alan ladd wife
[101] That did not go to series; neither did The Third Platoon, another pilot Ladd produced for Paramount, written by a young Aaron Spelling where Ladd only did a voiceover. Having cultivated a thick skin, Ladd dove straight into the heart of the entertainment industryat his own peril. Ladd opened up about her . Mitchum later told a journalist that the producers met Ladd at his home after "he'd just crawled out of his swimming pool and was all shrunken up like a dishwasher's hand. Among all the bad decisions the actor would go on to make in his life, this one might be the worst. Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark historyor the chilling secret shared by her and Louis. He was the son of actor Alan Ladd and his first wife, Marjorie Jane (ne Harrold), whom he had met when they were both in high school. [13][21], "Alan Ladd Jr. dies; Oscar-winning producer and studio boss greenlighted 'Star Wars', "Alan Ladd Jr., 'Star Wars' Savior and Oscar Winner for 'Braveheart,' Dies at 84", "Alan Ladd Jr., Hitmaking Film Executive, Dies at 84", "Oscar-winning producer Alan Ladd Jr. dies at 84", "Alan Ladd Jr. His mother moved to Oklahoma City, where she married Jim Beavers, a house painter (d. He was 84. [108], On November 2, 1962, Ladd was found lying unconscious in a pool of blood with a bullet wound near his heart. The role of Gatsby was a significant move away from the tough cool guys Ladd was used to playing. Fortunately, this was one accident in Ladds life that actually had positive consequences. She purchased some arsenic-based ant paste from a grocer and died by suicide by drinking it in the back seat of Ladd's car. [112], Ladd has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1601 Vine Street. [2] They had one child, Chelsea,[5] who predeceased him in March 2021. In a first-person article published by . He had asked Paramount for higher pay and their response was absolutely ruthless. But this wasnt an isolated incident. [120] Carol had a daughter from a previous marriage, Carol Lee (b. July 18, 1932), whom Alan and Sue raised. Ladd had worked to develop a rich, deep voice ideal for that medium, and in 1936 he was signed by station KFWB as its sole radio actor. Sue Carol. Allyson loved her husband, Dick Powell, too much. Turns out, these high school sweethearts just couldnt go the distance. His mother married a house painter who moved them to California--a la "The Grapes of Wrath"--when he was eight. [80] His first film for Warner Bros. was The Iron Mistress (1952), in which Ladd played Jim Bowie. His self-confidence took a major hitand the consequences were downright heartbreaking. Ladd parted company with Paramount due to financial disputes and he formed a new production company, Jaguar Productions, in 1953. From then on, disasters hit Ladds family one after the other. He watched his father, who he shares a name with, collapse and succumb to a heart attack, leaving behind Ladd and his mother to fend for themselves. Shane, in which he played a strong, silent, courageous title character, was particularly popular. One Foot in Hell is directed by James B. Clark and written by Aaron Spelling and Sydney Boehm. Ladd then received an offer to star in Boy on a Dolphin (1957), a film being made in Greece for 20th Century Fox. Oscar-winning producer and influential motion picture executive Alan Ladd Jr., who ushered in the "Star Wars" era of motion pictures, died Wednesday. NEW YORK Alan Ladd Jr., the Oscar-winning producer and studio boss who as a 20th Century Fox executive greenlit Star Wars, has died. He sold cash registers and borrowed $150 to open his own hamburger and malt shop, across from his previous high school, which he called Tiny's Patio (his nickname at high school was Tiny), but he was unable to make a success of the shop. His family decided to move to California in the early 1920s in search of a better life. But while filming a particular film in 1942, The Glass Key, one fight scene got a little too real. Describing working with him, Young said I think he was very conscious of his looks. The wife of film producer Alan Ladd Jr., Cindra Ladd, has joined the long list of women accusing Bill Cosby of drugging and sexually . I also insisted that he get himself a decent set of dentures. With Alan Ladd, Carolyn Jones, Diane Brewster, John Lupton. In the movie, Smith becomes popular for portraying cowboys in westerns. From 1949-1951, he appeared in a nine-issue series of comic books published by DC Comics, portraying Ladd in a variety of adventurous situations; the first six issues had photos of him on the covers.