married her first husband at 16, just to get out of the system and when he left to serve as a Merchant Marine in WWII, she worked at a munitions factory, mainly spraying airplane parts with flame retardant and inspecting parachutes. Was discovered by a cameraman from the First Motion Picture Unit and encouraged her to apply for The Blue Book Modeling Agency. She was discovered by 20th Century Fox and changed her name to Marilyn Monroe. Made her first film in 1947. Married 3 times with her second husband Joe DiMaggio and third husband Arthur Miller. Struggled with alcohol and drug addiction as well as sought psychiatric help in her later years. Found dead from a barbiturate overdose at 36.
Famous for: American actress, model, and singer who became a major sex symbol starring in a number of commercially successful motion pictures during the 1950s and early 1960s. Notable roles are Angela Phinlay from The Asphalt Jungle, Miss Claudia Caswell from All About Eve, Nell Forbes from Don’t Bother to Knock, Miss Lois Laurel from Monkey Business, Rose Loomis from Niagara, Lorelei Lee from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Pola Debevoise from How to Marry a Millionaire, Kay Weston from The River of No Return, Victoria Hoffman from There’s No Business Like Show Business, The Girl from The Seven Year Itch, Cherie from Bus Stop, Elsie Marina from The Prince and the Showgirl, Sugar Cane Kowalczyk from Some Like It Hot, Amanda Dell from Let’s Make Love, and Roslyn Taber from The Misfits.
Nominated for: Monroe was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Should’ve been nominated for Best Actress in 1961 for The Misfits, yet it received mixed reviews and flopped. But she still received a Golden Globe and it’s proof she really could act. Also should’ve received an honorary Oscar for being such a significant cultural icon but she didn’t live too long.
Reasons: Mostly her not winning the Oscar was due to the fact her talent was rarely taken seriously due to being a sex symbol and typecast as a dumb blond she was not. Not to mention, she refused to abandon Arthur Miller when he was called to the House Committee on Un-American Activities as well as had a very terrible childhood. It didn’t help that her personal life was tabloid fodder, particularly her marriages to Joe DiMaggio and Arthur Miller (who’d later become Daniel Day Lewis’ father-in-law in the 1990s). Not to mention, she was said to be difficult to work with in her later years.
Trivia: Has status as a pop and cultural icon as well as a quintessential sex symbol. Named No. #1 in TV Guide’s Film’s Sexiest Women of All Time. Converted to Judaism upon marrying Arthur Miller. Romantically linked to Marlon Brando, John F. Kennedy, and Robert F. Kennedy. Worked at the same factory where Ronald Reagan posed for morale photographs during his service. Was a natural brunette (and didn’t dye her hair blond when she started modeling, particularly after she heard that the agency was looking for girls with lighter hair). Was featured on the cover for the first issue of Playboy Magazine where she posed nude.

33. Jean Harlow

Personal Life: (1911-1937) Born Harlean Harlow Carpenter in Kansas City, Missouri. Father was a dentist. Was very close to her mother while her parents had a very unhappy arranged marriage. Mother was extremely protective and coddling instilling a sense her daughter owed everything she had to her. In 1922, her parents divorced and she rarely saw her father again after that. Attended high school in Illinois where her mother remarried in 1927. She married her first husband the same year and would move with him to Los Angeles where she entertained as a wealthy socialite but they divorced two years later mostly due to his drinking. Stumbled into Hollywood when she drove an actress friend to the Fox Studios for an appointment and basically went to the audition on a bet by her mother’s maiden name: Jean Harlow. Made her first film in 1928. Married 3 times and dated William Powell at the time of her death from kidney failure at 26.
Famous for: American actress and sex symbol of the 1930s. One of the biggest movie stars in the world by the late 1930s, often nicknamed the “Blond Bombshell” and the “Platinum Blonde”, and popular for her “Laughing Vamp” movie persona. Made a few films with Clark Gable. Notable roles are Helen from Hell’s Angels, Anne Courtland from The Secret Six, Gwen Allen from The Public Enemy, Anne Schuyler from Platinum Blonde, Vantine from Red Dust, Kitty Packard from Dinner at Eight, Lola Burns from Bombshell, Helen “Whitey” Wilson from Wife vs. Secretary, Gladys Benton from Libeled Lady, Suzy, Lillian ‘Lil’/’Red’ Andrews Legendre from Red-Headed Woman, and Carol Clayton from Saratoga.
Nominated for: Harlow was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Should’ve been nominated for Best Actress in 1936 for Libeled Lady. Seriously, you have to feel for her in that movie.
Reasons: Well, Harlow was seen as a sex symbol and mostly made comedies. Also, she died young, yet had relationships with much older men.
Trivia: Was Marilyn Monroe’s idol. Romantically involved with William Powell (who was said to be the love of his life and was deeply devastated when she died. Yet he was the one who financed her funeral arrangements. Ironically, they once lived a few blocks away back in Kansas City, Missouri). Called, “Baby.” Wrote a novel. Was known as the “Original Blonde Bombshell.” Bombshell was basically a parody of her life. Died during the filming of Saratoga. Using actual bleach in her hair might’ve contributed to her early death.

34. Rita Hayworth

Personal Life: (1918-1987) Born Margarita Carmen Cansino in Brooklyn, New York City. Father came from Spain. Parents were dancers and was taught to dance by relatives. First performed in public at 6 and made her first film at 8. Father moved his family to Hollywood in hopes to perform in the movies and that his family could be a part of it as well as established his own dance studio. Yet, he lost all his investments during the Great Depression. Partnered with her dad to form “The Dancing Cansinos” in Tijuana casinos and bars since she was too young under California law. Dropped out of high school. Began her acting career at 16 though Columbia required her to change her name and have plastic surgery (skin bleaching and painful hairline electrolysis) as well as dye her hair red. Married 5 times including third husband Orson Welles and fourth husband Prince Aly Khan and had a daughter to both men. Struggled with alcoholism which prematurely aged her. Retired in 1973. Was removed from a TWA flight for an angry outburst with her agent and her drinking was so bad that she wasn’t diagnosed with Alzheimer’s until 1980, which would claim her life at 68.
Famous for: American actress and dancer who achieved fame during the 1940s as one of the era’s top stars and became known for her deep sultry voice and flaming red hair. Made 61 films in 37 years. Notable roles are Virginia Brush from The Strawberry Blonde, Dona Sol from Blood and Sand, Maria Acuña from You Were Never Lovelier, Rusty Parker/Maribelle Hicks from Cover Girl, Irene Malcolm from Affectionately Yours, Gilda Mundson Farrell from Gilda, Elsa Bannister from The Lady from Shanghai, Carmen from The Loves of Carmen, Princess Salome from Salome, Chris Emery from Affair in Trinidad, Vera Prentice-Simpson from Pal Joey, Ann Shankland from Separate Tables, Rosalie Kenny from The Money Trap, and Señora De La Plata from The Wrath of God.
Nominated for: Hayworth was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in 1947 for The Lady from Shanghai. That or not receiving an honorary Oscar for her career.
Reasons: Well, Hayworth was basically a sex symbol and mostly typecast as either dancers or femme fatales, sometimes both. Also, she was Hispanic and drank heavily and had a torrid personal life.
Trivia: Grandfather popularized the bolero and had a world famous dancing school in Madrid. Daughter Princess Yasmin Khan took care of her in her final years in New York City. Was a top pin-up girl for military servicemen in the 1940s and a beauty icon for women.

35. Marlene Dietrich

Personal Life: (1901-1992) Born Marie Magdalene Dietrich in the former Brandenburg town of Schöneberg, now part of Berlin, Germany. Father was a police lieutenant who died when she was 6 and her mother married his best friend in 1916 who was a first lieutenant of the Grenadiers but he died due to WWI injuries. Studied in violin but her dreams of being a violinist were curtailed when she injured her wrist but not without playing violin for a pit orchestra to accompany silent films in 1922 at a Berlin cinema. But she was fired after 4 weeks. Debuted on the stage as a chorus girl and worked through the ranks. Made her first film in 1923. Went to Hollywood after the success of The Blue Angel. Married to Rudolf Sieber for 43 years and had a daughter (yet it was an open marriage since she had affairs as a bisexual). Became a US citizen in 1939. Survived cervical cancer in 1965. Suffered from poor circulation in her legs. Injured her left thigh in 1973 and right leg in 1974. Retired in 1975 after she fell off stage and broke her thigh. An alcoholic and dependent on painkillers, spent the last 11 years of her life as a mostly bedridden recluse in Paris. Died of renal failure at 90.
Famous for: German-American actress and singer who remained popular during her long career by continually reinventing herself. Capitalized on her glamor and exotic looks cementing her stardom as one of the highest paid actresses of the era. Notable roles are Lola-Lola from The Blue Angel, Mademoiselle Amy Jolly from Morocco, Shanghai Lily from Shanghai Express, Helen Faraday from Blonde Venus, Princess Sophia Frederica / Catherine II from The Scarlet Empress, Madeleine de Aupre from Desire, Domini Enfilden from The Garden of Allah, Frenchy from Destry Rides Again, Jamilla from Kismet, Erika Von Schlutow from A Foreign Affair, Charlotte Inwood from Stage Fright, Altar Keane from Rancho Notorious, Maria de Creveçoeur from The Monte Carlo Story, Christine Vole (Helm) / cockney woman from Witness for the Prosecution, and Mrs. Bertholt from Judgment at Nuremberg.
Nominated for: Dietrich was nominated for Best Actress in 1931 for Morocco.
Most Crushing Loss: Should’ve been nominated for Best Actress in 1957 for Witness for the Prosecution. Seriously, who knew she could master a Cockney accent.
Reasons: Well, her strong anti-Nazi made her a rather controversial figure in Germany for years after WWII. Was also bisexual as well as reputed to have many affairs. Not to mention, she was often seen as a sex symbol and starred in a lot of risqué stuff in her early career.
Trivia: Mother’s family owned a clock making firm. Was a staunch anti-Nazi and was one of the first celebrities to raise war bonds during WWII and performed for Allied Troops in Algeria, Italy, Britain, and France. Recordings were used for the OSS such as “Lili Marleen.” Sister and brother-in-law ran a movie theater for the Nazi officials from the Bergen Belsen concentration camp whom she interceded with Allied officials on behalf of her relatives, sheltering them from possible prosecution as Nazi collaborators. Said to travel with a medal of St. Christopher in her satchel. Was awarded the Medal of Freedom and the Légion d’honneur. Known for wearing men’s suits off-screen. Funeral at Le Madeleine Roman Catholic Church had 1,500 mourners. Boxed at Sabri Mahir’s boxing studio in Berlin during the 1920s. Dubbed “the world’s most glamorous grandmother” upon the birth of her grandson in 1948. Romantically linked to Gary Cooper, Mercedes de Acosta, Erich Maria Remarque, Yul Brynner, George Bernard Shaw, John F. Kennedy, John Wayne, and Jimmy Stewart.

36. Rosalind Russell

Personal Life: (1907-1976) Born Catherine Rosalind Russell in Waterbury, Connecticut. Attended Marymount College and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Her parents thought she was studying to be a teacher instead of a stage comedienne she was planning to be. Started out as a model and took a job for a stock company against her parents’ wishes as well as had a brief career in opera. Moved to Los Angeles in the early 1930s as a contract player for Universal Pictures and felt humiliated and moved to MGM. Made her first film in 1934. Married to Frederick Brisson for 35 years and had a son. Had a mental breakdown in 1943 and struggled with severe rheumatoid arthritis. Died after a long battle with breast cancer at 65.
Famous for: American actress known for playing character roles, exceptionally wealthy, dignified, ladylike women, as well as for being one of the few actresses of her time who regularly played professional women, such as judges, reporters, and psychiatrists. Had a wide career span from the 1930s to 1970s and attributed her long career to the fact, although usually playing classy and glamorous roles, she never became a sex symbol. Notable roles are Olivia from Night Must Fall, Christine from The Citadel, Sylvia Howard Fowler from The Women, Hildy Johnson from His Girl Friday, Ann Winters from This Thing Called Love, Ruth Sherwood from My Sister Eileen, Elizabeth Kenny from Sister Kenny, Lavinia Mannon from Mourning Becomes Electra, Miss Rosemary Sydney from Picnic, Mame Dennis from Auntie Mame, Mrs. Bertha Jacoby from A Majority of One, Susan Manning Middlecott from A Woman of Distinction, Mama Rose Hovick from Gypsy, and Mother Superior from The Trouble With Angels.
Nominated for: Russell was nominated 4 times for Best Actress consisting of 1942 for My Sister Eileen, 1946 for Sister Kenny, 1947 for Mourning Becomes Electra, and 1958 for Auntie Mame.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Loretta Young for the 1947 Best Actress race, which she was expected to win. Seriously, nobody remembers The Farmer’s Daughter. Not to mention, what’s more crushing is that Russell might not have lost fair and square to Clark Gable’s baby mama.
Reasons: Was typecast as a sophisticated lady in melodramas during her early years and mostly acted in comedies. Had a reputation as a stage diva, which is fine on Broadway but not in the movies. Also wasn’t willing to settle for a Best Supporting Actress nomination, which might’ve gotten her off the list.
Trivia: Took many roles originally offered to Myrna Loy. Won 5 Golden Globes and a Tony. Cary Grant introduced her to her husband and was best man at her wedding. Wrote the story to The Unguarded Moment. Was an advocate for the disabled. Received a Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1973 for her charity work.

37. Doris Day

Personal Life: (1924-present) Born Doris Mary Ann Kappelhoff in Cincinnati, Ohio. Father was a music teacher and choir master. Parents separated during her childhood. Trained and aspired to be a dancer but a 1937 accident injured her legs so trained to become a singer instead. Made her recording debut in 1939 and her first film in 1948 after auditioning for Michael Curtiz. Married 4 times and had a son with first husband Al Jorden and adopted by third husband Martin Melcher. In 1968, she found her late husband’s business partner (and their lawyer) squandered her earnings which left her deeply in debt that led to lawsuits and eventual bankruptcy. Retired in 1973.
Famous for: American actress and singer who began her career as a big band singer in 1939 and had a long contract with Columbia Records and was one of the most acclaimed singers of the 20th century and one of the most successful singer-actors to date. Made 39 films. Notable roles are Georgia Garrett from Romance on the High Seas, Judy Adams from It’s a Great Feeling, Jo Jordan from Young Man with a Horn, Nanette Carter from Tea for Two, Jan Wilson from West Point Story, Melinda Howard from Lullaby on Broadway, Marjorie “Marjie” Winfield from On Moonlight Bay, Grace LeBoy Kahn from I’ll See You in My Dreams, Calamity Jane, Laurie Tuttle from Young at Heart, Ruth Etting from Love Me or Leave Me, Josephine “Jo” McKenna from The Man Who Knew Too Much, Katherine “Babe” Williams from The Pajama Game, Jan Morrow from Pillow Talk, Kate Robinson Mackay from Please Don’t Eat the Daisies, Kit Preston from Midnight Lace, Carol Templeton from Lover Come Back, Cathy Timberlake from That Touch of Mink, Beverly Boyer from The Thrill of It All, Ellen Wagstaff Arden from Move Over, Darling, Judy Kimball form Send Me No Flowers, Janet Harper from Do Not Disturb, and Abby McClure from With Six You Get Eggroll.
Nominated for: Day was nominated for Best Actress in 1959 for Pillow Talk.
Most Crushing Loss: I don’t like this actress and think she sucks. Yet, I’d probably say not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1950 for Young Man with a Horn because she’s not around as much to ruin the movie. Of course, she earned an honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement.
Reasons: Well, Day is mainly noted for playing virginal wholesome characters and/or wives and moms with the kind of sugary coated sweetness that makes certain film aficionados vomit (in real life she was anything but since she openly discussed porn with Johnny Carson during the 1970s, I kid you not). Yeah, her movies basically appeal to a certain demographic which consists of white, socially conservative, and over 65. And even among them there are haters (like my grandparents as an actress at least). But I wouldn’t say she was a bad actress since she had a better emotional range than Kristen Stewart.
Trivia: Is an animal rights activist and founded the Doris Day Animal League which is a partner to the Humane Society of the United States. Co-owned a hotel with her son as well as has many pets and adopts stray animals. Released 31 albums and her songs spent 460 weeks in the Top 40. Oldest living artist to score a UK Top 10 with an album featuring new material. Established the annual observance of Spay Day. Is 6th among the Top 10 box office performers of all time. Voted favorite star by US servicemen serving in Korea.

