Who Is Ray Milland? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ray Milland, born on January 3, 1907, in Neath, Wales, was a celebrated Welsh-American actor and film director whose remarkable career spanned several decades. Best known for his performances in classic films like "The Lost Weekend" and "Dial M for Murder," Milland received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Actor. Even after his passing in 1986, his impressive filmography continues to captivate audiences, and interest in Milland's life remains strong. As of 2025, he would have celebrated his 118th birthday.
| Occupation | Republicans |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 3, 1907 |
| Age | 79 Years |
| Birth Place | Neath, Glamorgan, Wales |
| Horoscope | Capricorn |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 10 March, 1986 |
| Died Place | Torrance, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Ray Milland's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ray Milland stood at approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and had a well-proportioned build, weighing around 170 pounds (77 kg) during his prime. Although public interest in his body stats is mainly historical, Milland was known for his elegant on-screen presence and charismatic poise, always impeccably dressed, which was essential for his roles in the golden age of Hollywood.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, Ray Milland had several relationships, but he is best known for his marriage to Malone McGowan, a union that lasted from 1931 until his death in 1986. They had two children together, contributing to their legacy as a family steeped in the entertainment industry. There are no known details about boyfriends or extramarital relationships, as Milland was largely dedicated to his family and professional life.
He atended local elementary school at Neath and later at Radyr, following his parents' separation. Milland spent a short time at sea prior to one year's attendance at King's College school in Cardiff. Milland was an accomplished rider and undertook work at his uncle's horse-breeding farm.
At the age of eighteen, Milland passed the entrance examination to University College Cardiff but did not pursue studies there. Of his parents, he wrote in his 1974 autobiography:
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Ray Milland's estimated net worth was around $2 million. Adjusted for inflation, his wealth would be significantly higher today. His earnings primarily came from his illustrious career in film and television, along with various directing projects that further enriched his financial portfolio. His work on classic movies has left a lasting impact, ensuring ongoing earnings through royalties and re-releases.
On his return from his successful Shell interview, he passed by the gates of Paramount Pictures, where he was approached by casting director Joe Egli. Paramount was filming the George Raft picture Bolero (released in February 1934), but an injury to another British actor had left the studio looking for an urgent replacement.
Egli offered Milland a two-week contract, at ten times the salary the assistant job would pay. Milland took the acting role.
Career, Business, and Investments
Ray Milland’s career spanned over four decades, beginning in the late 1920s. He appeared in more than 100 films, establishing himself as a versatile actor capable of handling a wide range of genres. Milland not only acted but also ventured into directing and producing, showcasing his multifaceted talent. Despite being primarily associated with Hollywood, he explored opportunities in television and stage performances, further diversifying his artistic contributions.
In terms of investments, information about his financial ventures remains scarce, but given the typical financial strategies of actors of his era, he likely invested in real estate and his film projects.
Before becoming an actor, Milland served in the Household Cavalry of the British Army, becoming a proficient marksman, horseman and aeroplane pilot. He left the army to pursue a career in acting and appeared as an extra in several British productions before getting his first major role in The Flying Scotsman (1929).
This led to a nine-month contract with MGM, and he moved to the United States, where he worked as a stock actor. After his MGM contract ended, Milland was picked up by Paramount, which used him in a range of lesser speaking parts, usually as an English character.
He was lent to Universal for the Deanna Durbin musical Three Smart Girls (1936), and its success led to Milland's playing the lead role in The Jungle Princess (also 1936) alongside new starlet Dorothy Lamour. The film was quite successful and raised both to stardom. Milland remained with Paramount for almost 20 years.
Social Network
Though Ray Milland was not part of today’s social media landscape, his legacy continues to be celebrated through various platforms dedicated to classic cinema. Fans and film enthusiasts commemorate his contributions on sites like IMDb, film archives, and blogs focused on vintage films. Enthusiasts regularly exchange memories and insights about his life and works, keeping his spirit alive in modern discussions about classic Hollywood.
Milland appeared in many other notable films, including Easy Living (1937), Beau Geste (1939), Billy Wilder's The Major and the Minor (1942), opposite a corrupt John Wayne in Reap the Wild Wind (1942), The Uninvited (1944), Fritz Lang's Ministry of Fear (1944), The Big Clock (1948), and The Thief (1952)—for which he was nominated for his second G
olden Globe.
Two standout films later in his career include Alfred Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder (1954) and Love Story (1970). After leaving Paramount, he began directing and moved into television acting.
Once Paramount Pictures' highest-paid actor, Milland co-starred alongside many of the most popular actresses of the time, including Gene Tierney, Jean Arthur, Grace Kelly, Lana Turner, Marlene Dietrich, Maureen O'Hara, Ginger Rogers, Jane Wyman, Loretta Young, and Veronica Lake.
Education
Ray Milland attended various schools in Wales and, later, in London, where he cultivated his interest in acting. His education in the arts was pivotal as it equipped him with the skills needed to succeed in a competitive industry. His early exposure to theater and film laid the groundwork for his celebrated career.
His prowess as a marksman earned him work as an extra at the British International Pictures studio in Arthur Robison's production of The Informer (1929), the first screen version of the Liam O'Flaherty novel. While he was working on The Informer, he was asked to test for a production being shot on a neighbouring stage.
Milland made a favourable impression on director Castleton Knight, and was hired for his first acting role as Jim Edwards in The Flying Scotsman (also 1929). In his autobiography, Milland recalls that on this film set, it was suggested that he adopt a stage name; he chose Milland from the "mill lands" area of his Welsh hometown of Neath.