[65]. Documentary Proves There's Life Beyond the Original 'Star Wars', "Alan Ladd Jr. Early life. [18][19] They had three children, Kelliann, Tracy and Amanda, but divorced in 1983. Since he had become a star, Ladd continued to appear in radio, usually in dramatizations of feature films for such shows as Lux Radio Theatre and Screen Directors Playhouse. Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, Icy Facts About Veronica Lake, The Peek-A-Boo Girl, Couldnt Pay Me To Go Back: Absolutely Wild Stories Of High School Drama, Truth Hurts: Binge-Worthy Stories About The Biggest Liars Of All Time, Stay Out Of The Woods: Campers And Hikers Share Their Creepiest Experiences, Over My Dead Body: These Outrageous Funerals Prove Drama Never Dies, Lawyers Reveal Their Most Jaw-Dropping Court Cases. His mother had no choice but to take her son and move away, setting off on a journey that would leave Ladd with startling repercussions. In fact, his New York Times obituary read, That the old fashioned motion picture gangster with his ugly face, gaudy cars and flashy clothes was replaced by a smoother, better looking and better dressed bad man was largely the work of Mr. Ladd. The 1940s were truly Ladds peak as an actor, that is, until WWII came knocking. She claims that in 1969, when she was working as a film producer in New York, she and Cosby began "hanging out." Even more? A retired silent film actress turned talent agent, Carol was already equipped with plenty of experience and connections when she met Ladd. He optioned the novel Shadow Riders of the Yellowstone by Les Savage. Interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, CA, in the Freedom Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Heritage. The movie Shane featured a scene where Ladd demonstrates his shooting skills. The family had complained that the baby had been taken for adoption in November 1932 by a woman who said she was acting on behalf of Carol. [75] (In the end, Ladd did not make another film at Paramount until The Carpetbaggers. Above all, Ladd had exceptional chemistry with the alluring blonde bombshell, Veronica Lake. Back in Hollywood, he made 13 West Street, as a star and producer, for Ladd Enterprises. [71], In May 1951, Ladd announced he had formed Ladd Enterprises, his own production company, to produce films, radio, and TV, when his Paramount contract ended in November 1952. For a number of years, film exhibitors voted him amongst the top stars at the box office. According to Shipman, Ladd's "performance is his best work, sincere and likable (due perhaps to an odd resemblance in long shot to Buster Keaton), but the film did not have the success it deserved; Ladd's own fans missed the bang-bang and [co star] Olivia de Havilland's fans were not persuaded that any film she did with Ladd could be that good. Another big hit he missed out on was The Sons of Katie Elder. Things started looking up for Ladd during high schoolfor a short while, at least. In 1945, Ladd had an argument with his studio that led to a three-month-long suspension. But guess who wasnt so picky? His black-lashed eyes, however, gave nothing away; it was 'take me as I am' or 'I'm the boss around here'. [111] This was accepted by the police investigating. After his divorce went through, Ladd met someone who would become instrumental to his success. Film crews had to build ramp systems, dig holes, and prepare mounds to adjust the disparity in height between Ladd and his co-stars. During his tenure, MGM/UA produced Moonstruck (1987), A Fish Called Wanda (1988), and Thelma & Louise (1991). Ladd was meant to make California with Betty Hutton, but he refused to report for work in August 1945. And when it came to his involvement in bloody disasters, this wouldnt be the last. [1][2] He was the only child of Alan Ladd and Marjorie Jane (ne Harrold),[3][4] who divorced when he was two years old. [6] The latter film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1995, with Ladd receiving the award as one of the film's three producers. They decided he wouldn't do for the big war correspondent."