38. Kim Novak

Personal Life: (1933-present) Born Marilyn Pauline Novak in Chicago, Illinois. Father was a history teacher who worked as a dispatcher on the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad while mother was a factory worker. Attended Wright Junior College and won scholarships for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Was a model for a refrigerator company trade show and was standing in line to be extras in a Jane Russell film when she was discovered by an agent who signed her for Columbia Pictures. Used “Kim” as a stage name not to get confused with Marilyn Monroe. Made her first film in 1954. Married twice. Married to veterinarian Dr. Robert Malloy for 39 years as of 2015. Retired in 1991. Bought a 43 acre ranch in Sams Valley, Oregon in which the house burned to the ground in 2000 that consumed all her art and the first draft of her biography she worked on for 10 years. Was injured in a horse riding accident in 2006 suffering a punctured lung, broken ribs, and nerve damage but made a full recovery within a year. Was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. Struggles with bipolar.
Famous for: American actress whose career began at 21 and came to prominence almost immediately in the 1950s. In the 1960s, she withdrew from the public eye and only acted sporadically until her retirement in 1991. Notable roles are Marjorie “Madge” Owens from Picnic, Molly from The Man with the Golden Arm, Jeanne Eagels, Linda English from Pal Joey, Judy Barton from Vertigo, Gillian “Gil” Holroyd from Bell, Book, and Candle, Betty Preisser from Middle of the Night, Mildred Rogers from Of Human Bondage, Polly the Pistol from Kiss Me, Stupid, Moll Flanders from The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders, Lola Brewster from The Mirror Crack’d, and Lillian Anderson Munnsen from Liebestraum.
Nominated for: Novak was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: I don’t like this actress either. Yet, if I have to say she was robbed for not getting the Best Supporting Actress nomination in 1958 for Vertigo. I mean she had the role she was born to play such as basically looking pretty for Jimmy Stewart and not saying much.
Reasons: Basically was mostly an actress for her looks as a blonde bombshell sex symbol and her acting style had the same emotional range as Kristen Stewart. Yet, she was taken more seriously as an actress than Marilyn Monroe for some reason since she got more dramatic parts. Yet, Monroe was the much better actress, while Novak doesn’t come off as believable.
Trivia: Romantically linked to Sammy Davis Jr., Prince Aly Kahn, and Frank Sinatra. Hobbies included raising horses, photography, poetry, and painting in oil and water color. Paintings are impressionistic and surrealist. Has exhibited her work at least once.

39. Jane Russell

Personal Life: (1921-2011) Born Ernestine Jane Geraldine Russell in Bemidji, Minnesota. Father was a First Lieutenant in the US Army who later became an office manager and mother was an actress for a road troupe. Grew up in Southern California. Worked as a receptionist and model while studying acting with Max Reinhardt’s Theatrical Workshop and acting coach Maria Ouspenskaya. Made her first film in 1943. Married 3 times with first husband being NFL hall of famer Bob Waterfield and adopted 3 children with him due to be rendered infertile after a botched back alley abortion. Married to John Calvin Peoples for 25 years. Retired in 1986. Died of respiratory failure at 92.
Famous for: American actress and one of the leading sex symbols of the 1940s and 1950s. Notable roles are Rio McDonald from The Outlaw, Calamity Jane from The Paleface, Lenore Brent from His Kind of Woman, Julie Benson from Macao, Mike ‘The Torch’ Delroy from Son of Paleface, Belle Starr from Montana Belle, Dorothy Shaw from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Amanda Lawrence from Foxfire, Bonnie Jones / Mimi Jones from Gentlemen Marry Brunettes, and Jill Stone from Waco.
Nominated for: Russell was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in either of The Paleface movies. It’s amazing she could keep a straight face through either of them since Bob Hope was her favorite co-star. Either that or the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award for her work on adoptions.
Reasons: Her iconic still from The Outlaw might’ve ruined her chances since it made her a sex symbol and that the filmed earned a lot of notoriety for it. Also acted mostly in comedies, musicals, and westerns.
Trivia: Founded the World Adoption International Fund (WAIF). First husband was an UCLA All American, played for the Los Angeles Rams, and was the team’s head coach as well as member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Started the “Hollywood Christian Group” which was a weekly Bible study at her home which was attended by many of the leading names in the film industry. Delved briefly into music and played piano. Actually said she didn’t wear the famed so-called Howard Hughes designed underwire bra for The Outlaw filming since she found it so uncomfortable that she discarded it and wore her own with the cups padded with tissue and the straps pulled up to elevate her breasts (making Hughes’ investment a huge waste of money. Clearly he didn’t know how to design bras).

40. Richard Harris

Personal Life: (1930-2002) Born in Limerick to a staunchly Roman Catholic middle class family. Played rugby in high school but his athletic career was cut short due to contracting tuberculosis. Failed to gain entrance to acting schools mostly for being too old (like 24) but enrolled in the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. While still a student he directed his own production of a Clifford Odets play which was a critical success but a financial failure that caused him to lose all his savings and become temporarily homeless. After completing his studies, he joined Joan Littlewood’s Theatre Workshop and spent nearly a decade learning his craft on the British stage. Made his film debut in 1958. Married twice and had 3 sons to first wife Elizabeth Rees-Williams. Was known for his heavy drinking and drug use. Gave up drinking in 1981 but had a Guinness a decade later. Gave up drugs in 1978 after nearly dying from a cocaine overdose. Died of Hodgkin’s disease at 72, 2 1/2 weeks before the American premiere of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.
Famous for: Irish actor, singer, director, writer, and producer who appeared on stage and in many films. Career spanned nearly 45 years. Notable roles are Frank Manchin from This Sporting Life, King Arthur from Camelot, Capt. Benjamin Tyreen from Major Dundee, Oliver Cromwell from Cromwell, John Morgan from A Man Called Horse, King Richard the Lionheart from Robin and Marian, Bull McCabe from The Field, Paddy O’Neil from Patriot Games, Marcus Aurelius from Gladiator, English Bob from Unforgiven, and Albus Dumbledore from the first 2 Harry Potter movies.
Nominated for: Harris was nominated twice for Best Actor in 1963 for This Sporting Life and in 1990 for The Field.
Most Crushing Loss: I wouldn’t say losing to Sidney Poitier and Jeremy Irons was a big loss for him but he probably should’ve been nominated for Camelot.
Reasons: Harris had a reputation as a hellraiser as well as hard drinker with substance abuse problems. Also was a vocal supporter for the PIRA during Ireland’s Troubles, which was a known terrorist organization. Makes being cast as Dumbledore all the more ironic. Also was burned out by the competition.
Trivia: Recorded several music albums and the song “McArthur Park.” Member of the Knights of Malta and dubbed a knight by the Queen of Denmark. Supported the IRA for 11 years. Granddaughter threatened never to speak to him again if he turned down the role of Dumbledore for Harry Potter. Wrote a book of poetry. Paid 75,000 pounds for William Burges’ Tower House when he heard Liberace intended to buy it but hadn’t yet made a deposit and employed the original decorators for interior restoration work. Said of the Harry Potter films, “Because, you see, I don’t just want to be remembered for being in those bloody films, and I’m afraid that’s what’s going to happen to me.”

Of course, I can’t just stop at 20 since the Golden Age of Hollywood has produced its share of screen legends that it’s shocking to see which ones have never received a competitive Oscar win or lost to people who weren’t nearly as good. Sometimes it’s understandable and there are other times when it had nothing to do with their talents (like race, Red Scare, and just being very bad to work with). Now this selection pertains to even more legends I haven’t covered yet in my first two posts. First we have John Barrymore who was well known for his theatrical and film career but is better known nowadays for being Drew Barrymore’s alcoholic grandfather. Second, there’s Tony Curtis and Kirk Douglas who both starred together in movies like The Vikings and Spartacus. Also known for fathering children who also went into show business like Jamie Lee Curtis and Michael Douglas. Third, you have Natalie Wood and James Dean, famous for not only starring in Rebel Without a Cause together but also falling to untimely deaths whether it be through drowning or reckless driving. Then there’s Fred Astaire best known for singing and dancing with Ginger Rogers as well as became a fashion icon for decades. Next we have Lew Ayres who was married to Ginger Rogers and causing a public outcry when he tried to get out of WWII as a conscientious objector. After that is Gene Tierney known for playing femme fatales and leading ladies as well as suffering a terrible tragedy in her life because she didn’t get vaccinated (since an MMR and rubella vaccine wasn’t available yet). Next, we have Vincent Price who is well known for his horror movies with his signature voice and is Tim Burton’s hero. Finally, we have Rock Hudson best known for playing alongside Doris Day, being trapped in the celluloid closet, and dying of AIDS. So for your pleasure, here are 10 more actors and actresses who’ve never won a competitive Oscar.

21. John Barrymore

Personal Life: (1882-1942) Born John Sidney Blyth in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Younger brother of Lionel and Ethel. Father was an Indian born British actor who adopted “Barrymore” as a stage name after seeing it on poster for the Haymarket Theater in London but he was a mostly absentee womanizing drunk. Mother was from a theatrical family. He was a badly behaved child that he was sent away to schools in attempts to instill discipline but kept getting thrown out. At 10, his maternal grandmother who raised him lost control of the theater she owned causing disruption among the family. At 11, mother died from tuberculosis which compelled Lionel and Ethel to seek work as professional actors. At 15, he lost his virginity to his stepmother and his grandmother died. Was basically forced into acting by his father. At 19, his father had a mental breakdown as a result from 3rd stage syphilis in which he was institutionalized. Worked as an illustrator for The New York Journal and as a poster designer. Decided to go into acting full time only for the money. Stage career began in 1903 and made his first movie in 1913. Married 4 times and had 3 children including a daughter Diana (who died at 38 due to drugs and alcohol) to second wife Blanche Oelrichs (a.ka. Michael Strange), as well as a daughter and son to third wife Dolores Costello. Grandfather of Drew Barrymore through son John Drew. Was notoriously known for his alcoholism which he struggled with since 14, which wrecked his marriages and contributed to his decline and death. He also ran enormous debts with his lavish lifestyle which drove him into bankruptcy. Died of pneumonia, kidney failure, and liver cirrhosis at 60.
Famous for: American actor who tried to avoid the stage but appeared with his father and sister. First gained attention as a stage actor then high drama with his portrayal of Hamlet led him being called, “the greatest living American tragedarian.” During the 1920s, he was the most celebrated Shakespearean actor in the world as well as influenced a generation of actors such as Sirs Alec Guinness, John Gielgud, and Laurence Olivier. In 1925, he left his 14 year stage career to devote himself to films and made an easy transition to sound. Notable film roles are Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde from the 1920 version, Sherlock Holmes from the 1922 version, Beau Brummel, Captain Ahab Ceely from The Sea Beast, Don Juan, Svengali, Arsene Lupin, Hilary Fairfield from A Bill of Divorcement, Oscar Jaffe from Twentieth Century, the Baron from Grand Hotel, Larry Renault from Dinner at Eight, and Mercutio from Romeo and Juliet.
Nominated for: He is the only Barrymore sibling not to win or even be nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: He should’ve at least received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor in 1934 for Twentieth Century.
Reasons: If there was anything keeping him from getting that gold statuette it was probably his lifelong struggle with alcoholism. From 1936 on his heavy drinking would greatly affect his performances in which he start forgetting his lines that he had to read them on black boards behind the camera. This made it difficult for him to get work and would later be reduced to lampooning himself for money as a washed up has been. Of course, out of the Barrymore siblings, he was the dysfunctional one.
Trivia: During his days as a struggling actor, he had a fling with and proposed to Evelyn Nesbit but her mom sent her to New Jersey to break of the relationship. Yet, he was expected to testify at her then husband’s murder trial after his public murder of her ex-boyfriend architect Stanford White. Witnessed the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

22. James Dean

Personal Life: (1931-1955) Born in Marion, Indiana. Father was a farmer and dental technician. Moved to Santa Monica, California at 6. Mother died of uterine cancer when he was 9 years old and was sent back to Fairmount, Indiana to live with his sister. Moved back to California after graduating high school. Attended Santa Monica College for pre-law but transferred to UCLA for drama leading to estrangement from his father. Yet, he dropped out to pursue acting full time. Got his start through acting on television and bit parts. Studied method acting under James Whitmore and Lee Strasberg. Starred in only 3 films. Sexual orientation was a contested subject among his contemporaries and is still debated to this day though his best remembered relationship was with Pier Angeli. Known for his extreme mood swings and might’ve been bipolar. Died when he wrecked his Porsche 550 Spyder called, “Lil’ Bastard” at the junction of California State Routes 46 and 41 at 24.
Famous for: American actor and culture icon of teenage disillusionment. His performances in his 3 films and fatal car crash at 24 cemented his enduring popularity and legendary status to this day. Notable roles are Cal Trask from East of Eden, Jim Stark from Rebel Without a Cause, and Jett Rink from Giant.
Nominated for: Had 2 nominations for Best Actor both posthumously: 1955 for East of Eden and 1956 for Giant.
Most Crushing Loss: While it’s crushing enough that Dean lost to Ernest Borgnine and Yul Brynner after his death, it’s not at all surprising since his age would’ve made him a long shot anyway. Yet, I think the biggest loss for him would be dying before he could make more movies.
Reasons: Posthumously or not, Best Actor Oscars never go to guys under 30. Adrien Brody for his performance as Wladyslaw Szpilpman in The Pianist in 2003 is the notable exception and as a nominee, he was considered a long shot against Michael Caine, Nicholas Cage, Jack Nicholson, and Daniel Day Lewis. His well-deserved win was a total upset (and even he was shocked). Nevertheless, Brody is considered the youngest Best Actor winner to date at 29, 5 years older than Dean at his death. But his win in 2003 helps explain why Dean never won an Oscar. Still, I think Dean probably would’ve won an Oscar had he lived longer (or not fatally crashing his Porsche at 24).
Trivia: Was an auto racing enthusiast and would also compete in actual races that Warner Bros. had to bar him from racing activities during Giant’s production (for good reason). Still, in a twist of tragic irony, while filming Giant just 13 days before his death, Dean appeared in a TV PSA with Gig Young warning kids about driving fast on the highway. Should’ve listened to his own advice.

