Who Is Joel McCrea? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on November 5, 1905, Joel McCrea is remembered as a quintessential American actor whose career spanned over six decades. Despite passing away in 1990, his remarkable contributions to film and television continue to resonate with audiences. Known for his performances in classic Westerns and romantic comedies, McCrea's versatility made him a beloved figure in Hollywood. By 2025, he would have celebrated his 120th birthday, cementing his status as an enduring icon in cinematic history.
| Occupation | Republicans |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 5, 1905 |
| Age | 84 Years |
| Birth Place | South Pasadena, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 20 October, 1990 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Joel McCrea's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his lifetime, Joel McCrea stood tall at approximately 6 feet (183 cm) and weighed around 180 lbs (82 kg). While his physical appearance was striking, it was his charismatic presence and effortless charm that captured the hearts of moviegoers. Notably, McCrea's fit physique contributed to his leading man status in numerous films.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Joel McCrea was married to actress Francis Dee, with whom he shared a loving and supportive partnership for over 50 years until his passing. The couple had three children, who have since continued to honor their father's legacy. While there may be interest in which actors he was romantically linked with during his early career, McCrea's long-lasting marriage reflects his commitment to family and love.
Later in the decade he was the first actor to play "Dr. Kildare", in the film Internes Can't Take Money (1937), and starred in two large-scale Westerns, Wells Fargo (1937) with his wife Frances Dee, and Cecil B. DeMille's Union Pacific (1939).
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Joel McCrea had amassed a significant net worth, estimated to be around $5 million. His wealth stemmed from a prolific career in film, television, and endorsements. In today's context, one could only speculate on how that figure might have grown if he were active in the industry today, given the increasing value of classic films in memorabilia and streaming platforms.
Career, Business and Investments
McCrea's acting career began in the silent film era and flourished through the Golden Age of Hollywood. He became known for his roles in iconic films such as "Union Pacific" (1939), "The Most Dangerous Game" (1932), and "Ride the High Country" (1962). Besides acting, McCrea was an avid rancher and invested in real estate, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit.
In his later years, he continued to act, appearing in television series and lending his voice to animated features, further broadening his appeal to new generations. Even today, the films featuring McCrea remain popular, often revived on various platforms and cherished by classic film enthusiasts.
Joel Albert McCrea (November 5, 1905 – October 20, 1990) was an American actor whose career spanned a wide variety of genres over almost five decades, including comedy, drama, romance, thrillers, adventures, and Westerns, for which he became best known.
Social Network
Despite not being alive today to utilize social media, if McCrea had access to platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, one could imagine his engagement would revolve around celebrating his cinematic history and connecting with fans. His legacy continues to thrive through various fan pages and tribute accounts dedicated to his extensive filmography.
He appeared in over one hundred films, starring in over eighty, among them Alfred Hitchcock's espionage thriller Foreign Correspondent (1940), Preston Sturges' comedy classics Sullivan's Travels (1941), and The Palm Beach Story (1942), the romance film Bird of Paradise (1932), the adventure classic The Most Dangerous Game (1932), Gregory La Cava's
bawdy comedy Bed of Roses (1933), George Stevens' six-time Academy Award nominated romantic comedy The More the Merrier (1943), William Wyler's These Three, Come and Get It (both 1936) and Dead End (1937), Howard Hawks' Barbary Coast (1935), and a number of Westerns, including Wichita (1955) as Wyatt Earp and Sam Peckinpah's Ride the High Country (
1962), opposite Randolph Scott.
Education
Joel McCrea attended the University of California, Los Angeles, though he eventually left to pursue acting full-time. His education, although cut short, provided him with a foundation that contributed to his articulate and sophisticated persona on and off-screen.
McCrea graduated from Hollywood High School and then Pomona College (class of 1928. ) There he had acted on stage and took courses in drama and public speaking, while also appearing regularly at the Pasadena Playhouse. In 1928 he also met Wyatt Earp in Hollywood – later in 1955, McCrea would portray Earp in the film, Wichita.
As a high school student McCrea worked as a stunt double and held horses for Hollywood cowboy stars William S. Hart and Tom Mix. McCrea had a love and understanding of horses from an early age, and later he was considered one of the best riders in Western films.
