George Matthews is an American film actor whose film career began with a cameo appearance in The Stepped Door Dining Room in 1943 to Homecoming in 1971.
Biography and personal life
George Matthews was born and raised in Manhattan, New York. Educated in Brooklyn.
The actor's appearance was distinguished by high growth and a huge physique, a wide face, strong eyebrows and a protruding lower lip. Viewers perceived him as a heavyweight fighter or a seasoned military man, so his acting role was to play comic hooligans, strong guards and police officers.
George Matthews' personality was the complete opposite of the villains he often portrayed on screen and on stage. He was an intelligent and friendly person, very fond of chess. Carried away by the game of chess, Matthews achieved great skill and often participated in international tournaments in this sport.
George Matthews' wife is theater actress Mary, née Hainsworth. They got married in 1951 and lived happily together their entire lives.
In 1972, the famous actor ended his career and retired. In November 1984, Matthews died of heart disease in Caesar Head, South Carolina.
Career in theater
On the stage of theater and cinema, George Matthews got almost by accident. In the early 1930s, right after he could not get a job at the US Post. The would-be actor then joined the WPA (Works Progress Administration) theater program of a government agency that helped unemployed American citizens get jobs during the Great American Depression.
Once on the Broadway stage, Matthews progressed rapidly and landed his first leading role in The Professional (1937) as Dynamite Jim.
On the screen of cinematography, Matthews is somewhat later. His first memorable role was as Sergeant Ruby in the Broadway production of St. Mark's Eve (1943). And the next year he played the same character in the film of the same name, which became his debut on the screen of cinema.
Continuing to perform on stage, he played well in classical plays. In the play Antigone, starring Cedric Hardwick, he played a security guard. Played Harry Mitch in The Personal Desire of a Tram (1949-1950). With the last production he toured extensively with Uta Hagen and Anthony Quinn. Subsequently, his role was even noted by critic Brooks Atkinson in the New York Times.
In 1950, Matthews joined the Tyrone Power troupe and played the captain in the London production of Mr. Roberts at the Colosseum Theater. This production has invariably caused sold out from the audience and was highly praised by critics.
Film career
He made his debut in the 1944 film St Mark's Eve. As a comic thug, he first appeared in Pat and Mike (1952) starring Katharine Hepburn.
Matthews got his first major role in a motion picture in 1955 in the dramatic film The Man with the Golden Hand, where he portrayed the player Williams. The next major role was in the colorful western film "The Last Van" in 1956, where George played the sadistic sheriff Bull Harper.
The role of Fatso O'Rear in Garson Canin's musical comedy Do Re Mi (1960-1962) starring Phil Silvers made Matthews a famous actor.
In 1962, he appeared as Stryker in the sixth episode of the sixth season of "You've Got a Gun, Let's Travel!" George Matthews' comedic talent was evident in the 1963 short series Glynees, in which he played the recurring role of former police officer Chick Rogers, who assists the enigmatic writer and amateur detective (played by Glynis Jones) in solving detective puzzles.
In 1965, George appeared on the Broadway stage in the play Catch Me If You Can. But his most memorable role in the theater was Harvey's role in “Newlyweds. He also played the role of bar owner John Shansey, who helped the protagonist Doc Holiday hang himself in Shootout at OK Corral.
Selected filmography
1943 - the film "Staircase Dining Room", the role of naval sergeant Ray Bolger (uncredited). It was a World War II American film with alternating dramatic scenes and musical numbers. Produced by Saul Lesser, directed by Frank Borzaghe. The film contains many famous cameos, and the plot tells about one of the performances at a famous New York restaurant and nightclub for American and Allied military personnel. The original song for the film "We Shouldn't Say Goodbye" was nominated for an Academy Award.
1944 - the film "St. Mark's Eve", the role of Sergeant Ruby. The film is based on the 1942 play of the same name by 20th Century Fox. The film features all of the same actors who played roles in the original production.
1944 - the film "In Hands", the role of Blackie. It is a musical film directed by Eliot Nugent, starring Danny Kay and Dinah Shore. Was nominated for two Academy Awards.
1944 - the film Wing and Prayer, the role of Dooley. A black and white war film about the heroic crew of an American aircraft carrier in the early days of World War II in the Pacific. Despite the resemblance to a classic propaganda film, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for its very realistic portrayal.
1952 - the film "Pat and Mike", the role of the specialist Cowley. American romantic comedy film starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn.
1955 - the film "The Man with the Golden Hand", the role of the player Williams. American drama film with noir elements. The plot tells the story of a drug addict who recovers in prison, and then tries with all his might to stay the same at large. Although the release of the film was in big doubt due to the then prohibition of the subject of drug addiction, the picture was nominated for three Oscars: Best Production Design (Best Art Set), Best Music and Best Screenplay.
1956 - the film "The Last Car", the role of Sheriff Bull Harper. The plot tells a story that took place during the American Indian Wars: survivors of the massacre with the Indians must rely on a man who is wanted for several murders, but who must take them out of danger.
1960 - the film "Heller in Pink Tights", the role of Sam Pierce. Western starring Sophia Lauren and Anthony Quinn. The painting is widely known for its luxurious costumes and impressive shots. Despite its lack of commercial success, the film is considered one of the most visually lavish in the history of the film industry. Director George Kukor, dissatisfied with most Westerns of the time, hired renowned fashion photographers, illustrators, art and design specialists to create a masterpiece in the world of Westerns.
1971 - the film "Going Home", the role of Mala, the last role of George Matthews. 1972 Golden Globe nominated dramatic film directed by Herbert Leonard.