23. Natalie Wood

Personal Life: (1938-1981) Born Natalia Nikolaevna Zacharenko in San Francisco, California to Russian immigrant parents. Father was a day laborer and carpenter while mother once dreamed of becoming an actress or ballet dancer. Family moved to Santa Rosa and changed their name to “Gurdin” shortly after her birth where she was discovered during a film shoot. Made her first film in 1943 at 4. Fell in a river and nearly drowned at 9 which left her with a permanently weakened left wrist with a slight bone intrusion that she hid with large bracelets for the rest of her life whether filming or out in public. Married 3 times, most notably twice to Robert Wagner and had 2 children. Struggled with depression and in 1966 may have tried to commit suicide through a sleeping pill overdose. Was afraid of water and never learned to swim. Drowned during a weekend boating trip at 43 under mysterious but probably accidental circumstances (like falling off the boat while drunk and on medication while or after arguing with her husband).
Famous for: American actress who became a successful adult film star after working in movies as a child as well as receiving 3 Academy Award nominations before she was 25 years old. Made 20 films by 16. Notable roles are Susan Walker from Miracle on 34th Street, Anna Muir as a child from The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, Judy from Rebel Without a Cause, Debbie Edwards from The Searchers, Marjorie Morganstern from Marjorie Morningstar, Maria from West Side Story, Wilma Dean Loomis from Splendor in the Grass, Louise Hovick aka Gypsy Rose Lee from Gypsy, Helen Gurley Brown from Sex and the Single Girl, Maggie DuBois from The Great Race, Penelope Elcott from Penelope, Alva Starr from This Property Is Condemned, Carol Sanders from Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice, Daisy Clover from Inside Daisy Clover, and Karen Brace from Brainstorm.
Nominated for: Wood was nominated 3 times twice for Best Actress and once for Best Supporting Actress consisting of 1955 for Rebel Without a Cause, 1961 for Splendor in the Grass, and 1963 for Love with the Proper Stranger.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in 1962 for Gypsy for I think she should’ve had some recognition for a role which she actually does her own singing, instead of having her voice dubbed by Marni Nixon.
Reasons: For one, Wood wasn’t even 25 years old and had spent most of the late 1950s and early 1960s playing teenagers. While more women under 30 have won Oscars for leading roles than men (by 28 to 1 or just Adrien Brody. Luise Rainier and Jodie Foster were under 30 at both their wins so this has happened 30 times.), this isn’t always the case particularly if they’re against a much more established actress. And whenever Wood was nominated, she was usually burned by the competition. Also, she died young before she could make a decent comeback.
Trivia: Spoke English and Russian with an American accent. Sister was a Bond girl and played the same character she did in The Searchers. Called, “Natasha” by her family. Attended high school with Robert Redford. Christopher Walken was on the boating trip when she drowned. Romantically linked to Nicholas Ray and Warren Beatty. Yacht was called the Splendor. Had a grandfather who worked in a chocolate factory and died during the Russian Revolution. Was invited to appear in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade after appearing in Miracle on 34th Street.

24. Fred Astaire

Personal Life: (1899-1987) Born Frederich Austerlitz in Omaha, Nebraska. Father was an Austrian Jewish convert to Catholicism and brewer. Mother was a German Lutheran willing to use her children’s talents to escape Omaha as soon as his sister Adele showed talent as an instinctive dancer and singer. Thus, he basically started dancing and singing almost as soon as he could walk and talk appearing on vaudeville with his sister as later appeared on the Orpheum Circuit. Yet had to take 2 years off due to child labor laws. Mother used Astaire as a stage name. At 17, he met a song plugger for Jerome H. Remick’s music publishing company named George Gershwin, which affect both of their careers. Debuted on Broadway with Adele the next year and continued a stage career until she married the Duke of Devonshire in 1932. Retired for good in 1981. Married twice and had 2 children with first wife Phyllis Potter. Second wife was jockey Robyn Smith. Died of pneumonia at 88.
Famous for: American dancer, choreographer, musician, and actor with a career spanning 76 years in which he made 31 musical films and several award winning television specials and issued numerous recordings. Named 5th Greatest Male Star of All Time by the American Film Institute. Best known for his 11 movies with Ginger Rogers which transformed the genre. Gave up musicals to focus on straight acting from 1957-1981. Notable roles are Guy Holden from The Gay Divorcee, Jerry Travers from Top Hat, John “Lucky” Garnett from Swing Time, Peter P. “Petrov” Peters from Shall We Dance, Vernon Castle from The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle, Jim Hardy from Holiday Inn, Bob Davis from You Were Never Lovelier, Don Hewes from Easter Parade, Josh Barkley from The Barkleys of Broadway, Tom Bowen from Royal Wedding, Tony Hunter from The Band Wagon, Dick Avery from Funny Face, Finian McLonergan from Finian’s Rainbow, Julian Osborn from On the Beach, and Harry Claiborne from The Towering Inferno.
Nominated for: He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1974 for The Towering Inferno.
Most Crushing Loss: Not getting a nomination for any of his movies with Ginger Rogers. At least he got an honorary Oscar in 1950.
Reasons: The Hollywood establishment probably wasn’t too keen with awarding prestigious film prizes to song and dance guys. Hell, Ginger Rogers had to appear in a drama to receiver her Oscar for Best Actress in 1941.
Trivia: Could also play piano, clarinet, drums, and accordion. Was a lifelong golf and Thoroughbred horse racing enthusiast. His horse Triplicate won the prestigious Hollywood Gold Cup and San Juan Capistrano Handicap in 1946. Remained a male fashion icon exchanging his top hat and tails for a breezy casual style of tailored sports jackets, colored shirts, cravats, and slacks held by a tie. Was physically active well into his 80s and injured his left wrist while riding his grandson’s skateboard. Never wanted his life to be a biopic and last request was to thank his fans for their years of support. Successfully wooed a socialite away from her husband against his mother and sister’s wishes (though she was his wife for 21 years so it worked out). Starred in the Christmas special, Santa Claus Is Coming to Town. He and his sister have an award named after them sponsored by Anglo-American Contemporary Dance Foundation.

25. Tony Curtis

Personal Life: (1925-2010) Born Bernard Schwartz in the Bronx of New York City to Hungarian Jewish parents. Father was a tailor and the family resided in the back of his shop. Mother was an abusive schizophrenic who was later institutionalized as well as his brother Robert. Didn’t learn English until he was 6 due to delayed schooling. At 8, he and his brother Julius were placed in an orphanage because their parents couldn’t afford to feed them. At 12, lost his brother Julius who was struck and killed by a truck. After that, he joined a local gang known for skipping school and petty thievery. But he managed to settle down after a friendly neighbor sent him to Boy Scout camp. Enlisted in the Navy after Pearl Harbor, served on a submarine, and witnessed Japan’s surrender on his ship’s bridge in Tokyo Bay. After the war, attended City College of New York and studied acting at The New School in Greenwich Village. Discovered by David O. Selznick’s niece who said he was the handsomest of the boys. Signed on to Universal Pictures and moved to Hollywood at 23. Married 6 times with Janet Leigh being his first marriage. Had 6 kids with 2 daughters to Leigh (Jamie Lee and Kelly Curtis), 2 daughters to second wife Christine Kaufman, and 2 sons to third wife Leslie Allen (including Nicholas who died of a drug overdose in 1994). Had problems with alcohol and drug abuse but managed to check in a Betty Ford Clinic in the mid-1980s and stay sober. Nevertheless, later years were plagued with various health problems including heart attacks a bout of pneumonia that nearly killed him, and COPD. Died of cardiac arrest at 85.
Famous for: American actor whose career spanned 6 decades and over 100 films covering a wide range of genres from light comedies to serious drama. Though his early roles were more or less based on his good looks, he soon became a notable and strong screen presence when given the chance. Notable roles are Sidney Falco from Sweet Smell of Success, Joe/Josephine/Shell Oil Junior from Some Like It Hot, Bob Weston from Sex and the Single Girl, Antoninus from Spartacus, Ira Hayes from The Outsider, Andrei Bulba from Taras Bulba, John “Joker” Jackson from The Defiant Ones, Rodriguez from The Last Tycoon, Erik from The Vikings, and Albert DeSalvo from The Boston Strangler.
Nominated for: Nominated for Best Actor in 1958 for The Defiant Ones.
Most Crushing Loss: Though I can’t blame him for losing to David Niven, I think it’s a shame that he wasn’t nominated for Best Actor for The Boston Strangler.
Reasons: Of course, in 1958, he was just burned by the competition. However, he probably never won an Oscar because he was originally seen as a pretty boy and it took a while for him to gain recognition as a serious actor. Not to mention, despite how funny Some Like It Hot is, Oscars just don’t go to comedies either.
Trivia: Mother appeared on You Bet Your Life with Groucho Marx. Father-in-law to Sir Christopher Guest (Jamie Lee’s husband by the way). He and Jamie Lee helped raise funds for rebuilding the “Great Synagogue” and founded Emanuel Foundation for Hungarian Culture that helps restore synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in Hungary, which he dedicated to the 60,000 Hungarian Jews who died in the Holocaust. Also helped promote Hungary’s national image in commercials. Worked to rescue horses from slaughterhouses. Wrote 2 books. Enjoyed painting and made it a second career since the early 1980s. Work commands more than $25,000. Jerry Lewis attended his first wedding as a witness.

26. Kirk Douglas

Personal Life: (1916-present) Born Issur Danielovitch Demsky in Amsterdam New York to Yiddish speaking Jewish immigrants from Russia. Father was a ragman. Sold snacks to mill workers as a boy to help his struggling family. Talked his way into attending St. Lawrence University where he paid his tuition through working as a janitor, gardener, and wrestling one summer at a carnival. Said he wanted to be an actor as a kid. Attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts on a scholarship. Changed his name to Kirk Douglas before entering the Navy during WWII and was medically discharged in 1944 due to injuries. Made his Hollywood debut in 1946. Married twice and fathered 4 sons (2 with Dill and 2 with Anne) including Michael Douglas with his first wife Diana Dill. Married to second wife Anne Buydens for 60 years as of 2015. Suffered a severe stroke in 1996s which took his voice though he partially regained his ability to speak. Will be 100 in 2016 if he’s still alive by then. Retired in 2003.
Famous for: American actor, producer, and author with his cinematic career spanning 50 years. Now is one of the last remaining stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood as well as the highest ranked person on AFI’s list of Greatest Male Stars. Known for playing tough guys and demonstrating an independent streak that he broke studio contracts to gain control over his projects. Formed his own movie company Bryna Productions named after his mother. Was a major box office star in the 1950s and 1960s and appeared in 7 films with Burt Lancaster. Notable roles are Walter O’ Neil from The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, Whit Sterling from Out of the Past, George Phipps from A Letter to Three Wives, Michael “Midge” Kelly from Champion, Jim O’Connor from The Glass Menagerie, Chuck Tatum from Ace in the Hole, Jonathan Shields from The Bad and the Beautiful, Ned Land from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Vincent van Gogh from Lust for Life, Doc Holliday from Gunfight at the O. K. Corral, Colonel Dax from Paths of Glory, Richard “Dick” Dudgeon from The Devil’s Disciple, Spartacus, Colonel Jiggs Casey from Seven Days in May, and so many others.
Nominated for: Nominated 3 times for Best Actor consisting of 1949 for Champion, 1952 for The Bad and the Beautiful, and 1956 for Lust for Life.
Most Crushing Loss: Though I can’t blame Douglas for losing to guys like Broderick Crawford, Gary Cooper, and Yul Brynner, I think his most crushing loss was not being nominated for Best Actor for Spartacus. At least he received an Honorary Oscar in the 1990s and at least his son Michael won 2 (as an actor and producer).
Reasons: Well, he was most likely burned by the competition yet he also demonstrated an independent streak and broke many studio contracts just to have control over his own projects. Also, his role in ending the Hollywood Blacklist might’ve been a reason Spartacus didn’t get the nominations it should.
Trivia: Was a classmate of Lauren Bacall who helped him land his first film role. Father-in-law to Catherine Zeta Jones. Has written 11 books. Embraced Judaism after surviving a helicopter crash in 1991, which killed 2 other people. Presented the Best Supporting Actress Oscar to Melissa Leo for The Fighter. Blogs semi-regularly and is believed to be the oldest celebrity blogger in the known world. Played an important role in ending the Hollywood Blacklist when he insisted that Dalton Trumbo be credited under his real name for his screenplay for Spartacus. Played a 4 spring banjo on The Jack Benny Program. Starred in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest on Broadway and gave the rights to his son Michael. In 1986, he and Angela Lansbury co-hosted the New York Philharmonic’s tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty. And an autobiographical one man show in 2009.

27. Vincent Price

Personal Life: (1911-1993) Born in St. Louis. Father was president of the National Candy Company while grandfather invented “Dr. Price’s Baking Powder,” the first cream of tartar baking powder. In 1933, he graduated from Yale in art history. Began his theatrical career in 1935 and performed with Orson Welles’ Mercury Theater Company. Married 3 times. Had a son to first wife Edith Barrett and a daughter to second wife Mary Grant Price. Was a lifelong smoker who suffered from emphysema, lung cancer, and Parkinson’s. Died of lung cancer at 82.
Famous for: American actor well known for his distinctive voice as well as for his serio-comic performances in a series of horror films during the latter part his career. Was originally a character actor. Made his first horror film in 1939. Notable roles are Duke of Clarence from Tower of London, Clifford Pyncheon from The House of the Seven Gables, Prosecutor Vital Dutour from The Song of Bernadette, Shelby Carpenter from Laura, Angus Mealey from The Keys to the Kingdom, Sir Walter Raleigh from The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, Russell Quinton from Leave Her to Heaven, Nicholas Van Ryn from Dragonwyck, James Reavis from The Baron of Arizona, Professor Henry Jarrod from House of Wax, Baka from The Ten Commandments, Frederick Loren from House on Haunted Hill, Dr. Erasmus Craven from The Raven, Matthew Hopkins from Witchfinder General, Professor Ratigan from The Great Mouse Detective, the Inventor from Edward Scissorhands, Mr. Maranov from The Whales of August, and so many characters from horror movies.
Nominated for: Price was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Never securing a nomination for The Song of Bernadette for Best Supporting Actor or some of his horror movies.
Reasons: Even during the horror heyday during the Golden Age of Hollywood, horror movies weren’t taken as a serious art form. And since most new horror movies are slasher films now, that’s probably not going to change.
Trivia: Was an art aficionado and collector who opened a gallery with Edward G. Robinson and sold 50,000 pieces of fine art to the general public including works by Rembrandt, Picasso, and Dali to between 1962 and 1971. Also donated hundreds of artworks and money to the East Los Angeles College in the early 1960s to endow the Vincent Price Art Museum there. Worked as a consultant to Sears Roebuck in the early 1960s, which he saw it as an opportunity to bring art to the American public. Did a monologue in Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” as well as a voiceover in Alice Cooper’s, “Welcome to my Nightmare” as well as for other groups like Deep Purple. Hosted the PBS show Mystery! From 1981 to 1989. In a 1950 NBC Radio production he denounced racial and religious prejudice as a form of poison and claimed Americans must actively fight against it because racial and religious prejudice within the United States fuels support for the nation’s enemies Despite being a Democrat, was appointed to the Indian Arts and Crafts Board under President Dwight D. Eisenhower (yet he was perfect for the job since he was such a big art fan and collector). Converted to Catholicism to please his 3rd wife Australian Carol Browne who then in turn became a US citizen for him. Performed the eulogy at Peter Lorre’s funeral. Though he usually played bad guys, was a generally a warm person with a quirky sense of humor and took pains to make sure children weren’t frightened by him when performing alongside them. Wrote and published several cookbooks.

