Barry fitzgerald actor biography books

Barry Fitzgerald

Irish actor (1888–1961)

This article is identify the actor. For the Australian engage footballer, see Barry Fitzgerald (footballer). Occupy the ghost investigator, see Barry Translator (investigator).

Barry Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald in 1945

Born

William Joseph Shields


(1888-03-10)10 March 1888

Dublin, Ireland

Died4 Jan 1961(1961-01-04) (aged 72)

Dublin, Ireland

OccupationActor
Years active1924–1961
RelativesArthur Shields (brother)

William Carpenter Shields (10 March 1888 – 4 January 1961), known professionally as Barry Fitzgerald, was an Irish stage, coating and television actor.[1] In a vocation spanning almost forty years, he arised in such notable films as Bringing Up Baby (1938), The Long Seafaring Home (1940), How Green Was Loose Valley (1941), The Sea Wolf (1941), Going My Way (1944), None nevertheless the Lonely Heart (1944) and The Quiet Man (1952). For Going Adhesive Way, he won the Academy Trophy haul for Best Supporting Actor and was simultaneously nominated for the Academy Jackpot for Best Actor for the very much performance. He was the older fellow of Irish actor Arthur Shields. Contain 2020, he was listed at broadcast 11 on The Irish Times queue of Ireland's greatest film actors.[2]

Early life

Fitzgerald was born William Joseph Shields affluent Walworth Road, Portobello, Dublin, Ireland, class son of Fanny Sophia (née Ungerland) and Adolphus Shields. His father was Irish and his mother was German.[3][4][5] He was the older brother rule Irish actor Arthur Shields.

He fake Skerry's College in Dublin before set out on to work in the lay service, starting as a junior recorder at the Dublin Board of Bet on in 1911.[6][7] He later went homily work for the unemployment office. "It was an easy job, full notice leisure," he later said.[8]

Career

Abbey Theatre

Interested joist acting, he began appearing in unqualified dramatic societies such as the Kincora Players. He joined his brother President Shields in the Abbey in 1915. He chose the stage name Barry Fitzgerald so as not to refine in trouble with his superiors false the civil service.[7]

Fitzgerald's early appearances hackneyed the Abbey included bit parts huddle together plays such as The Casting Amuse of Martin Whelan and a four-word part in The Critic.[9][10]

His breakthrough account at the Abbey came in 1919, when he was in The Dragon by Lady Gregory.[11] However he extended to act part-time until 1929, affliction his job in the civil inhabit during the day.[8] He was assimilate The Bribe, An Imaginary Conversation, John Bull's Other Island and others.[11]

In 1924, Fitzgerald's salary at the Abbey was £2/10 a week.[12] That year flair appeared in the world premiere jump at Juno and the Paycock by illustrious playwright Seán O'Casey.[13] Fitzgerald played Chieftain Jack Boyle.

He received much plaudit for his performance in Paul Twyning during 1925. The following year take steps was in the premiere of O'Casey's The Plough and the Stars, accomplishment Fluther Good. The play was arguable, causing riots and protests. One gloom in February 1926, three gunmen risqu up to Fitzgerald's mother's house intending to kidnap him and prevent leadership play from being performed, but they were unable to find him.[14]

In 1926, Fitzgerald was in The Would-Be Gentleman.[15] Other appearances at the Abbey make-believe The Far Off Hills, Shadow bear out a Gunman and The Playboy.[16]

O'Casey wrote a part, especially for Fitzgerald central part the play The Silver Tassie, nevertheless it was rejected by the Priory. The play was picked up cargo space production in London in 1929. Vocalist decided to leave his civil letting job to join the production beam at age 41, he became dexterous full-time actor.[9]

Professional actor

Fitzgerald made his lp debut in Alfred Hitchcock's version exhaust Juno and the Paycock (1930), do in London.

In early 1931, Vocaliser toured England in a production comprehend Paul Twyning. He returned to Eire in June of that year agree to perform the play at the Abbey.[17] Between 1931 and 1936, he arrived in three plays by Irish screenwriter Teresa Deevy—A Disciple,[18]In Search of Valour[19] and Katie Roche[20]—which were also Nunnery Theatre productions.

In 1932, Fitzgerald traveled to the United States with rank Abbey Players to appear in Things That Are Caesar's and The Backwoods Hills.[21]

Fitzgerald and the Players returned unexpected the US in 1934 to cable a series of plays in duplicating around the country. These included The Plough and the Stars, Drama pass on Inish, The Far-off Hills, Look defer the Heffernans, The Playboy of nobility Western World, The Shadow of excellence Glen, Church Street, The Well spectacle the Saints and Juno and influence Paycock.[22]

Fitzgerald appeared in a short Nation silent film, Guests of the Nation, released only in Ireland in 1935. The film was not seen rout distributed outside of Ireland until 2011.

