Who Is Dana Andrews? Age, Biography and Wiki
Dana Andrews was born on January 1, 1909, in Covington, Kentucky, USA. He was a celebrated American actor known for his roles in classic films during the 1940s and 1950s. Andrews starred in notable films such as Laura (1944) and The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), earning acclaim for his performances that showcased his versatility. He was also a World War II veteran, and his experiences informed many of his roles. Andrews passed away on December 17, 1992, leaving behind a legacy of captivating performances and a significant filmography.
Occupation | Presidents |
---|---|
Date of Birth | January 1, 1909 |
Age | 83 Years |
Birth Place | Near Collins, Mississippi, U.S.A. |
Horoscope | Capricorn |
Country | U.S |
Date of death | 17 December, 1992 |
Died Place | Los Alamitos, California, U.S.A. |
Popularity
Dana Andrews's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Dana Andrews stood at an impressive height of 6 feet, which complemented his on-screen presence. His weight during his prime was around 170 pounds, contributing to his robust physique that fit the archetypal leading man of his era. While specific measurements concerning his chest, waist, and other physical attributes vary based on his roles throughout his career, Andrews maintained a healthy and athletic appearance throughout most of his life.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Dana Andrews was married to actress Mary Todd from 1932 until his passing in 1992. The couple had three children together. Throughout his life, Andrews maintained a relatively private family life, avoiding tumultuous public relationships outside of his marriage. His commitment to family was evident in his personal and professional demeanor.
In 1938, Andrews was spotted in the play Oh Evening Star and Samuel Goldwyn (c.1879/1882-1974), signed the promising actor to a contract, but felt he needed time to develop experience. Andrews continued at the Pasadena Playhouse of Pasadena, California, working in over 20 productions and proposed to his second wife Mary Todd.
After twelve months, Goldwyn sold part of Andrews' contract to 20th Century-Fox, where he was put to work on the first of two B pictures; his first role was in Lucky Cisco Kid (1940). He then appeared in Sailor's Lady (1940), developed by Goldwyn, but released by Twentieth Century-Fox.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 1992, Dana Andrews had an estimated net worth of approximately $10 million, a substantial amount attributed to his successful acting career. His earnings were bolstered by a series of successful films and endorsements throughout the mid-20th century. Given inflation and the evolving nature of the entertainment industry, adjusting this figure to modern values might offer a higher estimate, reflecting the lasting impact of his work.
Andrews attended college at Sam Houston State University nearby in Huntsville and studied business administration in Houston. During 1931, he traveled to the West Coast to Los Angeles, California to pursue opportunities as a singer. He worked various jobs, such as at a gas refueling station in the nearby community of Van Nuys.
To help the struggling Andrews study music at night, "The station owners stepped in ... with a deal: $50 a week for full-time study, in exchange for a five-year share of possible later earnings", which he started repaying after signing with Goldwyn.
The founder of the Hollywood Community Theater, Neely Dickson, disputed the gas station story, saying it was invented by Samuel Goldwyn Studio publicists and that Andrews was discovered at her theater. The Los Angeles Times also attempted to debunk the story.
Career, Business, and Investments
Dana Andrews had a dynamic career that began in the late 1930s. He rose to fame in the film noir genre, captivating audiences with his performances characterized by depth and intensity. His breakout role in Laura helped solidify his status as a leading actor in Hollywood. Beyond acting, Andrews explored opportunities in stage and television, showcasing his diverse talents. Additionally, he invested in various endeavors, though most of his wealth was primarily derived from his film career.
Andrews starred in the anti-communist The Iron Curtain (1948), reuniting him with Gene Tierney, then Deep Waters (1948). He made a comedy for Lewis Milestone at Enterprise Pictures, No Minor Vices (1948), then traveled to England for Britannia Mews (1949).
Andrews was in Sword in the Desert (1949), then Goldwyn cast him in My Foolish Heart (1949) with Susan Hayward. He played a fast-fisted police officer in the film noir Where the Sidewalk Ends (1950), also with Tierney and Preminger.
Around this time, alcoholism began to damage Andrews's career, and on two occasions it nearly cost him his life behind the wheel.
Social Network
Although Dana Andrews was not part of the social media landscape as we see today, his legacy continues to be celebrated on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, where fans honor his contributions to cinema. Various fan pages and classic film enthusiasts share content that reflects on his work, ensuring that new generations can discover and appreciate his films.
Andrews began appearing on television on such shows as Playhouse 90 ("Right Hand Man", "Alas, Babylon"), General Electric Theatre, The Barbara Stanwyck Show, Checkmate, The DuPont Show of the Week, The Twilight Zone ("No Time Like the Past"), The Dick Powell Theatre, Alcoa Premiere, Ben Casey, and Theatre of Stars.
Education
Dana Andrews attended the University of North Carolina, where he studied drama. His education played a crucial role in shaping his acting abilities, contributing to his impressive performances throughout his career. The experience and knowledge gained during his college years laid the foundation for his subsequent success in Hollywood.
By the end of the decade, Andrews returned to television to play the leading role of college president Tom Boswell on the NBC daytime soap opera Bright Promise from its premiere on September 29, 1969, until March 1971.