28. Gene Tierney

Personal Life: (1920-1991) Born in Brooklyn, New York City. Father was a successful insurance broker and mother a former gym teacher. Attended schools in Connecticut and Europe. Debuted in society at 17 and pursued acting in Greenwich Village, studying at a small studio. Debuted on Broadway in 1938 and made her first film in 1940. Married twice and had 2 daughters with first husband Oleg Cassini. Married to second husband Howard W. Lee for 21 years. Had a daughter who was severely disabled due to contracting rubella from a fan while pregnant with her. Suffered from depression and saw a psychiatrist as well as went through 27 shock treatments. May have tried to jump out of a 14 story ledge and was institutionalized. Retired in 1980. Died from emphysema at 70.
Famous for: American actress, acclaimed as a great beauty. Notable roles are Ellie Mae Lester from Tobacco Road, Belle Starr, Martha Strabel Van Cleve from Heaven Can Wait, Laura Hunt from Laura, Ellen Brent Harland from Leave Her to Heaven, Lucy Muir from The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, Ann Sutton from Whirlpool, Miranda Wells Van Ryn from Dragonwyck, Isabel Bradley Maturin from The Razor’s Edge, Mary Bristol from Night and the City, Morgan Taylor (Payne) from Where the Sidewalk Ends, Maggie Carleton McNulty from The Mating Season, Dorothy Bradford from Plymouth Adventure, Baketamon from The Egyptian, Anne Scott from The Left Hand of God, and Dolly Harrison from Advise and Consent.
Nominated for: Tierney was nominated for Best Actress in 1945 for Leave Her to Heaven.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in 1946 for The Razor’s Edge. Boy, if anyone can play a bad girlfriend, it was her.
Reasons: Tierney struggled for years with depression which sometimes kept her from doing her job as an actress such as concentrating and sometimes dropped out of projects due to stress. She was also institutionalized on 2 occasions. And at one time, Humphrey Bogart helped feed her lines during the making of The Left Hand of God. She was just an emotional wreck. Also, when nominated for Leave Her to Heaven she was simply burned by the competition because there was no way she was going to win against Joan Crawford.
Trivia: Named after her uncle who died young. Wrote poetry. Spoke fluent French. Romantically linked to Spencer Tracy and John F. Kennedy. Became an outspoken opponent against shock treatments, claiming that they destroyed significant portions of her memory. The Mirror Crack’d was partially based on an incident in her life with her daughter. Was friends with Howard Hughes who paid for her daughter Daria’s care. Second husband was once married to Hedy Lamarr.

29. Lew Ayres

Personal Life: (1908-1996) Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At 4, his parents divorced. Father was an amateur musician and court reporter. As a teenager moved to San Diego with his mother and stepfather. After dropping out of high school, he started a band which traveled to Mexico. Played banjo and guitar for big bands and recorded one of the earliest Vitaphone movie shorts with the Henry Halstead Orchestra. Eventually pursued acting full time. Married 3 times with Ginger Rogers as his second wife. Had one son to third wife Diana Hall whom he was married to for 32 years. Died of complications from a coma at 88.
Famous for: American Actor best known for playing Dr. Kildare in 9 movies and Paul Baumer in All Quiet on the Western Front. Spent a time typecast as doctors. Career spanned nearly 65 years. Notable roles are Paul Baumer from All Quiet on the Western Front, Dr. Kildare from the series’ first 9 movies, Ned from Holiday, Dr. Scott Elliott from Dark Mirror, Pat Gilbert from State Fair, Larry Hannaford from The Unfaithful, Dr. Robert Richardson from Johnny Belinda, and Vice President Harley Hudson from Advise & Consent.
Nominated for: Ayres was only nominated for Best Actor in 1948 for Johnny Belinda.
Most Crushing Loss: Not getting at least an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for All Quiet on the Western Front. For playing a young German soldier who loses all his friends and becomes alienated from the world outside the WWI trenches, his performance is utterly heartbreaking and should’ve won.
Reasons: In 1930, he was only 22 and early in his film career which is understandable. Yet, after filming All Quiet on the Western Front, he became an ardent pacifist and caused tremendous public outcry when he applied for CO 4E status. Though he eventually settled in serving as a medic in the Pacific with heroic distinction and enjoyed a comeback after the war, he would never reach the peak of his Hollywood stardom in his early years. Still, if it weren’t for his impressive war record, his conscientious objector stance would’ve destroyed his career.
Trivia: It’s said that Jane Wyman dumped Ronald Reagan for him but their affair was brief. During WWII, he was one of 16 medics who arrived during the invasion of Leyte to set up evacuation hospitals under fire as well as provided care for soldiers and civilians in the Philippines and New Guinea. After serving 3 ½ years in the Medical Corps, he won 3 battle stars and donated his service money to the American Red Cross. Is buried next to Frank Zappa. Was a believer in eastern philosophy and directed a 1976 documentary called Altars of the World. Was turned down and to play Dr. Kildare on TV after because he requested there be no cigarette advertising on the show in 1961.

30. Rock Hudson

Personal Life: (1925-1985) Born Roy Scherer Jr. in Winnetka, Illinois. Mother was a telephone operator and father was an auto mechanic who deserted the family during the Great Depression. Stepfather adopted him and changed his name to Fitzgerald. Delivered newspapers, ran errands, and worked as a golf caddy. After graduating high school, he served as a US Navy aircraft mechanic in the Philippines during WWII. In 1946, he moved to Los Angeles and tried to study acting at USC but was rejected for poor grades. When discovered by future agent Henry Willson, he was working as a truck driver. Though he used Rock Hudson as a stage name, he hated it. Was married for 3 years to his agent’s secretary Phyllis Gates but it was a publicity used to conceal his sexual orientation when Confidential Magazine threatened to expose him. Had at least 3 known lovers (not including Jim Nabors) and was a heavy smoker and drinker for years. Died from AIDS at 59 and was the first major celebrity to die from the disease.
Famous for: American actor who was known as a leading man during the 1950s and 1960s, notably in romantic comedies with Doris Day as well as serious dramatic roles. Career spanned nearly 40 years and 70 films as well as several TV productions. Notable roles are Bob Merrick from Magnificent Obsession, Jordan “Bick” Benedict, Jr. from Giant, Ron Kirby from All that Heaven Allows, Mitch Wayne from Written on the Wind, Lt. Frederick Henry from Farewell to Arms, Brad Allen from Pillow Talk, Michael “Tiger” McDrew from Pretty Maids All in a Row, and Jason Rudd from The Mirror Crack’d.
Nominated for: Hudson was nominated for Best Actor in 1956 for Giant (which was well deserved).
Most Crushing Loss: Basically not receiving any film award from a gay rights organization (which didn’t exist in public until the 1960s) or being nominated for Best Actor for Pillow Talk in which he plays a straight guy pretending to be gay. As for losing the Oscar for Giant, well, he was facing tough competition.
Reasons: In case you don’t know, he was gay and his sexual orientation was an open secret in Hollywood for years.
Trivia: Was a good friend to Ronald and Nancy Reagan who called him personally in his Paris hospital room where he was being treated for AIDS and made sure he had the best possible care available. Kissing Linda Evans on Dynasty led to widespread panic in the TV industry when it was revealed that he had AIDS during that time, too, but she suffered from no ill effects. Appeared in a cigarette commercial. Contrary to rumors, he and Jim Nabors were never more than just good friends (and Nabors was in a committed relationship with another man whom he eventually married in 2013).

Of course, my last post was quite long. However, I promise that my later posts in this series won’t take up as much space as the last one since the first one was just introductory. Not to mention, there will be some star profiles that won’t be quite as long. Now this selection pertains to some other famous screen legends you may or may not be familiar with. Yet, they weren’t as noteworthy as the previous ten you’ve just seen. To start off, you have two pioneering African American actresses Dorothy Dandridge and Lena Horne who’ve both achieved fame as black leading ladies during segregation and Jim Crow. Then we have William Powell and Myrna Loy who appeared in 14 films together but are best known as the Dashiell Hammett characters Nick and Nora Charles. Next, you have Richard Widmark and Fred MacMurray who both usually play nice guys but their greatest performances usually consist them playing evil men. After that you have legendary song and dance man Gene Kelly as well as 6 time Academy Award loser Deborah Kerr best known for playing Boris Karloff’s great-aunt from The King and I (I’m not kidding, look it up). Then you have Swedish actress Greta Garbo best known for her sexual allure, husky Swedish voice, and her reclusive nature after she retired in the 1940s. And finally, there’s the one and only Peter Lorre best known for being one of the creepiest men on earth as well as having a voice cartoons have imitated ever since. So for your pleasure, here are 10 more movie stars who never made their Oscar speech after being announced for beating their fellow nominees during the ceremony.

11. Richard Widmark

Personal Life: (1914-2008) Born in Sunrise Township, Minnesota and grew up in Princeton, Illinois. Father was a traveling salesman of Swedish ancestry. Studied and taught acting at Lake Forest College. First acting jobs were for radio in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Debuted on Broadway in 1943 and film in 1947. Married for 45 years to Jean Hazelwood and had a daughter married to Sandy Colfax from 1969-1982. In 1999, he married Susan Blanchard, the former 3rd Mrs. Henry Fonda and stepdaughter to Oscar Hammerstein II. Retired in 2001 and died in Roxbury, Connecticut after a long illness 7 years later at 93.
Famous for: American actor originally typecast as villains or antiheros in film noir but later branched out into leading and support heroic roles in westerns, mainstream dramas, and horror films among others. Notable roles are Tommy Udo from Kiss of Death, Dude from Yellow Sky, Harry Fabian from Night and the City, Ray Biddle from No Way Out, Jim Bowie from The Alamo, Col. Tad Lawson from Judgment at Nuremberg, Captain Thomas Archer from Cheyenne Autumn, and Ratchet/Cassetti from Murder on the Orient Express as well as countless cowboys, gangsters, police officers, and military men.
Nominated for: Only nominated as Best Supporting Actor in 1947 for Kiss of Death.
Most Crushing Loss: Sure Widmark may have had stiff competition against Edmund Gwenn and Robert Ryan in 1947, but you have to admit playing a complete psycho and losing the Oscar race to Santa Claus as particularly humiliating. Still, his Tommy Udo might’ve been the inspiration for Heath Ledger’s Joker from The Dark Knight and is every bit as villainous. It’s no question he should’ve won.
Reasons: For one, Kiss of Death was Widmark’s first film. Secondly, I’m not sure if the Hollywood establishment was ready to award an Oscar for to an actor playing a psychopathic gangster who pushes a wheelchair bound woman down the stairs just for giggles. He was also subject to a lot of typecasting afterwards.
Trivia: Was a big Batman fan and his Tommy Udo performance might’ve inspired the Joker. Had a ranch during the 1950s and 1960s near Green City, Missouri where he raised funds for an airport named in honor. Despite that his characters were mostly armed, was as staunch supporter of gun control.

12. Fred MacMurray

Personal Life: (1908-1991) Born in Kankakee, Illinois and grew up in his mother’s hometown of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. Attended Carroll College on a full scholarship but didn’t graduate though he participated in local bands and even played the saxophone. Before Hollywood, he’d recorded songs as a featured vocalist for the Gus Arnheim Orchestra as well as with Bob Hope and Sydney Greenstreet on Broadway. Married twice but was never divorced. Adopted 2 children with first wife Lillian Lamont and adopted twin girls with second wife June Haver to whom he was married to for 37 years. Retired in 1978. Suffered throat cancer in the 1970s and late 1980s. Suffered from a severe stroke in 1988 which left his right side paralyzed though he managed a 90% with therapy. Died of pneumonia at 83 after a battle with leukemia for over a decade.
Famous for: American actor who appeared in more than 100 films and a successful TV show during a career spanning nearly half a century. Originally typecast nice guys in romantic comedies, melodramas, and musicals, he broke that with Double Indemnity as well as played outright scumbags in The Caine Mutiny and The Apartment. Spent a lot of his later career making Disney movies. Notable roles are Arthur Russell from Alice Adams, Walter Neff from Double Indemnity, Lt. Tom Keefer from The Caine Mutiny, Jeff Sheldrake from The Apartment, Wilson Daniels from The Shaggy Dog, and Professor Ned Brainard from The Absent-Minded Professor. Also known for playing the Steven Douglas from My Three Sons.
Nominated for: Murray was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actor in The Caine Mutiny (also the same for Jose Ferrer as well) or The Apartment. Also, not being nominated for Double Indemnity for Best Actor. Often said that his best roles were when he played against type.
Reasons: For one, he spent his early career being typecast and I’m sure playing assholes didn’t go well with the Hollywood establishment at the time. Also, made Disney movies.
Trivia: Said to be one of the wealthiest actors in Hollywood mostly because he had a reputation for being cheap as well as bringing a brown paper bag lunch with a hard-boiled egg, sometimes a leftover dyed one from Easter. Was also a skillful investor in California real estate. Appeared in commercials for Greyhound and Korean chesinbop math calculation program. Insisted that all his scenes for My Three Sons be filmed first so he could have plenty of time making movies and playing golf. Established the MacMurray Ranch in Northern California where he raised prize winning Aberdeen Angus cattle. Sold the ranch to Gallo in 1996 which planted vineyards for wine sold in the MacMurray Ranch name. First person honored as a Disney Legend in 1987. Played saxophone on The Jack Benny Program.

13. Lena Horne

Personal Life: (1917-2010) Born in Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn, New York City. Father was a numbers kingpin and gambler. Mother was an actress from a black theater troupe. Lived in New York, Pittsburgh, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. Moved to Pittsburgh at 18 and lived there for 5 years until she joined the Cotton Club as a chorus girl. Made her first film in 1938 and her first recording some time before that. Married twice and had 2 children to her first husband Louis Jordan. Second husband was a white man named Lennie Hayton for 24 years (yet they separated in the 1960s and she said she only married him to advance her career but she loved him very much). Retired in 1980. Died in New York City of heart failure at 92.
Famous for: American singer, actress, dancer, and civil rights activist. From a Cotton Club chorus girl at 16 and nightclub performer before moving to Hollywood where he had both bit and substantial roles. Notable roles are Ethel Andrews from The Duke Is Tops, Georgia Brown from Cabin in the Sky, and Glinda the Good from The Wiz.
Nominated for: Horne was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not receiving an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement due to making so few films. Yet, I really think she should’ve gotten one since she refused to play maids.
Reasons: She was black. She refused to play maids (which really limited the quantity of movies she made). And she found herself blacklisted for a time due to her left leaning views and civil rights activism during the Red Scare that she only made 2 movies during the 1950s.
Trivia: Uncle was an adviser to Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Granddaughter of inventor Samuel R. Scottron. Refused to perform to segregated audiences and was only able to do a show for the US during WWII in front of African American servicemen and German POWs. Lost her father, husband, and son in the same year. Worked with Eleanor Roosevelt to pass anti-lynching laws. Spoke and performed during the March on Washington. Was not thrilled about the potential prospect of Janet Jackson playing her in a biopic, especially after her 2004 Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction. Granddaughter was the screenwriter for Rachel Getting Married. Daughter became a best-selling author.

