Brian Donlevy Overview:

Legendary actor, Brian Donlevy, was born Waldo Brian Donlevy on Feb 9, 1901 in Portadown, Northern Ireland. Donlevy died at the age of 71 on Apr 5, 1972 in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles and was cremated and his ashes scattered at sea.

MINI BIO:

Gloweringly handsome, strong, mustachioed Irish-born Hollywood actor. After an adventurous early life (including World War I service in Lafayette Escadrille) he drifted into acting, although it was 1935 before he settled permanently in Hollywood. A tough villain of the 1930s, he became a popular semi-star of rugged thrillers and action films in the succeeding decade after his success in the title role of The Great McGinty. Although Donlevy suffered from drinking problems, his forthright performances remained good value in the end. Died from cancer of the throat. Oscar-nominated for his sadistic sergeant in Beau Geste.

(Source: available at Amazon Quinlan's Film Stars).

HONORS and AWARDS:

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Although Donlevy was nominated for one Oscar, he never won a competitive Academy Award.

Academy Awards

YearAwardFilm nameRoleResult
1939Best Supporting ActorBeau Geste (1939)Sergeant MarkoffNominated
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He was honored with one star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of Television.

BlogHub Articles:

Kiss of Death starring Victor Mature, , Coleen Gray, and Richard Widmark in his screen debut

By Stephen Reginald on Jul 21, 2020 From Classic Movie Man

Kiss of Death starring Victor Mature, , Coleen Gray, and Richard Widmark in his screen debut Kiss of Death (1947) is a film noir directed by Henry Hathaway and starring Victor Mature, , and Coleen Gray. It marked the screen debut of Richard Widmark; he earned a Best Su... Read full article


THE GREAT VILLAIN BLOGATHON: as Sergeant Markoff, Beau Geste (1939)

on May 24, 2019 From Caftan Woman

Karen of Shadows and Satin, Kristina of Speakeasy and Ruth of Silver Screenings are hosting The Great Villain Blogathon for 2019. Look for all the baddies on May 24th to the 26th. P.C. Wren's 1924 adventure novel Beau Geste is a touchstone in the genre, giving us the most honourable and lik... Read full article


Warner Archive: , Robert Walker and the True Story of the Atomic Bomb

By KC on Nov 2, 2015 From Classic Movies

This is the story of how the atom bomb was developed--with allowances for dramatic effect and national security of course. A triumph of science which led to unfathomable destruction. MGM faced a delicate task in telling this story. As expected, it contains a heavy dose of propaganda, but the tale i... Read full article


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Brian Donlevy Quotes:

Man at campaign headquarters: But Paul, I can't make my boys vote the reform ticket!
Paul Madvig: Why not? Most of them come from the reform school.


Gen. Chao: Do you wish to speak further with me on this subject?
Gen. Sloan: In the words of an old hymn, go to hell.


Logan Stuart: George, when is this girl going to marry you?
George Camrose: I doubt if she knows hereself, Logan. When are you taking me, Lucy?
Lucy Overmire: George, do you like poetry?
George Camrose: Must I like poetry to be your husband?
Lucy Overmire: We'll be married when the leaves fall.
George Camrose: You see, Logan, she strings me up and lets me swing. You mean the maple leaves that fall early, or the pine needles that never fall at all?


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Best Supporting Actor Oscar 1939






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Brian Donlevy on the
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Brian Donlevy Facts
He was William Holden's best man at his 1941 wedding to 'Brenda Marshall (I)'.

According to a statement in a 1944 movie magazine, Donlevy did not smoke or play cards. The only smoking he did was "for the movies".

Sassy-talking, rugged-looking, square-shouldered supporting actor said, however, always to have gone through this necessary morning ritual before arriving on the movie set: 1) insert dentures; 2) don hairpiece; 3) strap on corset; 4) lace up "elevator" shoes.

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