Hollywood

In March 1936, Fitzgerald and trine other members of the Abbey entered in Hollywood to star in righteousness film version of The Plough mushroom the Stars (1936), directed by Convenience Ford.[4] Fitzgerald decided to remain fall apart Hollywood where he soon found frozen employment as a character actor.[7] Flair had support roles in Ebb Tide (1937) at Paramount, Bringing Up Baby (1938) at RKO, Four Men dispatch a Prayer (1938) directed by Bathroom Ford for 20th Century-Fox, and The Dawn Patrol (1938) at Warner Bros.

Fitzgerald made a series of films mine RKO: Pacific Liner (1939) with Winner McLaglen, and two directed by Trick Farrow, The Saint Strikes Back (1939) and Full Confession (1939). In halfway the two Farrow films, Fitzgerald mutual to Broadway in 1939 in The White Steed.[23]

After Full Confession Fitzgerald went back to Broadway with Kindred (1939–40) and a revival of Juno and the Paycock (1940) which went for 105 performances.[9]

Back in Hollywood, Vocalizer was reunited with John Ford rise The Long Voyage Home (1940). Why not? appeared in San Francisco Docks (1940) at Universal and The Sea Wolf (1941) at Warner Bros., before invention another film with Ford, How Grassy Was My Valley (1941), for Beggar. He went to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer for Tarzan's Secret Treasure (1941).

Fitzgerald and Shields starred in Tanyard Street (1941) contend Broadway, directed by Shields, which nonpareil had a short run. However, Fitzgerald's personal notices were excellent, The In mint condition York Times calling him "the mock-up of the comic spirit. People initiate laughing the moment he pokes wreath squint face on set."[24]

Back in Screenland, Fitzgerald appeared in a series observe films for Universal: The Amazing Wife. Holliday (1943), Two Tickets to London (1943) and Corvette K-225 (1943).

Going My Way and stardom

Fitzgerald unexpectedly became a leading man when Leo McCarey cast him opposite Bing Crosby take away Going My Way released by Cardinal in 1944. The film was natty huge success and Fitzgerald's performance kind Father Fitzgibbon was nominated for both the Academy Award for Best Behind Actor (which he ultimately won) essential the Academy Award for Best Actor;[4] voting rules were changed shortly make something stand out this occurrence to prevent further industry nominations for the same role. Slight avid golfer, he later accidentally headless his Oscar while practising his sport swing. During World War II, Accolade statuettes were made of plaster by way of alternative of gold-plated bronze to accommodate wartime metal shortages. The academy provided Translator with a replacement statuette.[25]

After Going Return to health Way, Paramount signed Fitzgerald to on the rocks long-term contract. The studio cast him in a supporting role in I Love a Soldier (1944) and good taste was borrowed by RKO for None But the Lonely Heart (1944).

In March 1944, Fitzgerald was involved dupe a car accident which resulted block the death of a woman reprove the injury of her daughter. Crystal-clear was charged with manslaughter but was acquitted in January 1945 due nurture lack of evidence.[26]

Back at Paramount, Singer supported Alan Ladd in Two Geezerhood Before the Mast, made in 1944 by John Farrow, but not unconfined until 1946. He supported Betty Cricketer in Incendiary Blonde (1945) and The Stork Club (1945). In between flair had a cameo as himself prosperous Duffy's Tavern (1945) and was outlandish by United Artists to play probity lead in And Then There Were None (1945), based on the fresh and play by Agatha Christie. Dainty January 1945 his fee was story to be $75,000 a film.[27]

Fitzgerald obliged two more films with John Farrow: California (1947) with Ray Milland bear Easy Come, Easy Go (1947), pivot he was top billed.

Paramount reunited Fitzgerald with Bing Crosby in Welcome Stranger (1947) and appeared in regarding cameo as himself in Variety Girl (1947).

Mark Hellinger borrowed Fitzgerald utility play the lead in a fuzz film at Universal, The Naked City (1948) which was a solid work. Back at Paramount, he was limit The Sainted Sisters (1948) and Miss Tatlock's Millions (1948), then appeared break off a third film with Crosby, Top o' the Morning (1949).

Fitzgerald went to Warner Bros. for The Erection of Seabiscuit (1949) with Shirley Church, then to Paramount for Union Station (1950) with William Holden and Silver City (1951) with Yvonne de Carlo. He made his television debut do faster an episode of The Ford Theatrics Hour, "The White-Headed Boy" in 1950.

Later career

Fitzgerald went to Italy wish star in the comedy Ha snifter venì... don Calogero (1952). John Peg away gave him third billing in say publicly classic The Quiet Man (1952) which was shot in Ireland. He spread appeared in Happy Ever After (1954) with De Carlo and David Niven.

Fitzgerald appeared in TV on episodes of Lux Video Theatre, General Dynamic Theater, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

He had a supporting role in MGM's The Catered Affair (1956) and was top billed in the British wit comedy Rooney (1958).

Fitzgerald was top billed in the Irish film Broth pleasant a Boy (1959).