14. Dorothy Dandridge

Personal Life: (1922-1965) Born in Cleveland. Mother was an aspiring entertainer. Father was a cabinet maker and minister. Mother created a song and dance act for her and her 2 sisters called “The Wonder Children” who appeared in nightclubs for several years as well as later became The Dandridge Sisters. Made her first film in 1935. Married twice and had a daughter to first husband Harold Nicholas. Second husband was a white man, abuser, and gold digger who used all her money before abandoning her. Was swindled by those who handled her finances of $150,000 and was in $139,000 debt in back taxes that she was forced to sell her Hollywood home. Daughter was officially diagnosed with brain damage but was probably autistic (problems were associated with social and verbal skills) and eventually sent to a state mental institution when she couldn’t afford to keep her. Was also plagued by drinking problems later in life. Died either of an embolism or drug overdose at 42.
Famous for: American actress, singer, and dancer. Mostly appeared in uncredited roles before stardom. Notable roles are Dorothy from Teachers Beau, Thalia from Bahama Passage, Kipsang’s Bride from Sundown, Felice from Lady from Louisiana, Melmendi, Queen of the Ashuba from Tarzan’s Peril, Jane Richards from Bright Road, Ann Carpenter from The Harlem Globetrotters, Carmen Jones, Margot Seaton from Island in the Sun, Aiché, Reiker’s mistress from Tamango, Mahia from The Decks Ran Red, Bess from Porgy and Bess, and Gianna from Malaga.
Nominated for: Dandridge was nominated for Best Actress in 1954 for Carmen Jones.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Grace Kelly for Best Actress in 1954. Sure I know she wasn’t going to win but she should’ve at least lost to Judy Garland. Yet, what’s more crushing about this is that she was probably the nominee who received the least amount of votes which was probably due to her skin color.
Reasons: Most of the time, African American actresses nominated for Best Actress usually never win, even today with the sole exception of Halle Berry in 2002. Since Dandridge was nominated for Best Actress during segregation in the 1950s, her race was an even bigger mark against her. Not to mention, the Hollywood Studio System and the Hays Code made it even more difficult for her to get any good non-stereotypical parts as well. Her career also declined after her nomination.
Trivia: First African American actress nominated for an Oscar in a leading role. She and Maureen O’Hara were the only two stars who testified against Hollywood Research Inc. for libel, a tabloid magazine company that gave blatantly false accounts of them having casual sex with multiple individuals. Was romantically linked to Otto Preminger.

15. William Powell

Personal Life: (1892-1984) Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania but attended high school in St. Louis, Missouri where lived a few blocks away from his future fiancée Jean Harlow’s family whom he didn’t meet until after they were established actors. Attended the American Academy for Dramatic Arts after graduating high school and got his start on vaudeville, stock companies, and Broadway. Married 3 times with his second marriage being to Carole Lombard (yet even though they divorced after 2 years, he was still devastated when she died in a 1942 plane crash). Had a son who became a producer and writer to Eileen Wilson. Yet his son would commit suicide in 1968. Married to Diana Lewis for 44 years. As far as his personal life goes, he’s best known for marrying Carole Lombard and dating Jean Harlow. Survived a bout of cancer in 1937. Retired from acting in 1955. Died from heart failure at 91.
Famous for: American actor who typically played highly self-confident characters, with sophistication and sense of wit. Originally started acting in movies in 1922 mostly playing in a supporting capacity until talkies. Made 14 films with Myrna Loy including the six Thin Man films. Notable roles are Nick Charles from the Thin Man series, Godfrey Parke from My Man Godfrey, Lev Andreyev from The Last Command, Philo Vance from The Canary Murder Case, Bill Chandler from Libeled Lady, George Carey from I Love You Again, Clarence Day Sr. from Life with Father. J. D. Hanley from How to Marry a Millionaire, and Lt. “Doc” from Mister Roberts.
Nominated for: Powell was nominated 3 times for Best Actor consisting of: 1934 for The Thin Man, 1936 for My Man Godfrey, and 1948 for Life with Father.
Most Crushing Loss: It’s hard to say Oscar wise since he lost to guys like Clark Gable, Paul Muni (whose Oscar was long overdue), and Ronald Colman who were all very talented actors. Yet, what probably stings the most is that he died at 91 without an honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement.
Reasons: Most of Powell’s films were comedies, which doesn’t win Oscars even today. Not to mention, being burned by the competition whenever he was nominated.
Trivia: Married wife #3 after knowing her for 3 weeks (luckily this one worked out). Said to place a white gardenia and unsigned note reading, “Good night, my dearest darling” in Jean Harlow’s hands before she was interred in the $25,000 9 x 10-ft private room he paid for in the “Sanctuary of Benediction” of the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (then again, she was the love of his life).

16. Gene Kelly

Personal Life: (1912-1996) Born Eugene Curran Kelly in the East Liberty in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Father was a phonograph salesman. Mother made him and his brother James take dance lessons. Graduated high school at 16. Attended Penn State for journalism but dropped out to help his family due to the crash of 1929. He and his brother Fred performed in local talent contests for prizes and nightclubs. Studied economics at the University of Pittsburgh, member of Phi Beta Kappa and the Cap and Gown Club, and was admitted to Pitt Law School (but dropped out after 2 months). Also worked as a dance teacher in his family dance studio at Squirrel Hill for 7 years soon called the Gene Kelly School of Dance. Started his show biz career on Broadway and the stage before signing on to David O. Selznick. Married 3 times with Betsey Blair as his first wife. Had 3 children including a daughter to Blair as well as a daughter and son to second wife Jeanne Coyne. Retired in 1994 due to a stroke and would die in his sleep at 83.
Famous for: American dancer, actor, singer, film director, producer, and choreographer. A dominant force in Hollywood musical films from the mid-1940s until it fell out of fashion in the late 1950s. His many innovations transformed the Hollywood musical film and is almost single handedly credited with making ballet form commercially acceptable to audiences. Notable roles are Joseph Brady from Anchors Aweigh, D’Artagnan from The Three Musketeers (1948), Joe D. Ross from Summer Stock, Gabey from On the Town, Jerry Mulligan from An American in Paris, Don Lockwood from Singin’ in the Rain, Tommy Albright from Brigadoon, Ted Riley from It’s Always Fair Weather, E. K. Hornbeck from Inherit the Wind, Barry Nichols from Les Girls, and Danny McGuire from Xanadu.
Nominated for: He was only nominated for Best Actor in 1945 for Anchors Aweigh. Luckily he received an honorary Oscar for 1952.
Most Crushing Loss: The fact that Singin’ in the Rain managed to only be nominated for 2 Oscars and didn’t win either in 1952. This is one of the best musicals of all time and should at least set a record Academy Award nominations at the time. Not to mention, Kelly shouldn’t have been snubbed for Best Actor or Best Director with Stanley Donen. Also, the fact that Pittsburgh still won’t erect that fucking statue of him (c’mon, just do it already).
Reasons: Well, this might’ve been due to Kelly’s politics as well as that by the Red Scare he basically threatened MGM that he’d pull out from It’s Always Fair Weather if his wife Blair didn’t get the lead female role in Marty. At the time, she was under considerable pressure to withdraw from the American Legion because she was suspected as a Communist sympathizer. Still, 1950s film awards were the stuff of brutal competition. Not to mention, Kelly’s glory days were over by 1960.
Trivia: Stopped attending Mass when the Catholic Church sided with the Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War in 1939 (then again, the other side wasn’t much better). But he was said to have donated money to the IRA during the 1970s. Was a huge Pittsburgh Pirates fan (and had a childhood dream of playing shortstop for the team). Him and Blair held weekly parties with an intensely physical completion of charades they called, “The Game.” Part of the Committee for the First Amendment that protested during the House Committees on Un-American Activities hearings. The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera has an award named after him.

17. Myrna Loy

Personal Life: (1905-1993) Born Myrna Adele Williams in Helena, Montana. Father was banker, real estate developer, and youngest man ever elected to the Montana state legislature. Spent her childhood living between Montana and California and took up dancing lessons. Made her stage debut at Helena’s Operetta Theater at 12. Father died of Spanish flu, in 1918 and family moved to California permanently. Performed at Grauman’s Chinese Theater at 18. Was discovered by Rudolph Valentino when he was looking for a co-star in Cobra while both visited a photography studio. Made her first film in 1925. Married 4 times. Had 2 mastectomies for breast cancer in 1970s. Died from surgical complications at 88.
Famous for: American actor, once trained as a dancer devoted herself fully to an acting career following a few minor roles in silent films. Originally typecast in exotic roles, often as a vamp or a woman of Asian descent, but her career prospects improved greatly following her portrayal of Nora Charles in The Thin Man. Appeared with William Powell in 14 movies. Notable roles are Becky Sharp from Vanity Fair, Fah Lo See from The Mask of Fu Manchu,
Gertie Waxted from Penthouse, Eleanor from Manhattan Melodrama, Nora Charles from The Thin Man series, Linda from Wife vs. Secretary, Connie Allenbury from Libeled Lady, Milly Stephenson from The Best Years of Our Lives, Margaret from The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer, Kay Wilson from I Love You Again, Muriel Blandings from Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, Alice Tiflin from The Red Pony, Mrs. Lillian Gilbreth from Cheaper By the Dozen, Aunt Bea from Midnight Lace, Mrs. Devaney from Airport 1975, and Maureen Lawson from The End.
Nominated for: Loy was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1946 for The Best Years of Our Lives. Yes, she’s not much of an overburdened wife on the receiving end of her husband’s PTSD yet she’s a wife whose husband can no longer relate to. It’s pretty crushing that she wasn’t nominated for an Academy Award despite all the work she did both on and off screen. It’s nice that she had celebrity friends who lobbied extensively for the Academy to give her an honorary Oscar, which she greatly deserved.
Reasons: Loy is probably one of the most surprisingly underrated Hollywood actresses ever and she was enormously popular in her lifetime even voted as the Queen of Hollywood by her fans in the 1930s while Clark Gable was voted King. Of course, she had a deceptively straightforward artistry that kept her from getting the types of flashy roles that usually netted nominations.
Trivia: Romantically linked to Spencer Tracy and Leslie Howard. Father sold a considerable amount of land to Charlie Chaplin where he constructed his studio. Posed for her high school sculpture in the Fountain of Education, which stood for decades which has been featured in Grease. Was John Dillinger’s favorite actress and was shot to death after seeing one of her films. Worked with the Red Cross during WWII and was so fiercely outspoken against Hitler her name appeared on his blacklist. Also helped run the Naval Auxiliary Canteen and toured to raise funds for the troops. Championed the rights of black actors and characters to be depicted with dignity on film. Was Co-Chairman of the Advisory Council of the National Committee Against Discrimination in Housing and the first Hollywood celebrity to become a member of UNESCO in 1948. Had a performing arts center in Helena, Montana named after her. Was a personal friend of Eleanor Roosevelt.

18. Greta Garbo

Personal Life: (1905-1990) Born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson in Stockholm, Sweden. Father was a laborer who worked as a street cleaner, grocer, factory worker and butcher’s assistant while her mother soon worked in a jam factory. Was a shy day dreamer as a child who hated school but was interested in theater at an early age. Grew up in the city’s working class district regarded as the municipal slum. Dropped out of school at 13 and never attended high school. Father became ill with Spanish flu in 1919 that resulted in him losing his job and died in 1920. Worked as a soap lather girl in a barbershop and ran errands in the millinery department at the PUB Department Store. Soon started modeling hats and became a fashion model for the store’s catalog. Later filmed commercials advertising the store’s women’s clothing. Studied at The Royal Dramatic Theatre’s Acting School in Stockholm and made her first film in 1924. Was discovered by Louis B. Mayer the next year. Retired in 1941 and spent the rest of her life as a recluse in which made no public appearances. Suffered from depression and moodiness as well as gastrointestinal and periodontal ailments. Became a US citizen in 1951. Was successfully treated for breast cancer in 1984. Died of pneumonia and renal failure at 84.
Famous for: Swedish American actress as well as international star and icon during Hollywood’s silent and classic film periods. Husky Swedish voice gave her an easy transition from silents to talkies. Appeared in 28 films. Notable roles are Elena from The Temptress, Felicitas from Flesh and the Devil, Marianne from The Divine Woman, Tania Fedorova from The Mysterious Lady, Anna Christie, Madame Rita Cavallini from Romance, Mata Hari, Grusinskaya from Grand Hotel, Queen Christina, Katrin Koerber Fane from The Painted Veil, Anna Karenina, Marguerite Gautier from Camille, Countess Marie Walewska from Conquest, Nina Ivanovna “Ninotchka” Yakushova from Ninotchka, and Karin Borg Blake from Two-Faced Woman.
Nominated for: Garbo was nominated 3 times for Best Actress consisting of 1930 for Anna Christie and Romance, 1936 for Camille, and 1939 for Ninotchka.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Luise Rainer during the 1936 Best Actress race, since Rainier was a white actress playing a Chinese woman. Garbo really should’ve won that year even if she did play a high class call girl slowly dying of tuberclerosis.
Reasons: Well, she didn’t have a long career and retired at 35 due to the failure of Two-Faced Woman. Not to mention, during her whole career, she signed no autographs, avoided industry social functions, answered no fan mail, refused permission to arrange publicity contracts with the studio, and never made any appearances at awards ceremonies, even when she was nominated. Rumored to be gay or bisexual (which is unproven though she did have lesbian friends and played Queen Christina). Not to mention, she was a 1930s sex symbol.
Trivia: Was unable to speak any English when she first arrived in Hollywood in 1925. Contrary to the conventional reclusive image, she had many friends with whom she socialized and traveled. Was an avid art collector who purchased paintings by Renoir, Rouault, Kandinsky, Bonnard, and Jawlensky which was worth millions when she died. Was a White House dinner guest in 1963. Wore large sunglasses in her later years and was known for taking long walks. Romantically linked to Louise Brooks, John Gilbert, Marlene Dietrich, Josephine Baker, and Mercedes de Acosta. Estate was worth $57,000,000 due to her wise investments in stocks and bonds. Highest paid actress at MGM during most of her career. Designated as the most beautiful woman who ever lived by Guinness Book of World Records.