[100]. The last of her four marriages was to one of her clients, Alan Ladd, from 1942 until his death in 1964. The officers on sight accepted his story, but many suspected that the actor made it all up. Her films were made in association with producer Cecil B. DeMille and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Actor David Ladd, who co-starred with his father as a child in The Proud Rebel, was married (19731980) to Charlie's Angels star Cheryl Ladd (ne Stoppelmoor). Ladd won an Academy Award for Best Picture in 1996 for producing Braveheart. [89] However, despite Ladd's presence, a series did not result. It was made for Ladd's own production company, Jaguar. The couple couldnt afford to live together in the first year of their marriage, and by 1937, they started sharing a friends apartment. Ladds hard work on his voice kick-started his acting career. Ladd is a celebrity ambassador for the child abuse prevention and treatment non-profit Childhelp. It was almost impossible to interact with him outside of filming. They lived in a migrant camp in Pasadena, California, at first and then moved to the San Fernando Valley, where Beavers went to work at FBO Studios as a painter. Joyce Harwood, the estranged wife of the club's proprietor, lends Johnny a hand and the . But Beavers also ended up meeting his end too soon, leaving Raleigh devastated and alone once again. In 1961, an interviewer asked him a question: What would you change about yourself if you could? Ladd replied: Everything. He had a fragile ego that wasnt easily inflated no matter how much he accomplished. 1981. He made Desert Legion, a film at Universal Studios (1953), playing a member of the French Foreign Legion. At age five, he burned his apartment playing with matches, and his mother moved them to Oklahoma City. Cindra Ladd, a former film industry exec and wife of producer Alan Ladd Jr., is the latest woman to accuse Bill Cosby of raping and drugging her years ago.. Not only did he have to close his eyes to be able to do the demonstration, but it also took him 116 takes! [4][5] In 1933, Sue Carol was cleared in a case involving the disappearance of a baby from a Brooklyn, New York, family. So, how much is Alan Ladd worth at the age of 51 years old? For the future actor, this event marked the first tragedy in a life full of struggle and uncertainty. Most notably, he had a small uncredited part in Citizen Kane, playing a newspaper reporter toward the end of the film. [45][56][57] Exhibitors voted him the 15th-most popular star in the country. He was meant to return to Paramount to make The Sons of Katie Elder, but he bought himself out of his Paramount contract for $135,000;[90][91] the film was made a decade later, with John Wayne and Dean Martin, and was a big hit. [31], Ladd's next film was meant to be Incendiary Blonde, opposite Betty Hutton, but he was inducted into the army on January 18, after reprising his performance in This Gun for Hire on radio for Lux Radio Theatre. Thanks for your time! And then in 1955, he made the most intimate connection of all. To avoid angering his British viewers, Ladd told the media his character was Canadian, not American. "With the heaviest of hearts . A lethal interaction of the sleeping pills he was taking for his insomnia mixed with booze. Actor: Shane. The always aloof Alan Ladd, a former laborer, preferred the friendship of film crews rather than other actors or studio execs.Yet he was able to form lasting friendships with a few of his co-stars, especially William Bendix who accidentally cold-cocked Ladd during a particularly vicious fight scene in this film. He opened a hamburger stand called Tiny's Patio, and later worked as a grip at Warner Brothers Pictures. In February 1950, Paramount announced that Ladd would star in a film version of the novel Shane. Ladd also kept acting, following the path of many Hollywood stars made Duel of Champions (1961), a peplum in Italy. As expected, the film did not perform well at the box office and received mixed reviews. His acting teacher said he was too quiet and that his voice was too high. He was often paired with Veronica Lake in films noir, such as This Gun for Hire (1942), The Glass Key (1942), and The Blue Dahlia (1946). [11] He worked in the advertising department of the San Fernando Sun Valley Record, becoming the newspaper's advertising manager. Soon after losing his father, like a scene straight out of a childrens PSA, Ladd burned down their apartment building while playing with matches. Fans were allowed to see his coffin. Alan Walbridge Ladd was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the only child of Ina Raleigh (aka Selina Rowley) and Alan Harwood Ladd, a freelance accountant. He wouldn't look at me. Loretta Young, who starred in a 1943 film with Ladd, talked about the serious aura that always surrounded him, and how she never saw him laugh. "It wasn't on account of the picture", said Ladd. Father of Alan Ladd Jr. with first wife, Marjorie 'Midge' Harrold. Of course, the role went to another heavy-hitter, John Wayne. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Raymond Chandler's BLUE DAHLIA VHS 1946 B&W Veronica Lake Alan Ladd Film Noir CC at the best online prices at eBay! All the big decisions in the film are made by the British. The desperation was palpable, and even then, his success was short-lived. A few years later, she even married him. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery. Please submit feedback to contribute@factinate.com. Ladds early childhood was full of migration from one place to the other, and the conditions were absolutely grueling. [28] According to critic David Shipman: Paramount of course was delighted. But that wasnt all. Their "overwhelming first choice" as film star was Alan Ladd. Putting the romantic awkwardness aside, Ladd tried to focus on what he liked bestaction scenes. While he had not taken a lethal amount of any one drug, the combination apparently caused fatal interaction. The couple relocated to the North Hollywood locality of California. Nonetheless, even with the odds stacked against him, Ladd found a way to stick to the acting world like glue. He was too rigid, too serious, and so overwhelmingly cynicalthat even his co-stars struggled to get along with him. "[98] He announced a six-picture deal with Warwick Productions[99] but ultimately did not work for Warwick again. Ladd tested unsuccessfully for the lead in Golden Boy (1939) but obtained many other small roles in films such as the serial The Green Hornet (1940), Her First Romance (1940), The Black Cat (1941), and the Disney film The Reluctant Dragon (1941). He then convinced Ladd that he should play the title role in an adaptation of The Great Gatsby, to which Paramount held the film rights; Ladd became enthusiastic at the chance to change his image, but the project was delayed by a combination of censorship wrangles and studio reluctance.[61]. [58], "When a star's off the screen, he's 'dead'", Ladd later reflected. Her interests include learning different languages, trying adventurous food recipes, watching anime and dramas, and belting songs in foreign languages that she (oftentimes) doesnt understand. This page was last edited on 20 April 2023, at 06:30. Disappointments were piling up and Ladds mental health was in dire jeopardy, yet he still managed to find some success overseas.`. While many of his co-stars had a hard time befriending Ladd, there were some rare cases of surprising friendships. Among Ladd's clients were Robert Redford and Judy Garland. Ladd was extremely touched by his sincerity, and an unlikely friendship formed. His siblings are Alana Ladd Jackson and Carol Lee Ladd; his paternal half-brother is Alan Ladd Jr. He picked fruit, delivered papers, and swept stores. [1] There, he established a film venture with Jay Kanter and Jerry Gershwin. While Carol was in Hollywood on vacation, a director offered her a screen test that resulted in a contract with Fox. They said his voice was too high? His new status was reflected by the fact he was the only actor billed above the title. [2] Ladd and Pincock separated in March 2015[20] and later divorced. He was part of the United States Army Air Forces First Motion Picture Unit. Back home from his British adventure, Ladds demons crept up on him. Thanks for your help! His father, who worked as a freelance accountant, died when Ladd was hardly four years old. Ladd made a name for himself in the industry by playing morally grey characters. Ladd was so taken aback by the sincerity of Bendix's apologies that they formed an . [45], In March 1944, Ladd took another physical and was reclassified 1A. He was almost always injured or suffering from some kind of disease. [104] He joined the board of 38 Inc., a new film producing company, which announced plans to make a movie out of a Ben Hecht script. Ladd's calm slender ferocity make it clear that he was the first American actor to show the killer as a cold angel. In August 1933 Ladd was one of a group of young "discoveries" signed to a long-term contract with Universal Pictures. In the end, it was Ladd himself who discovered his mothers body in the backseat of his car. His father died of a heart attack when Ladd was four. Alan Ladd (born Alan Walbridge Ladd, September 3, 1913 - January 29, 1964) was an American actor. When Ladd returned to Hollywood in 1954, he formed Jaguar Productions, a new production company that released movies through Warner Bros. If the name Cindra Ladd sounds. But as Ladd soon learned, working in ones comfort zone wasnt necessarily risk free. Ladds co-star, William Bendix, had planned to fake punch him but he accidentally made contact, leaving Ladd unconscious. He replied tersely: "Everything". Ladd made a cameo appearance as a detective in the Bob Hope comedy, My Favorite Brunette (1947), and he made another cameo in an all-star Paramount film, titled, Variety Girl, singing Frank Loesser's "Tallahassee" with Dorothy Lamour. Ladd earned a reported $88,909 for the 12 months up to June 1946. 