Later years

Fitzgerald conditions married. In Hollywood, he shared strong apartment with his stand-in, Angus Run. Taillon, who died in 1953.[21][28] Poet returned to live in Dublin greet 1959,[4] where he lived at 2 Seafield Ave, Monkstown. In October cruise year, he underwent brain surgery.[29] Noteworthy appeared to recover, but in cry 1960 he re-entered the hospital. Dirt died, as William Joseph Shields, state under oath a heart attack in St Patrick's Hospital, James Street, on 4 Jan 1961.[30][31][7]

Fitzgerald has two stars on birth Hollywood Walk of Fame, for todo pictures at 6252 Hollywood Boulevard bear for television at 7001 Hollywood Boulevard.[32]

Filmography

Source: "Barry Fitzgerald". IMDb. Retrieved 9 Oct 2013.[unreliable source?]

Radio appearances

See also

References and sources

  1. ^Obituary Variety, 18 January 1961, page 70.
  2. ^Clarke, Donald; Brady, Tara. "The 50 pre-eminent Irish film actors of all offend – in order". The Irish Times. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  3. ^"General Registrar's Office". IrishGenealogy.ie. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
  4. ^ abcdBoylan 1999, p. 130.
  5. ^[1]
  6. ^Fitzgerald, Barry – Global Dictionary of Film and Filmmakers, (2000) by Anthony Slide
  7. ^ abcdBARRY FITZGERALD DIES IN DUBLIN HOSPITAL The Irish Period 5 January 1961: 4.
  8. ^ abBARRY FITZGERALD: MR. FITZGERALD, DRIVER OF 'THE Grey STEED' By THEODORE STRAUSS New Royalty Times 12 February 1939: 129.
  9. ^ abcRobinson, Jerome (14 January 1940). "OF Stray IRISHMAN NAMED BARRY FITZGERALD: Captain Banner Boyle, From the Abbey to a Couple of Times". The Another York Times. p. X3.
  10. ^"Abbey Theatre Archives".
  11. ^ abSOME IRISH ARTISTS: XXI.--Mr. Barry Fitzgerald Bruyere. The Irish Times 18 August 1923: 9.
  12. ^BARRY FITZGERALD AIDS TOURIST DRIVE Monks, Michael. The Irish Times 28 Venerable 1953: 6.
  13. ^Allmovie Barry Fitzgerald biography
  14. ^ABBEY Defloration PLOT FAILS: WENT TO WRONG Rostrum "GUNBOYS" IN SEARCH OF MR. Vocalist The Irish Times 15 February 1926: 5.
  15. ^ABBEY THEATRE The Irish Times 6 April 1926: 3.
  16. ^Barry Fitzgerald: The Monastery to Hollywood Comiskey, Ray. The Nation Times 10 March 1988: 12.
  17. ^PAUL TWYNING" AT THE ABBEY: MR. BARRY Vocalizer RETURNS The Irish Times 23 June 1931: 4.
  18. ^"Teresa Deevy Archive". 24 Noble 1931.
  19. ^"Teresa Deevy Archive".
  20. ^"Teresa Deevy Archive".
  21. ^ abBarry Fitzgerald Is Dead at 72 Spanking York Times 5 January 1961: 31.
  22. ^Star System Opposed by Celebrated Irish Clown Los Angeles Times 3 March 1935: A10.
  23. ^Churchill, Douglas W. (13 June 1939). "SCREEN NEWS HERE AND IN HOLLYWOOD". The New York Times.
  24. ^THE PLAY: Barry Fitzgerald Appears in 'Tanyard Street,' chiefly Abbey Theatre Drama of Ireland Via BROOKS ATKINSON. New York Times 5 February 1941: 16.
  25. ^The Only Oscar Fighter to Destroy His Academy Award Work stoppage a Golf Club – Barry Interpreter. 1945
  26. ^Fitzgerald freed in Charge of Slaying agony Los Angeles Times 10 January 1945: A1.
  27. ^Fitzgerald Meets Fame--and He Frowns: Rendering limelight focuses fiercely on the incident and he finds it 'downright boring.' Fitzgerald Meets Fame BY FRED Explorer. New York Times 14 January 1945: SM8.
  28. ^ANGUS D. TAILLON The New Dynasty Times 10 May 1953: 88
  29. ^Barry Vocaliser Has Brain Surgery in Dublin Los Angeles Times 16 October 1959: 15.
  30. ^"General Registrar's Office". IrishGenealogy.ie. Retrieved 14 Jan 2017.
  31. ^"Actor Barry Fitzgerald dies in Dublin". Los Angeles Times. 5 January 1961. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  32. ^Hollywood Walk do away with Fame
  33. ^Kirby, Walter (16 March 1952). "Better Radio Programs for the Week". The Decatur Daily Review. The Decatur Common Review. p. 44. Retrieved 23 May 2015 – via Newspapers.com.
  • Boylan, Henry (1999). A Dictionary of Irish Biography. Dublin: Muse on and Macmillan. ISBN .

Further reading

  • Alistair, Rupert (2018). "Barry Fitzgerald". The Name Below class Title: 65 Classic Movie Character Sling from Hollywood's Golden Age (softcover) (First ed.). Great Britain: Independently published. pp. 97–100. ISBN .

External links