19. Deborah Kerr

Personal Life: (1921-2007) Born Deborah Jane Kerr-Trimmer in Helensburgh, Scotland. Father was a WWI veteran captain who lost a leg during the Battle of the Somme and later became a naval architect and engineer. Trained as a ballet dancer and first appeared on stage in 1937. Trained in acting by her aunt who ran the Hicks-Smale Drama School in Bristol. Made her West End debut in 1943. Made her first film in 1940. Married twice and had 2 daughters with her first husband Anthony Bartley. Married to second husband Peter Viertel for 47 years (though they lived apart in later years so she could be closer to her children as her health began to deteriorate). Retired in 1986 possibly due to suffering Parkinson’s Disease that would later claim her life at 86.
Famous for: Scottish actress best known for being nominated 6 times for Oscars and never won. Specialized in playing high souled ladies of quality and one of Hollywood’s favorite redheads from the 1940s to 1960s. Made a lot of period films and starred in 4 movies with Robert Mitchum. Notable roles are Jenny Hill from Major Barbara, Edith Hunter/Barbara Wynne/Johnny Cannon from The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, Sister Clodagh from Black Narcissus, Kay Dorrance from The Hucksters, Evelyn Boult from Edward, My Son, Elizabeth Curtis from King Solomon’s Mines, Lygia from Quo Vadis, Princess Flavia from The Prisoner of Zenda, Catherine Parr from Young Bess, Portia from Julius Caesar, Karen Holmes from From Here to Eternity, Anna Leonowens from The King and I, Laura Reynolds from Tea and Sympathy, Sister Angela from Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison, Terry McKay from An Affair to Remember, Sibyl Railton-Bell from Separate Tables, Sarah Miles from The End of the Affair, Sheilah Graham from Beloved Infidel, Miss Giddens from The Innocents, Hannah Jelkes from Night of the Iguana, and Agent Mimi/Lady Fiona McTarry from Casino Royale.
Nominated for: Kerr was nominated for Best Actress 6 times consisting of 1949 for Edward, My Son, 1953 for From Here to Eternity, 1956 for The King and I, 1957 for Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison, 1958 for Separate Tables, and 1960 for The Sundowners.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Elizabeth Taylor in 1960 for Best Actress. I mean Taylor is a great actress but Butterfield 8 is one of her more forgettable films. Not to mention, even Taylor felt she only received the Oscar because she had to undergo a tracheotomy. Still, Kerr should’ve at least lost to Shirley MacLaine or Greer Garson. I’d also add losing to Ingrid Bergman in 1956 since Anastasia is perhaps one of the most historically inaccurate movies of all time and not nearly as memorable as The King and I or The Bad Seed or as controversial as Baby Doll.
Reasons: Kerr was simply burned by the competition most of the time she was nominated. And even if the best actress didn’t win, there was always one who was better than her. She also suffered from typecasting as a proper English woman or nun. Luckily she received an honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement.
Trivia: Recipient of the Sarah Siddons Award for Tea and Sympathy (so yes, the award Eve received in All About Eve is a real thing). Romantically linked to Burt Lancaster.

20. Peter Lorre

Personal Life: (1904-1964) Born László Löwenstein in the present day Slovakia town Ružomberok during the waning days of the Austrian Hungarian Empire. Father was a Jewish chief bookkeeper at a textile mill and served as a lieutenant in the Austrian army reserve. Mother died when he was 4, possibly of food poisoning. Father remarried his mom’s best friend to help raise his 4 motherless sons but he didn’t get along with his stepmother. Moved to Vienna in 1913 and father served on the eastern front during the winter of 1914-15 and was put in charge of a prison camp. Started acting on stage at after a stint as a bank clerk performing in Vienna, Poland, and Zurich. Career took off when he caught the eye of Bertolt Brecht and moved to Berlin in the late 1920s. Yet, he was forced to flee in 1933 due to the rise of Nazism and his Jewish heritage. First went to Paris and then London but eventually settled in London with a contract from Columbia Pictures. Moved to Warner Brothers in 1941 when he became a US citizen and legally changed his name. Married 3 times and had a daughter Catherine to Anne Marie Brenning. She would make headlines in 1977, in which a noted serial killer confessed to stop her with an intent to kidnap and murder her but let her go when they realized who she was. Suffered from a chronic gall bladder infection for years which led to a morphine addiction, which he successfully overcame but didn’t fully recover. Later in his career he would gain 100lbs. Died of a stroke at 59.
Famous for: Hungarian-American actor who became an international sensation in the Fritz Lang film M where plays a serial killer who targets little girls. Yet, he’d soon find himself in enforced exile and have to learn English for Hitchcock’s first filming of The Man Who Knew Too Much. Once in Hollywood, he’d be a featured player in movies ranging from crime, mystery, film noir, and horror since he was one of the creepiest men ever. Yet, he’d also appear in a Disney movie and do an occasional comedy. Frequently typecast as a sinister foreigner, his post war career was erratic. Notable roles are Hans Beckert from M, Abbott from The Man Who Knew Too Much, Dr. Gogol from Mad Love, Raskolnikov from Crime and Punishment, The General from Secret Agent, Col. Glimpy from Crack-Up, Mr. Moto from the Mr. Moto series, Joel Cairo from The Maltese Falcon, Ugarte from Casablanca, Victor Emmeric from The Verdict, Dr. Karl Roth from The Lost One, and Conseil from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
Nominated for: Lorre was never nominated for an Oscar.
Most Crushing Loss: Not getting at least a nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1941 for The Maltese Falcon.
Reasons: For one, the Hollywood establishment simply not interested in giving film prizes for foreign film performances. Not to mention, Lorre’s friendship with blacklisted playwright Bertolt Brecht didn’t help either and actually got him kicked out of Warner Brothers. This put his career on the decline and declare personal bankruptcy in 1949.
Trivia: Was a supporter of the Committee for the First Amendment during the Red Scare. Played a James Bond villain on television. Was referred to as “the World’s Greatest Actor,” by Charlie Chaplin and got along famously with Hitchcock. Vincent Price did the eulogy at his funeral. Tried to help many of his Jewish friends get out of Europe and was an ardent anti-Nazi. Refused to entertain in a hospital during WWII, opting to sit with the troops and listen to their stories instead. Reputed to have said at Bela Lugosi’s funeral, “Do you think we should drive a stake through his heart just in case?”

Sure this 20 part series may be a vanity project that I’ve been working on since January. Yet, I did this series just to make a point as to how many actors in Hollywood and around the world don’t win competitive Oscars in their lifetime. We all know that winning one is every actor’s dream, especially with a role of a lifetime. Sure many of them are famous and talented stars we know and love while some are distinguished character actors we may or may not recognize unless we look them up. However, despite all the glitz and glamor associated with winning an Oscar, it may as come as a surprise that most actors don’t win Oscars during their career. Of course, this isn’t a surprise since most actors aren’t the big movie stars you hear in the magazines and newspapers anyway. In fact, most players in Hollywood usually are extras, bit players, or have supporting roles. Stars usually consist of the top 10% of Tinseltown anyway. Not to mention, a lot of your movie stars have unpredictable and sometimes brief careers, especially actresses hired for their looks in action movies. Let’s face it, you’re more likely to see Jennifer Lawrence doing movies well into her 80s than Kristen Stewart ever giving an Academy Award winning performance. And even if you are a movie star, your chances of making the Oscar speech are slim since most of them don’t even get nominated in the first place. And if they receive a nomination, they aren’t likely to be nominated again. Now my series on those who never won Oscars consist of 200 on the list with many legendary names in their own right and even they may consist of a small sample. And by Oscar, I mean a competitive Oscar usually from the 4 acting categories of Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress. However, this series doesn’t include movie stars who are:

1. Still alive and still working. This is the main reason why actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Alan Rickman, Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp, and Glenn Close aren’t on the list since they still have chance (albeit a very small one, but still). This is a list of people who haven’t won an Oscar and won’t win one in the future since they aren’t making movies anymore. Most of these people featured are from the Golden Age of Hollywood for this very reason.
2. Who have won competitive Oscars in other categories like Warren Beatty for directing Reds, Richard Attenborough for directing Gandhi, Orson Welles for co-writing Citizen Kane, and Charlie Chaplin for his Limelight score in the 1970s.
3. Anyone mostly active during the Silent Era before 1927-1928 Oscars mostly because the Academy Awards weren’t around at the time and many of their careers ended once sound became a mainstay in the movies. This explains why actors like Rudolph Valentino aren’t on the list (though he was dead by then). John Barrymore, Conrad Veidt, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and Lillian Gish get in since they’ve made sound films.
4. Famous people who achieved acclaim in a very different line of work like Harry Belafonte best known as a Calypso singer and Richard Pryor, Eddie Cantor, Jerry Lewis, and Bob Hope are better recognized as comedians. Dean Martin doesn’t get in because he’s better recognized as a singer.
5. Also more recognizable as TV stars like Lucille Ball, Robert Young, Peter Falk or Andy Griffith. Fred MacMurray, Richard Griffiths, William Demarest, and James Garner get in since their film roles are just as equally significant and will be known better for younger audiences as movie stars anyway.
6. Actors known mostly as child stars, explaining why Freddie Bartholomew, Shirley Temple, and Margaret O’Brien don’t get in. After all, child actors normally don’t win Oscars anyway. Yet, Mickey Rooney and Natalie Wood get in since they acted in films as adults.

Now this selection pertains to some of the better known names in movie history almost anyone is sure to recognize. First, you have the famous Peter O’Toole and Richard Burton who both received the most Oscar nominations without a single win. Next, you have the suave and gentlemanly Cary Grant best known for his screwball romantic comedies, debonair looks and fashion sense, and performances in Hitchcock movies. Then we have movie tough guys like Robert Mitchum, Steve McQueen, and Edward G. Robinson known for playing crooks, gangsters, and action heroes that pushed these men to iconic status. Next, there’s Judy Garland who sang the Academy Award winning song, “Over the Rainbow” as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz but never nabbed a competitive statuette herself though her character Vicki Lester did in-universe in A Star Is Born. Then you have Brooklyn accented Barbara Stanwyck who basically did anything during her 60 year career after spending a childhood as an orphan from the streets of New York City. Finally, you have Ava Gardner and Lauren Bacall best known for being sensual beauties as well as being married to famous men like Mickey Rooney, Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, and Jason Robards Jr. So without further adieu, here are the first 10 actors in my first installment of stars who’ve never won an Oscar.

1. Peter O’Toole

Personal Life: (1932-2013) may have been born in Conemara, Ireland or Leeds, England (though he resided in Conemara as an adult and had his ashes spread there). Worked as a journalist, photographer, and signaler for the Royal Navy. Mother was a Scottish nurse while father was a metal plater, soccer player, and racecourse bookmaker. Started acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and as a Shakespearean actor for the Bristol Old Vic before debuting in 1959. Married to Sian Philips from 1959-1979 with which he had 2 daughters. Also had a son with longtime girlfriend and model Kate Brown. Had a reputation for hard drinking and partying that it caused him all sorts of health problems it nearly killed him in the 1970s. Yet, he only quit drinking for good when he was 75. Retired in 2012. Died at 81.
Famous for: Anglo-Irish actor best known for holding the record of the most Academy Award nominations without a single win. Notable roles include T. E. Lawrence from Lawrence of Arabia, Henry II from Becket and The Lion in Winter, Lord Jim, Mr. Chips from Goodbye Mr. Chips, Lord Jack Gurney, 14th Earl of Gurney from The Ruling Class, Miguel Cervantes/Don Quixote from Man of la Mancha, Eli Cross from The Stunt Man, Alan Swann from My Favorite Year, Reginald Johnston from The Last Emperor, and Maurice from Venus.
Nominated for: Had 8 Oscar nominations without winning a single one all for Best Actor: 1962 for Lawrence of Arabia, 1964 for Becket, 1968 for The Lion in Winter, 1969 for Goodbye, Mr. Chips, 1972 for The Ruling Class, 1982 for My Favorite Year, and 2006 for Venus.
Most Crushing Loss: I would have to say either 1968 or 1969 would be the years he was robbed the most. Sure the other times were bad, too, but at least to guys who at least deserved to win like Gregory Peck, Rex Harrison, Marlon Brando, Ben Kingsley, and Forrest Whittaker. Of course, Cliff Roberson was great in the Flowers for Algernon adaptation Charly but I couldn’t say that it was better than O’Toole’s Henry II in The Lion in Winter (a movie robbed for Best Picture by Oliver!, bastards. Then again, the Academy awarded an Oscar for Tom Hanks for Forrest Gump, so that loss isn’t surprising). And while the 1960s version of Goodbye, Mr. Chips isn’t nearly as good as the 1939 original but surely O’Toole should’ve at least lost to a better actor than the eternally talentless and overrated John Wayne.
Reasons: Most likely being burned by the competition. Whenever O’Toole got nominated for an Oscar, he was usually against some other actor playing a role of a lifetime whether it be Gregory Peck, Marlon Brando, Ben Kingsley, or Forrest Whitaker. Of course, since he kept getting nominated, the Academy just reasoned that O’Toole would probably get his chance someday until they got smart and awarded him an Honorary Oscar in the 1990s so even if he didn’t win a competitive one, he’d at least get the statuette he deserved.
Trivia: Helped write the modern version of the Irish folk song “Carrickfergus” with Dominic Behan and wore green socks for good luck (which didn’t help him at the Oscars though, yet with all the health issues and bad habits he’s had it’s a wonder he lived to 81). Said he could quote all of Shakespeare’s 154 sonnets, which he read daily. Has had an award named after him at the Old Vic, where he got his start. Wrote 2 memoirs.

