Job Actor
Years active 1918-1973
Known for Scowling smile and deeply resonant voice; villains and historical characters
Top Roles Adam Trask, John Brown, King Cutler, John Brown, John Ives
Top GenresDrama, Adventure, Romance, War, Action, Film Adaptation
Top TopicsWorld War II, Book-Based, Aviation
Top Collaborators (Director), (Director), (Director), (Producer)
Shares birthday with Joan Blondell, Shirley Booth, Fred MacMurray  see more..

Raymond Massey Overview:

Legendary actor, Raymond Massey, was born Raymond Hart Massey on Aug 30, 1896 in Toronto, Canada. Massey appeared in over 80 film and TV roles. His best known films include The Scarlet Pimpernel (as Chauvelin), Santa Fe Trail (as John Brown), Reap the Wild Wind (as King Cutler), Arsenic and Old Lace (as Jonathan Brewster), The Fountainhead (as Gail Wynand), and East of Eden (as Adam Trask). He also appeared as Dr. Leonard Gillespie in the TV series Dr. Kildare from 1961 to 1966. Massey died at the age of 86 on Jul 29, 1983 in Los Angeles, CA and was laid to rest in Beaverdale Memorial Park Cemetery in New Haven, CT.

MINI BIO:

With a scowling smile and deeply resonant voice, Raymond Massey alternated between British and Hollywood films for ten years before settling in America in 1941 and showing a liking for villains and historical characters. He married actress Adrianne Allen (second of three wives).

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

HONORS and AWARDS:

.

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

Academy Awards

YearAwardFilm nameRoleResult
1940Best ActorAbe Lincoln in Illinois (1940)Abraham LincolnNominated
.

He was honored with two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the categories of Motion Pictures and Television. In addition, Massey was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame .

BlogHub Articles:

Summer Under the Stars Blogathon: Day 8 –

on Aug 8, 2015 From Journeys in Classic Film

?is the star for today!?Below, you?ll find links to those participating and honoring Massey?(updated as they come in), as well as my own reviews of his work throughout the years. Meredy.com contributes a profile on Massey JCF REVIEWS Possessed?(1947) East of Eden?(1955) Fill in your... Read full article


Summer Under the Stars Guide:

By Amanda Garrett on Aug 7, 2015 From Old Hollywood Films

Today's star is the renowned character actor . TCM is celebrating the career of with 12 movies on Aug. 8. Here's what you need to know about Massey, who was famous for playing historical figures. FYI: TCM sometimes changes the air times and /or movies, so you can g... Read full article


By Bogart Fan on Feb 13, 2014 From The Bogie Film Blog

Birth Name: Raymond Hart Massey Birthdate: August 30, 1896 Number of Films Made with Humphrey Bogart: 2 The Lowdown A veteran of the Canadian Army from World War I and World War II, Massey had a long and distinguished career in film and television ? and even achieved the honor of hav... Read full article


See all articles

Raymond Massey Quotes:

[last lines]
Andy Brock: Put 'em up Nazi... No not that way.
[He raises his hands to fight]
Andy Brock: This way. Cuz I'm not askin for those pants... I'm just taking 'em.


[Repeated line]
Jonathan Brewster: Go to bed, Aunt Abby!


Capt. Steve Jarvis: [to a departing German U-boat after it has rammed his survivor lifeboat] Go on, laugh, you apes! You've had your blood and fire to make you laugh, but I swear to God our time is comin'! We'll pay ya back! We'll hunt ya down and slice ya like a piece of cheese!
Lt. Joe Rossi: Oh, they can't hear you.
Capt. Steve Jarvis: No, but God can.


read more quotes from Raymond Massey...



Share this page:
Visit the Classic Movie Hub Blog CMH
Also a Virgo






See All Virgos >>
Best Actor Oscar 1940






See more Best Actor awards>>
Raymond Massey on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame




See All Walk of Fame Stars >>
Raymond Massey Facts
There was much dissatisfaction among the public when it was learned that Massey, a Canadian with clear diction and a fine speaking voice, had been selected to play Abraham Lincoln in the stage production of "Abe Lincoln in Illinois" - until he received rave reviews for his performance. His subsequent reprise of the role in the 1940 film version (Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940)) earned him an Oscar nomination.

Was a veteran of the Canadian Siberian Expeditionary Force (CSEF) composed of 4,000 soldiers that were sent to Russia to combat the Bolshevik menace. This was authorized on August 12, 1918. Massey announced his participation during the airing of The Lux Radio Theater:Action in the North Atlantic broadcast on May 15, 1944.

Portrayed Abraham Lincoln yet again in the 1950s "Du Pont Show of the Month" television drama "The Day That Lincoln Was Shot", opposite Lillian Gish as Mary Todd Lincoln.

See All Related Facts >>
Theater Hall of Fame

Also in the Theater Hall of Fame


See All Theater Hall of Fame Inductees >>