Charming character actor of American cinema - Dean Jagger. He managed to conquer millions of viewers, remaining in demand and popular throughout his life.
Ira Dean Jagger is an Oscar-winning American film actor. A smiling, friendly person who has managed to play a huge number of roles during his creative path, mostly in the background. His talent to convince the viewer, even with a gesture or a look, helped to leave an unforgettable mark on the cinema. This is a versatile man who is passionate about his profession, a high-quality food on the screen. He devoted all of himself to serving culture, theater, church. On his way, there were great people who influenced his fate, who contributed to the formation of his personality.
Biography
Dean was born in the small town of Calumbus Grove, Ohio on November 7, 1903. He was educated at a local high school, but he was expelled twice for his behavior. He liked to freely and playfully express emotions, to parody, which did not like his teachers and the headmaster. When he managed to graduate from high school and enter a private college, he became an elementary school teacher, formally receiving the education of a teacher. In parallel with pedagogy, he performed in school plays, radio shows, became interested in acting and in 1928 he went to the theater school.
The tall, charming handsome man dreamed of a brilliant career, but he was embarrassed by a small speech defect, lisp. However, as soon as he was in front of the camera lens, he heard the firecracker and the words "motor", as there was no trace of this problem.
Career
The first steps on the creative path began with the debut production of a silent film. It was The Woman from Hell (1929) starring Mary Astor. Then there were several more films that managed to draw the attention of directors to Jagger's play, allowing him to become successful and in demand. Having starred in 1930 in the musical comedy "Wow!", Dean temporarily interrupted filming and retired from the profession.
He decided to try himself as a theater performer on the Broadway stage, in 1933 he first appeared with colleagues in the drama "Tobacco Road". But in 1934 he returned to the cinema full of energy and new ideas. For the next four years, Dean worked like a man possessed, managing to star in six films in a year. At the same time, he did not grab onto everything, he played beautifully, with inspiration, without stopping to perform on Broadway. Over the course of his long life, he has performed more than 15 theatrical performances.
Most striking in 1940 was the role of Brigham Young, an American religious leader, Mormon and second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. According to George Piper, a personal consultant who knew Young, Ira does not simply look like the protagonist of the novel of the same name, but even facial expressions and gestures betray in him a true Mormon of that era. Later, the famous Dean began to scrupulously study this teaching, collect materials, write essays, and in 1972 joined the ranks of the Mormons.
Then there were five more enchanting roles in the films: "Western Union", "When Strangers Get Married", "Sister Kenny", "Bounty Hunters", "Bright Christmas", "Twelve O'clock Up", "Game of Death". Their successful hire brought him closer to filming the 1950 military drama Vertical Takeoff, which earned him an Oscar for his role as Major Harvey Stovall. Also, he starred in a number of light westerns, melodramas, where his heroes were retired generals, soldiers and a helpless sheriff.
In addition, while continuing to act in films, he appeared on television, radio, and wrote essays. The most famous, recognizable programs: "Studio 57", "F. B. I.", "The Fugitive", "Nickname Smith and Jones". He worked on the TV series "Mr. Novak", which twice allowed him to appear in the Emmy nomination. He was the host of the television show This Is Life, for which he was subsequently awarded the Honorary Award for Excellence in American Daytime Television.
He played the last role of Dr. Schaeffer in the horror film "City of Evil" (1987) shortly before his death.
Personal life
Ira Dean Jagger has lived a long and happy life. He grew up in a big, happy family with his brothers and sisters. Parents have always supported their children, encouraged their choice.
He was married three times, sincerely loved and was loved, raised a wonderful daughter from his second marriage. The first wife was a young actress Antoinette Lawrence, with whom he lived for 8 happy years (1935-1943), but there were no joint children. The second wife Gloria Ling managed to give him a charming child. Etta's third wife May Norto survived Dean by only a year, having lived with him for 23 years. She devoted her whole life to her husband, dancing, was a choreographer in the theater environment.
For Distinguished Service, his contribution to the cinema was awarded an honorary title and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He has two top awards in his arsenal - Oscar 1950 for Best Supporting Actor in Vertical Takeoff and the 1980 Emmy Day Award for outstanding achievement in conducting religious shows. All his personal belongings and recordings were transferred to Brigham Young University.
The actor died of a heart attack in Santa Monica, California at the age of 87, and is buried in Lakewood Memorial Park. He was a bright person, remembered for the characteristic roles, albeit of the second plan, but played by him in one breath.