2. Richard Burton

Personal Life: (1925-1984) born in Wales as Richard Jenkins and the 12th of 13 children in a Welsh-speaking coal miner’s household. Absentee father was a gambler and drunk who’d often go on sprees for weeks and wouldn’t acknowledge his famous son’s talents, achievements, and acclaim. Unsurprisingly, he was raised by his sister Ceilia after his mom died giving birth to his younger brother Graham at the age of 43 when he was less than 2 years old. Earned pocket money by running messages, hauling horse manure, and delivering newspapers. Earned a prize as a boy soprano as well as served in the RAF during the mid to late 1940s but couldn’t be a pilot due to his poor eyesight. Started smoking at 8 and drinking at 12. Took the name of Burton after his favorite teacher, Air Training Corps commander, and father figure who encouraged him to pursue an acting career. Married 5 times but his best known part about his love life are his 2 turbulent marriages to Elizabeth Taylor (who considered him among the 3 loves of her life along with Mike Todd and jewelry. Yet, her deepest wish was to see him win the Oscar he deserved.) Had 4 daughters consisting of the biological 2 he had with first wife actress/producer Sybil Williams, a stepdaughter he legally adopted (who was Taylor’s by Mike Todd), and a girl he and Taylor adopted from Germany. He’s also best known for his chronic alcoholism, chain smoking, causing a lot of controversy in the British press, moving to Switzerland as a tax exile, lifelong socialism, and experiencing all kinds of health problems before a cerebral hemorrhage took his life at 58 (which might’ve been genetic since his dad died from the same thing in 1957).
Famous for: Welsh actor known for his mellifluous baritone voice and great acting talent that he was called “the natural successor to Olivier” after establishing himself as a formidable Shakespearean actor in the 1950s that included a memorable performance of Hamlet. Was one of the top box office stars and highest paid actors in the mid to late 1960s receiving fees of $1 million or more as well as a share of the gross receipts. Yet, his legendary alcoholism was his undoing since he failed to live up to such high expectations that he disappointed his colleagues and critics which fueled his reputation as a thespian wastrel. Also known for having 7 Academy Award nominations without a single win making him a runner-up to Peter O’Toole’s record. Notable roles are Philip Ashley from My Cousin Rachel, Marcellus Gallio from The Robe, Alexander the Great, Mark Antony from Cleopatra, Archbishop Thomas Becket from Becket, Rev. Dr. T. Lawrence Shannon from The Night of the Iguana, Hamlet, George from Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Alec Leamas from The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, Petruchio from The Taming of the Shrew, Doctor Faustus, Major John Smith in Where Eagles Dare, King Henry VIII from Anne of the Thousand Days, Martin Dysart from Equus, and O’Brien from Nineteen Eighty-Four.
Nominated for: Had 7 Oscar nominations without winning a single one with the first one for Best Supporting Actor and Best Actor for the other 6: 1952 for My Cousin Rachel, 1953 for The Robe, 1964 for Becket, 1965 for The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, 1966 for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, 1969 for Anne of the Thousand Days, and 1977 for Equus.
Most Crushing Loss: I’d have to say 1969 would’ve been his most upsetting loss Oscar wise. Sure the other years weren’t much better but at least he’s lost to guys like theater veterans Rex Harrison and Paul Scofield who were perfect for their parts as well as legends like Anthony Quinn, William Holden, Lee Marvin, and Richard Dreyfuss. He was a way better actor than the extremely overrated John Wayne and thus, should’ve either won or at least lost to Jon Voight, Dustin Hoffman, or Peter O’Toole.
Reasons: Like Peter O’Toole, he was also burned by the competition with a rival nominee having a role of a lifetime whenever he got nominated. And he got nominated so much that the Academy thought he might get his chance someday. Yet, he never did nor did he live long enough to receive an honorary Oscar either. Another factor might’ve been his alcoholism (but probably not his scandalous marriages to Elizabeth Taylor since she won an Academy Award during their time together).
Trivia: Had an excellent singing voice and won a Tony for Camelot in 1961. Said in an interview that he experimented with homosexuality as well as got into a sonnet quoting contest with Robert F. Kennedy. Kept a diary from the time he was 14, wrote memoir about Christmas during his childhood as well as occasional magazine articles. Buried in a red suit as a tribute to his Welsh roots and a copy of Dylan Thomas poems. Though he and Taylor discussed being buried together, his widow purchased the plot next to him and erected a large headstone across both before Taylor had the chance.

3. Cary Grant

Personal Life: (1904-1986) Born Archibald Alexander Leach in Bristol, England. Father was a pants presser in a factory but was often absentee as well as a philanderer and alcoholic. Mother was clinically depressed since the death of a previous child and didn’t show much love for him. At 9, dad placed his mom in a mental institution and lied to his son that was on a “long holiday” and later that she died (but Cary wouldn’t find out the truth until he was 31 but he reconnected with her). At 10, dad shacked up with his girlfriend and basically abandoned him. Expelled from school at 14 and joined a theater troupe he once worked with while he was 6. Immigrated to the United States in the early 1920s while in his mid teens. Spent the 1920s working the vaudeville and Broadway circuit as a stilt walker, acrobat, juggler, and mime before signing onto Hollywood as Cary Grant in 1931. Legally changed his name to Cary Grant once he became a US citizen in 1942. Married 5 times though there were rumors about him being bisexual (especially while he was living with Randolph Scott). Had a lot of demons in his life (which isn’t unusual for someone who had a very unhappy and lonely childhood as well as grew up poor). Retired from filmmaking after having a daughter Jennifer Grant with Dyan Cannon. Died of a stroke in Iowa.
Famous for: British and American actor known for his transatlantic accent, debonair demeanor, and dashing good looks who’s considered one of Hollywood’s biggest stars and was said to be the Greatest Male Star of All Time after Humphrey Bogart. Considered one of Hollywood’s definitive leading men as a leading box office attraction for nearly 30 years as well as acting in 72 films. Notable roles are Jerry Warrier from The Awful Truth, Dr. David Huxley from Bringing Up Baby, Johnny Case from Holiday, Sgt. Cutter from Gunga Din, Walter Burns from His Girl Friday, C. K. Dexter Haven from The Philadelphia Story, Mortimer Brewster from Arsenic and Old Lace, Johnnie Aysgarth from Suspicion, Roger Adams from Penny Serenade, T. R. Devlin from Notorious, Ernie Mott from None But the Lonely Heart, the angel Dudley from The Bishop’s Wife, Capt. Rochard from I Was a Male War Bride, John Robie from To Catch a Thief, Roger Thornhill from North By Northwest, Nickie Ferrante from An Affair to Remember, Phillip Adams from Indiscreet, and the Spy from Charade as well as others. His range spanned from screwball and romantic comedies to drama and thrillers.
Nominated for: Despite his appeal, popularity, and fame that he was able to go independent, he was only nominated twice and both times for Best Actor: 1941 for Penny Serenade and 1944 for None But the Lonely Heart.
Most Crushing Loss: Oscar wise, I’d have to say 1944 would be the most crushing for him since he lost to Bing Crosby who I didn’t really think deserved it (though I’m not familiar with his work). Even if Grant didn’t win, he should’ve at least lost to Charles Boyer (who was phenomenal in Gaslight and should’ve won that year anyway). At least Grant lost to Gary Cooper in 1941. Still, what I think is more of a crushing loss to Grant is that he made all these great movies during his long career, he was continually passed over for film industry and critics awards. Being snubbed for his 4 Hitchcock movies were probably the most crushing at all. At least he got an honorary Oscar in 1970 for his career which he certainly deserved. Also received Kennedy Center Honors in 1981.
Reasons: Well, you can argue that Grant was constantly passed over for awards mostly since he made a lot of comedies (screwball, romantic, and otherwise). His relationships with Randolph Scott as well as some of his troubled marriages and personal life might’ve been a factor as well.
Trivia: Was introduced to LSD therapy by his third wife Betsy Drake and was one of the first major celebrities to espouse the virtues of psychedelic drugs. Until California abolished it in 1966, he had booked 100 sessions for himself, tried to get as many Hollywood friends on it as he possibly could, and basically talked about it glowingly with Good Housekeeping and Time magazine (basically saying to millions of housewives that getting high was awesome). All this before the Beatles, Timothy Leary, and Frank Zappa. Had a onetime infatuation for Sophia Loren but she turned him down (since she’d been in love with Carlo Ponti since she was 15). Served on the boards of Fabrege, Hollywood Park, Western Airlines, the Academy of Magical Arts, and MGM. Owned many classic cars many of which were Cadillacs. Went on lecture tours across the US, making 36 public appearances between 1982-1986 and was on one of them when he died. May have thought he was Jewish and donated to Jewish causes but probably wasn’t. Yet, despite leaning Republican in his political views, condemned McCarthyism when his friend Charlie Chaplin was blacklisted (saying his artistic value outweighed political concerns, yet the fact they were friends isn’t too surprising since they’re both from similar backgrounds), befriended the Kennedys and the Mankiewicz family, and supported gun control after RFK’s assassination. Turned down a lot of roles that eventually went to Gregory Peck.

4. Robert Mitchum

Personal Life: (1917-1997) born into a Methodist Bridgeport, Connecticut family as the second of 3 children to a shipyard and railroad worker and a Norwegian immigrant and sea captain’s daughter. Father was crushed to death in a railyard accident when he was less than 2 years old. Mother quickly married a former Royal Navy officer just out of economic necessity and had a daughter named Carol as well as worked as linotype operator for the Bridgeport Post. Brother and sister were also in showbiz while it was his sister who talked him into acting. His reputation as a prankster often involved in mischief and fights led to him being sent to his grandparents in Delaware at 12, expelled from middle school for scuffling with the principal, sent to live with his sister in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen at 13, and expelled from high school at 14. After dropping out, he became a train hopping hobo taking odd jobs like ditch digging for the Civilian Conservation Corps and professional boxing. Was arrested for vagrancy in Savannah, Georgia for vagrancy and was put on a chain gang before escaping to Delaware to nurse the injured leg he nearly lost and joining his sister in Long Beach, California. There, he worked as an operator for Lockheed Aircraft, a ghostwriter for an astrologer, and wrote song lyrics and monologues for his sister’s nightclub performances. Began acting in theater and started out in Hollywood as an extra before working his way up to B-Westerns and supporting roles before his big break in Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo. Yet, he had to take 8 months off from filmmaking due to being drafted in the army in 1946. Married to Dorothy Spence for 57 years and had 3 children named James, Christopher, and Petrine. Said to have numerous affairs. Sons had show biz careers as well. Was a heavy lifelong smoker as well as heavy drinker and died 5 weeks shy of his 80th birthday from lung cancer and emphysema complications.
Famous for: American actor who rose to prominence for his starring roles in several major film noir works and considered a forerunner to anti-heroes in film during the 1950s and 1960s. However, he also played a lot other character types to from indifferent to jaded drifters and supportive father figures to truly sadistic villains. Acted in over 110 films and TV series. Notable roles are Bobby Gray from Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, Lt. Walker from The Story of G. I. Joe, Keeley from Crossfire, Jeff Bailey from Out of the Past, Max Calder in The River of No Return, the Rev. Harry Powell from The Night of the Hunter, Cpl. Allison USMC from Heaven Knows Mr. Allison, Lucas Doolin from Thunder Road, Paddy Camody from The Sundowners, Max Cady from Cape Fear, and Charles Shaughnessy from Ryan’s Daughter.
Nominated for: Despite his long career of appearing in over 110 films, he was only nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1945 for The Story of G. I. Joe.
Most Crushing Loss: Actually his Oscar loss in 1945 isn’t the worst for at least received some recognition for his role and it was early in his career. Not to mention, he lost to James Dunn who played the alcoholic dad in A Tree Grows in Brooklyn which isn’t bad either. However, what does more injustice to Mitchum is that he should’ve at least received an Oscar nomination for his roles in The Night of the Hunter and Cape Fear.
Reasons: Despite his popularity and natural acting talent, Mitchum was a loveable bad boy both on and off screen which might’ve been fine by today’s standards. Yet, back in the 1940s and 1950s, his reputation as a loveable scamp didn’t sit well with much of the Hollywood establishment. Though he was certainly a serious actor, he often pretended he wasn’t as well as said he only took some roles for the money. Also said to have spent 50 days in jail for marijuana possession. Nevertheless, he didn’t really many film awards until later in life and mostly for life achievement. Still, he’s one of the greats.
Trivia: Had a sideline career in music both as a singer and songwriter. Used his own singing voice whenever his characters sang in films. Wrote and recorded the theme song to Thunder Road which topped at No. 69 on the Billboard Singles Chart. Also recorded a Calpyso album as well as a country one. He even composed an oratorio produced by Orson Welles at the Hollywood Bowl. Provided the voice for American Beef commercials that touted, “Beef…it’s what’s for dinner from 1992 until his death. His son James played his brother in Thunder Road, a part which was said written for Elvis Presley. Helped Charles Laughton direct The Night of the Hunter since Mitchum had 3 kids and Laughton had none.

5. Barbara Stanwyck

Personal Life: (1907-1990) Born Ruby Catherine Stevens in Brooklyn, New York City. Parents were working class. At 4, her mother died from miscarriage complications after a drunk stranger accidentally knocked her off a moving streetcar. Two weeks after her mom’s funeral, alcoholic and womanizing father joined a work crew digging the Panama Canal and was never seen again basically leaving parental responsibilities to her 9 year old sister. When Mildred became a showgirl, she and her brother were placed in a series of foster homes which she often ran away from. At 14, she dropped out of school and wrapped packages at a Brooklyn department store as well as filled cards for a telephone company for $14 a week. Was fired from a job cutting dress patterns from Vogue magazine and would soon be a typist for the Jerome H. Remick Music Company. Despite her sister’s chagrin, she pursued her showbiz career joining the Ziegfeld Follies at 16. Debuted on Broadway in 1926 which was when she adopted “Barbara Stanwyck” as a stage name. Made her first film in 1927. Married twice with her second marriage to Robert Taylor. Adopted a son with her first husband Frank Fay. Was robbed and assaulted at her Beverly Hills home in 1981. Was a smoker from the age of 9 until 4 years before her death. Died of congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at 82.
Famous for: American actress known for her 60 year career as a consummate and versatile professional with a strong, realistic screen presence and a favorite of directors Cecil B. DeMille, Frank Capra, and Fritz Lang. Made 85 films in 38 years before turning to television. Notable roles are Lora Hart from Night Nurse, Selina Peake De Jong from So Big!, Megan from The Bitter Tea of General Yen, Lily from Baby Face, Annie Oakley, Lady Lee from The Gambling Lady, Stella Dallas, Mollie Monahan from Union Pacific, Lorna Moon from Golden Boy, Lee Leander from Remember the Night, Jean from The Lady Eve, Ann Mitchell from Meet John Doe, Sugarpuss O’Shea from Ball of Fire, Hannah Sempler Hoyt from The Great Man’s Lady, Deborah Hoople, aka Dixie Daisy from Lady of Burlesque, Phyllis Dietrichson from Double Indemnity, Elizabeth Lane from Christmas in Connecticut, Martha Ivers from The Strange Love of Martha Ivers, Sally Morton Carroll from The Two Mrs. Carrolls, Sandra Marshall from Cry Wolf, Leona Stevenson from Sorry, Wrong Number, Jessie Bourne from East Side, West Side, Julia Sturges from Titanic, Sierra Nevada Jones from Cattle Queen of Montana, Helen Stilwin from Jeopardy, Gwen Moore from Escape to Burma, and Irene Trent from The Night Walker.
Nominated for: Stanwyck was nominated for Best Actress 4 times consisting of in 1937 for Stella Dallas, 1941 for Ball of Fire, 1944 for Double Indemnity, and in 1948 for Sorry, Wrong Number.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing the Best Actress prize to Luise Rainer in 1937 for she was playing a Chinese woman (which is kind of offensive to Asians, no offense). Stanwyck should’ve at least lost to Greta Garbo. Ingrid Bergman and Joan Fontaine were much more worthy competition.
Reasons: Stanwyck might’ve been popular among the public and very well liked in Hollywood, but she was burned out by the competition every time. Didn’t help that she was nominated what the Hollywood prestige would view as inferior films. At least she received an honorary Oscar for her career.
Trivia: Was romantically linked to Robert Wagner, Farley Granger, and Henry Fonda. Best known in her later career as Victoria Barkley from The Big Valley and Mary Carson from The Thorn Birds. Was an Ayn Rand fan who persuaded Warner Brothers to buy the rights for The Fountainhead and admired Atlas Shrugged. Often called, “The Best Actress Who Never Won an Oscar.” Stage name was inspired by a theatrical poster that read “Jane Stanwyck in ‘Barbara Frietchie.'”. Was the highest paid woman in 1944 according to the US government. Made 3 to 4 films a year at one point in her career. Marriage to Frank Fay may have been the inspiration for A Star Is Born (and yes, he did become an unemployed drunk).