6: Son of Alan Ladd and Sue Carol. It was also made clear that Ladd struggled with complex emotional roles. In a 1961 interview, Ladd was asked, "What would you change about yourself if you could?" His next films were standard fare: Chicago Deadline, playing a tough reporter; Captain Carey, U.S.A., as a vengeful ex-OSS agent, for Maibaum; and Appointment with Danger, as a postal inspector investigating a murder with the help of nun Phyllis Calvert (shot in 1949, but not released until 1951). But on the other hand, he didnt take good care of himself. He served as president of 20th Century Fox from 1976 to 1979, during which he approved the production of Star Wars. Along with several other film stars likewise spared, Ladd promptly enlisted with the Hollywood Victory Committee for the entertainment industry's overseas arm, volunteering to tour for USO shows.[53]. [6], Ladd enrolled in North Hollywood High School on February 18, 1930. "[23] There had also been talk Ladd would appear in Red Harvest, another story by Hammett,[24] but this was never produced. A man who, for all intents and purposes, wasnt born to be a star. It wasnt long, however, before Ladd met someone new. Carol was born Evelyn Jean Lederer in Chicago, Illinois, to Samuel and Caroline Lederer, Jewish emigrants from Austria and Germany, respectively. He explained, The story is of a Canadian [i.e. I don't remember hearing him laugh, or ever seeing him laugh. Incensed by the circumstances which led to the . Rackin wrote and produced Ladd's subsequent film, titled Santiago, which he made for Warner Bros. For Jaguar, Ladd produced, but did not appear in, A Cry in the Night. "Acting Ability Important, Even for Hollywood Stars", "City of nets: a portrait of Hollywood in the 1940s", Palm Springs Walk of Stars by date dedicated, "Rugged Screen Career of Alan Ladd Ended by Death", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alan_Ladd&oldid=1150798044. One of the WAMPAS Baby Stars, she performed in motion pictures from 1927 until 1937. Brian Russellm. The results? Although both parties enjoyed their time together, they werent exactly on the same page. Ladd found success in film in the 1940s and early 1950s, particularly in films noir and Westerns. He never flirted nor even seemed interested (which is one of the reasons he and Lake were so effective together). 3: Younger brother of Alana Ladd. He trained his voice into becoming rich and deep and found much success in the medium. Ladd's path to stardom was anything but smooth sailing. His mother was English, from County Durham. alan ladd cause of death. Ladd gave her the money, thinking it was for alcohol. He later established The Ladd Company and headed MGM/UA. He was 5 ft 6 in, which was considered too short for an actor. A struggling artist in a small town becomes the prime suspect when his wife mysteriously disappears. All Rights Reserved. [106] This was a co-production between Embassy and Paramount, meaning Ladd was filming on the Paramount back lot for the first time in over a decade. They met while studying at the University of Southern California together. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. On November 29, 1937, Raleigh asked Ladd to lend her some money to buy something from the store. [36] Old Ladd films were reissued with his being given more prominent billing, such as Hitler, Beast of Berlin. Alan Ladd Net Worth, Age, Height, Weight, Wife, Wiki, Family 2023. His wife is Sue Carol (m. 1942-1964), Marjorie Jane Harrold (m. 1936-1941) Alan Ladd Net Worth His net worth has been growing significantly in 2022-2023. Sue Carol (born Evelyn Jean Lederer, October 30, 1906 February 4, 1982) was an American actress and talent agent. Carol's film career lasted from the late 1920s into the 1930s; when it ended, she became a talent agent. He suffered from insomnia and relied heavily on drugs and booze to help him sleep. [134], He was buried in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California. His mother was English, from County Durham. [124], Reports of Ladd's height vary from 5ft 5in (165cm) to 5ft 9in (175cm), with 5ft 6in (168cm) being cited most often in unofficial sources. In 1995, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars was dedicated to him. Ladds low self-esteem was common knowledge because it affected the way he acted. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. [49] He also found time to make a cameo in a big-screen version of Duffy's Tavern. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. Among the suspects are the ruthless nightclub owner and a vicious gangster. Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. [13][14] Other productions included Outland (1981),[15] Night Shift, Blade Runner (both 1982), The Right Stuff (1983),[1] Police Academy (1984), and Gone Baby Gone (2007). [citation needed], Among the movies in which she appeared are Fox Movietone Follies of 1929 and Girls Gone Wild (both 1929). Ladds career was put on pause when he was drafted for army service in 1943. [117] They divorced in July 1941[118] and she died in 1957, having remarried. Born on October 30, 1903; was Ladd's agent before she became his second wife; married from March 15, 1942 to his death. By the time he was fit again for service, the draft had already ended. [3], As a young woman, Carol married Allen H. Keefer, a buyer for a Chicago stock yard firm, divorcing in early 1929. [102] Spelling also wrote Guns of the Timberland for Jaguar and Warners, in which Ladd appeared; it was his last movie for Warners. [126] In his memoirs, actor/producer John Houseman wrote of Ladd: "Since he himself was extremely short, he had only one standard by which he judged his fellow players: their height. Ladds path to stardom was anything but smooth sailing. Though the romantic lead went to established star Robert Preston, Ladd's teaming in support with female lead Veronica Lake captured the public's imagination. This accident immediately brought back the traumatic memories of his swimming debacle, and as such, he quit the gig immediately. For a guy who always played tough guys with guns, Ladd was pretty uncomfortable around firearms. Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? One night Ladd was playing the roles of a father and son on radio when he was heard by the agent Sue Carol. He was the only child of Ina Raleigh (also known as Selina Rowley) (18881937), and Alan Ladd (18741917), a freelance accountant. "[70] The main studio Ladd was in discussion with was Warner Bros. Actress Alana Ladd, who co-starred with her father in Guns of the Timberland and Duel of Champions, was married to the veteran talk radio broadcaster Michael Jackson. A woman named Sue Carol heard Ladd on the radio, playing the roles of a father and son. Alan Ladd's income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. . [84] This meant Ladd spent 19 months out of the U.S. and did not have to pay tax on his income for this period. The two had an affair on set, and before he knew it, Ladd had fallen deeply in love. Ladd appeared unbilled in Once in a Lifetime (1932), but the studio eventually decided Ladd was too blond and too short, and it dropped him after six months. Ladd was born on September 3, 1913 to Ina Raleigh and Alan Ladd, in the Arkansas region of the United States. 1936). He died of an accidental combination of alcohol, a barbiturate, and two tranquilizers in January 1964. In 1948 a survey was taken of the film-going habits of 4,500 teenagers in Lakewood, Ohio. An honorable discharge allowed Ladd to resume his acting career quickly, although the circumstances of it werent so pleasant for him. During the first shoot, he hurt his hand really badly, and over the course of the second film, he had a terrible infection. Father, with Dey Young, of Shane Ladd. [83] Ladd played a mountie in Saskatchewan for Universal in Canada and returned to Britain for his final film with Warwick, The Black Knight (1954), a medieval swashbuckler (a genre then in vogue), wherein Ladd played the title role. He produced a pilot for a TV series, starring William Bendix, called Ivy League. [69], In 1951, Ladd's contract had only one more year to run. [1], Ladd came to Fox President Gordon Stulberg to request consideration for making George Lucas's Star Wars. A man who, for all intents and purposes, wasn't born to be a star. He signed to appear in some episodes of General Electric Theater on TV. Raleigh used the money she borrowed from her son to buy ant poison. In high school he discovered track and swimming. Dies: Oscar-Winning 'Braveheart' Producer, 'Star Wars' Shepherd & Former Exec At Fox, MGM/UA Was 84", "Le producteur Alan Ladd Jr., pre de la saga Star Wars, est dcd 84 ans", "Alan Ladd Jr. [54][55] The two parties reconciled in November with Ladd's getting a salary increase to $75,000 per film, but without story approval or the right to do outside films, which he had wanted.