Who Is Don Ameche? Age, Biography and Wiki
Don Ameche, born on May 31, 1908, credits his legacy to a prolific acting career that spanned several decades. With a remarkable ability to transition between stage and screen, he became a beloved figure in American entertainment. He passed away on December 6, 1993, but his influence continues to resonate in the industry today.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 31, 1908 |
| Age | 85 Years |
| Birth Place | Kenosha, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 6 December, 1993 |
| Died Place | Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S. |
Popularity
Don Ameche's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Throughout his acting career, Don Ameche stood at an impressive height of 6 feet (183 cm). Known for his charismatic presence, he had a well-proportioned build which contributed to his on-screen appeal. Although detailed measurements from his younger days are scarce, he carried himself with both grace and confidence, traits that endeared him to audiences.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
In terms of family, Don Ameche was married to his wife, Honore Prendergast, for several decades until her passing. Together, they welcomed three children into the world. Although he had numerous acquaintances and friendships in the celebrity sphere, he was a family man at heart and preferred to keep his personal life private.
It's important to clarify that in 2025, there are no reports suggesting that Don Ameche has a boyfriend or girlfriend, as he is remembered primarily for his work and family legacy rather than romantic entanglements.
His father, Felice Amici, was a bartender from Montemonaco, Ascoli Piceno, Marche, Italy. His mother, Barbara Etta Hertel, was of Scottish, Irish, and German ancestry. Ameche was the second-oldest of eight children, the others being: brothers Umberto (Bert), James (Jim Ameche), and Louis, and sisters Elizabeth, Catherine, Mary and Anna.
Ameche attended Marquette University, Loras College, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where his cousin Alan Ameche played football and won the Heisman Trophy in 1954.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 1993, Don Ameche had accrued a significant net worth, estimated at around $10 million. Adjusting for inflation, his fortune would be substantially larger today. Throughout his career, he earned considerable salaries from his work in film, television, and radio, contributing to his financial success.
Career, Business and Investments
Don Ameche's career began in the 1920s and witnessed a revival in the 1980s, notably starring in films like "Trading Places" and "Cocoon." He was a versatile actor, equally adept in comedy and drama. His contributions to the entertainment industry extend beyond acting, as he also ventured into voice work and business, including investments in various projects that showcased his entrepreneurial spirit.
In the 1950s he worked on Broadway and in television, and was the host of NBC's International Showtime from 1961 to 1965. Returning to film work in his later years, Ameche enjoyed a fruitful revival of his career, beginning with his role as a villain in Trading Places (1983). He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Cocoon (1985).
Social Network
While Don Ameche’s social media presence in 2025 is non-existent given his status as a historical figure, his legacy persists through various fan pages and tribute accounts dedicated to preserving his influence in film and television. Fans continue to celebrate his work, sharing memories and discussions in online forums, reflecting on his significant contributions to the world of entertainment.
Brought to Hollywood by 20th-Century Fox producer Darryl Zanuck, Ameche played mostly romantic leads paired with many of the top female stars of the era. In 1939, he played a lead character in comedy film Midnight (1939).
He also played the title character in The Story of Alexander Graham Bell (1939) which led to the use of the word "ameche" as juvenile slang for a telephone.
As noted by Mike Kilen in the Iowa City Gazette (December 8, 1993), "The film prompted a generation to call people to the telephone with the phrase: 'You're wanted on the Ameche.'" Such an identity between Ameche and the telephone was forged, that in the 1940 film Go West, Groucho Marx proclaims, "Telephone?
This is 1870, Don Ameche hasn't invented the telephone yet."
Education
Although specific details about Don Ameche's educational background are limited, it is known that he graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he developed an early interest in acting. His education laid the groundwork for his illustrious career in showbiz.
Don Ameche (born Dominic Felix Amici; May 31, 1908 – December 6, 1993) was an American actor, comedian and vaudevillian. After playing in college shows, repertory theatre, and vaudeville, he became a major radio star in the early 1930s, which led to the offer of a movie contract from 20th Century Fox in 1935.