6. Steve McQueen

Personal Life: (1930-1980) born in Beech Grove, Indiana. Father was a stunt pilot for a barnstorming flying circus who abandoned his mom 6 months after meeting her. Mom was said to be an alcoholic prostitute and was raised by his maternal grandparents and uncle (who was like a father to him) at his uncle’s Missouri farm and from 8-14 he’d live between that and his mother’s home whether it be in Indianapolis or Los Angeles. Ran away from home at 9 to escape an abusive stepfather and committed acts of petty crime with a street gang. After leaving his uncle’s farm a final time at 14, he ran away with the circus before joining his mom and second abusive stepfather in California, resuming his life as a petty crook. Was caught by police for stealing hubcaps who handed him over to his stepfather which ended him thrown down the stairs. McQueen threatened to kill him. Spent 2 years at a juvenile detention center at Chino where he finally shaped up. At 16, he joined his mom at Greenwich Village. Worked as a sailor, towel boy for a brothel, oil rigger, carnival trinket salesman, and lumberjack. Joined the Marines in 1947 and though he was demoted 7 times and put on a brig for 41 days, he embraced the discipline, saved 5 of his fellow Marines during an exercise, and assigned to guard Harry S. Truman’s yacht. All before his honorable discharge in 1950 and drifted into acting school thanks to the G. I. Bill. Was dyslexic and partially deaf since childhood. Married 3 times with Ali McGraw being his second wife. Had 2 children with his first wife Nelie Adams. Was known for his prolific drug use and was said to carry a handgun at all times after the Charles Manson murders of Sharon Tate and Jay Sebring. Died of malignant pleural mesothelioma at 50 while undergoing some kind of alternative treatment in Mexico.
Famous for: American actor called, “the King of Cool” for his antihero persona developed at the height of Vietnam War Era counterculture, making him a box office draw for the 1960s and 1970s. Became the highest paid movie star in the world in 1974. Known for being combative with directors and producers with directors and producers but his popularity placed him in high demand and able to command such high salaries. Notable roles are Steve Andrews from The Blob, Vin Tanner from The Magnificent Seven, Capt. Virgil Hilts “The Cooler King” from The Great Escape, The Cincinnati Kid, Nevada Smith, Jake Holman from The Sand Pebbles, Thomas Crown from the Thomas Crown Affair, Lt. Frank Bullitt from Bullitt, Doc McCoy from The Getaway, Henri ‘Papillon’ Charriere from Papillon, and Chief Mike O’Hallorhan from The Towering Inferno.
Nominated for: Only had one nomination for Best Actor in 1966 for The Sand Pebbles.
Most Crushing Loss: Well, he was never going to beat Paul Scofield in 1966. However, with a career like his, he should’ve received at least a Life Achievement Award, but he died too young.
Reasons: McQueen was more of an action star and acted in movies that usually didn’t get Oscar consideration. Also was known as combative with producers and directors.
Trivia: Had an unusual reputation for demanding free items in bulk from studios when agreeing to do a film such as electric razors, jeans, and other items. It was later found out that McQueen donated these items to the Boys Republic Reformatory School where he spent his teen years. He’d even make occasional visits there to play pool with the students and speak about his experiences. Was an avid motor and race car enthusiasts as well as enjoyed dirt bikes and flying. Had a daily 2 hour exercise regimen. Performed many stunts in his own films. Was good friends with James Garner. As of 2007, he’s among one of the top earning dead celebrities.

7. Edward G. Robinson

Personal Life: (1893-1973) Born Emanuel Goldenberg in Bucharest, Romania to a Yiddish speaking Jewish family. Father was a builder. Family decided to immigrate to the US after his brother was attacked by an anti-semitic mob and arrived to America at 9 on Valentine’s Day, 1903. Grew up in New York City. Attended the American Academy for Dramatic Arts on a scholarship and made his Broadway debut in 1915. Married twice and had a son to Gladys Lloyd named Edward G. Robinson Jr. who was an actor and playboy as well as adopted her daughter. Died of bladder cancer at 79.
Famous for: Romanian-American actor who was a popular star during Hollywood’s Golden Age and best remembered for playing gangsters in the 1930s for Warner Brothers. Made 101 films in his 50 year career. Notable roles are Caesar Enrico “Rico” Bandello, Turou from Confessions of a Nazi Spy, Paul Ehrlich from Dr. Ehrlich’s Magic Bullet, Paul Julius Reuter from A Dispatch from Reuter’s, Johnny Rocco from Key Largo, Dathan from The Ten Commandments, Barton Keyes from Double Indemnity, Joe Keller from All My Sons, Martinius Jacobson from Our Vines Have Tender Grapes, and Sol Roth from Soylent Green as well as numerous roles as gangsters.
Nominated for: Robinson was never nominated for an Oscar, though he received an honorary Oscar 2 months after his death, which he certainly deserved.
Most Crushing Loss: Never being nominated for an Oscar, especially for Little Caesar in 1931.
Reasons: Well, depends on the times. If it’s before WWII, it was because he worked at Warner Brothers playing gangsters which wasn’t considered up to prestigious Hollywood award standards. If it’s after WWII, then it’s because of his refusal to testify in front of the House Committee on Un-American Activities. Though he tried to clear his name, he refused to name any Communist sympathizers yet his career would suffer until The Ten Commandments.
Trivia: Contrary to his onscreen persona, he was a sensitive, soft spoken, and cultured man who spoke 7 languages and hated guns. Was a passionate art collector and even ran a gallery with Vincent Price. But he had to sell his collection in 1956 to a Greek shipping tycoon Starvos Niarchos to pay for his divorce and for being underemployed. Also loved collecting record from the world’s leading concerts. Though too old to serve in the military during WWII, he was an outspoken critic of fascism and Nazism as well as donated more than $250,000 to 850 charitable groups between 1939 and 1949. Also signed a declaration to boycott all German made products in 1938.

8. Ava Gardner

Personal Life: (1922-1990) Born in Smithfield, North Carolina. Was the youngest of 7 children. Parents were poor tobacco farmers while her father would work at a sawmill and her mother would tend to a series of boarding houses. While young, her family lost their property and spent a time in Newport News, Virginia and Wilson, North Carolina. At 15, her father died of bronchitis. Attended Atlantic Christian College for a year in secretarial studies. Was discovered when her brother-in-law took and displayed her portrait in the front window at his Fifth Avenue photography studio and someone suggested he and her sister should send her to the New York MGM office. Moved to Hollywood in 1941 and made her first film that year. After divorcing Sinatra, she moved to Spain in 1957 and London in 1968 after getting an elective hysterectomy to prevent uterine cancer that claimed her mother’s life. Married 3 times with husbands consisting of Mickey Rooney, Artie Shaw, and Frank Sinatra. Due to a lifetime of smoking, she suffered from emphysema, as well as an unidentified auto-immune disorder. In 1986, she had 2 strokes that left her partially paralyzed and bedridden as well as forced to retire. Suffered a bad fall a week before she died and lay on the floor unable to move until her housekeeper returned. Died of pneumonia at 67.
Famous for: American actress who appeared mainly in bit parts until she drew attention with her performance in The Killers. Appeared in several high profile films from the 1950s to 1970s and was one of Hollywood’s foremost dark haired sex symbols. Notable roles are Kitty Collins from The Killers, Jean Ogilvie from The Hucksters, Venus from One Touch of Venus, Pauline Ostrovsky from The Great Sinner, Isabel Lorrison from East Side, West Side, Pandora Reynolds from Pandora and the Flying Dutchman, Lady Susan Ashlow from The Little Hut, Barbara Beaurevel from My Forbidden Past, Julie LaVerne from Show Boat, Cynthia Green from The Snows of Kilimanjaro, Guinevere from The Knights of the Round Table, Maria Vargas from The Barefoot Contessa, Victoria Jones from Bhowni Junction, Lady Brett Ashley from The Sun Also Rises, Maria Cayetana, Duchess of Alba from The Naked Maja, Moira Davidson from On the Beach, Eloise Y. Kelly from Mogambo, Soledad from The Angel Wore Red, Baroness Natalie Ivanoff from 55 Days in Peking, Eleanor Holbrook from Seven Days in May, Maxine Faulk from The Night of the Iguana, Empress Elizabeth from Mayerling, Lily Langtry from The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean, and Nicole Dressler from The Cassandra Crossing.
Nominated for: Gardner was nominated for Best Actress in 1954 for Mogambo.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in 1954 for The Barefoot Contessa. Seriously, Academy, she was awesome in this!
Reasons: Well, when Frank Sinatra dumped the mother of his children for her, she was seen as a femme fatale that led him being blasted by gossip columnists, the Hollywood establishment, fans, and even the Roman Catholic Church. Yet, her helping getting Sinatra the part in From Here to Eternity basically saved his career. Yet, their marriage was extremely tempestuous with his intense jealousy and mistrust, her two abortions, her substantial drinking habit, and his suicide attempts. Was also prone to being constantly dismissed by the critics which resulted in her being so underrated. Not to mention, she was more or less seen as a sex symbol (which doesn’t make the Hollywood establishment take her talents seriously).
Trivia: Spoke in a thick Southern accent during her first screen test in New York that the folks at MGM found her voice incomprehensible. Was only able to overcome her drawl when MGM gave her a contract and a speech coach in Hollywood with Louis B. Mayer saying, “She can’t sing, she can’t act, she can’t talk, She’s terrific!” Used considerable influence to get Frank Sinatra cast in his Oscar-winning role From Here to Eternity which revitalized his career. Was infatuated by Howard Hughes. Born on Christmas Eve. Was friends with Ernest Hemingway. Had an island in Fiji named after her called Ava Ava. Housekeeper and corgi were taken in by Gregory Peck after she died. Was known for swearing a lot.

9. Judy Garland

Personal Life: (1922-1969) Born Frances Ethel Gumm in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Parents were vaudevillians who settled there to run a movie theater featuring their acts. At 2, she made her first stage appearance with her 2 older sisters as “Baby Frances.” In 1926, family relocated to Lancaster, California amid rumors that her father made sexual advances toward male ushers. Enrolled in a dance school with her sisters run by Ethel Meglin in 1928 and appeared on the Vaudeville circuit as the Gumm Sisters who later changed their names to the Garland sisters in 1934. Yet, the group eventually broke up when her older sister eloped to Reno with a musician. Was signed to MGM in 1935, which was the same year her father died of meningitis. Made her first film in 1936. Struggled immensely with her personal life since she was a child. Was addicted to prescription pills from a young age as well became eventually suicidal on one occasion. Self-image was strongly influenced by film executives saying she was unattractive and constantly manipulated her physical appearance. Was plagued by financial instability, often owing hundreds of thousands of dollars in back taxes. Married 5 times and had 3 children including Liza Minnelli to second husband Vincent Minnelli. Also had a long battle with drugs and alcohol ultimately leading to her death 47 to a barbiturate overdose.
Famous for: American actress and singer renowned for her vocals and attained international stardom which continued throughout her career spanning more than 40 years. Respected for her versatility as an actress in dramatic and musical roles as well as a recording artist. Made 9 films with Mickey Rooney. Notable roles are Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, Patsy Barton from Babes in Arms, Penny Morris from Babes on Broadway, Little Nellie Kelly, Jo Hayden from For Me and My Gal, Ginger Gray from Girl Crazy, Esther Smith from Meet Me in St. Louis, Alice Maybery from The Clock, Susan Bradley from The Harvey Girls, Marilyn Miller from Till the Clouds Roll By, Hannah Brown from Easter Parade, Veronica Fisher from In the Good Old Summertime, Vicki Lester / Esther Blodgett from A Star Is Born, Jane Falbury from Summer Stock, Irene Hoffman from Judgment at Nuremberg, and Jean Hansen from A Child Is Waiting.
Nominated for: Garland was nominated twice once for Best Actress and once for Best Supporting Actress in 1954 for A Star Is Born and 1961 for Judgment at Nuremberg.
Most Crushing Loss: Losing to Grace Kelly in the 1954 Best Actress Race. What makes it more crushing is that she just gave birth to her son Joey and would’ve broadcasted her acceptance speech through her hospital bed via camera crew. Not to mention, everyone expected her to win that year. Luckily she received a Juvenile Oscar in the 1930s.
Reasons: Garland was burned by the competition. Seriously, her loss to Grace Kelly was an upset and she lost by 6 votes total. The competition in the acting categories in the 1950s was brutal. But still, Garland should’ve won for A Star Is Born. Also, Warner Bros. basically edited the film heavily which might not have been as good as the restored edition (which had to make do with stills and the recorded dialogue).
Trivia: Romantically linked with Artie Shaw and Orson Welles. Youngest recipient of the Cecille B. DeMille Award. James Mason performed the eulogy for her funeral.

10. Lauren Bacall

Personal Life: (1924-2014) Born Betty Joan Perske in the Bronx in New York City to Jewish parents. Father was a salesman and mother was a secretary. At 5, her parents divorced while her mother reverted back to the Romanian form of her last name Bacall (a name she’d later take since she never saw her father again and was very close to her mom who remarried a man named Goldberg). In 1941, she studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts while working at the St. James Theatre as an usher as well as a fashion model. Made her Broadway debut the next year at 17. Was recruited into films by Howard Hawks’ wife at the time, Nancy. Married twice husbands being Humphrey Bogart and Jason Robards Jr. and had 3 children. Died in her Dakota apartment from a massive stroke at 89.
Famous for: American actress known for her distinctive voice and sultry looks. Best known for appearing in film noir and romantic comedies and dramas. Made 4 movies with husband Humphrey Bogart. Notable roles are Marie “Slim” Browning from To Have and Have Not, Vivian Sternwood Rutledge from The Big Sleep, Irene Jansen from Dark Passage, Nora Temple from Key Largo, Amy North from Young Man with a Horn, Sonia Kovac from Bright Leaf, Schatze Page from How to Marry a Millionaire, Lucy Moore Hadley from Written on the Wind, Marilla Brown Hagen from Designing Woman, Sylvia Broderick from Sex and the Single Girl, Mrs. Harriet Belinda Hubbard from Murder on the Orient Express, Bond Rogers from The Shootist, Lady Westholme from Appointment with Death, Marcia Sindell from Misery, Hannah Morgan from The Mirror Has Two Faces, Witch of the Waste from Howl’s Moving Castle, and Annemarie Sterling from The Forger.
Nominated for: Bacall was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 1997 for The Mirror Has Two Faces.
Most Crushing Loss: Not being nominated for Best Actress in 1946 for The Big Sleep. Luckily she earned an honorary Oscar in 2009. Of course, the fact most people just know her for marrying Humphrey Bogart is even more crushing.
Reasons: Face it, no matter how talented and successful she was in her own right, she was always remembered as Humphrey Bogart’s wife, even after she married Jason Robards Jr. and had a kid to him. Also, more or less seen as a sex symbol with her distinctive voice and sultry looks, especially the definitive Hawksian woman of 1940s films. Also had a tendency to turn down scripts she didn’t find interesting and had a reputation for being difficult.
Trivia: Had a daughter named after Leslie Howard (at Bogart’s insistence no doubt). Son Stephen was named after the nickname she gave Bogart’s character in To Have and Have Not, where she met him. Was a staunch opponent of McCarthyism and was on the Committee for the First Amendment though she and Bogart distanced themselves from The Hollywood Ten. Was a classmate with Kirk Douglas at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Crowned Miss Greenwich Village in 1942. Modeled for a cover in Harper’s Bazaar. According to Howard Hawks, she had a naturally high pitched nasal voice but was trained to make it lower. Was spokeswoman for High Point (coffee) and Fancy Feast cat food.