Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
Actor
- Born
- December 9, 1909 · New York City, New York, USA
- Died
- May 7, 2000 (age 90)
Douglas Elton Fairbanks Jr. (December 9, 1909 – May 7, 2000) was an American actor, producer, and decorated naval officer of World War II. The son of silent film star Douglas Fairbanks and stepson of Mary Pickford, he established his own successful career in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s, becoming known for his charm, sophistication, and versatility in both romantic comedies and adventure films.
Among his most notable films are The Prisoner of Zenda (1937), Gunga Din (1939), Little Caesar (1931), and The Corsican Brothers (1941). He also appeared opposite many of the era’s leading actresses, including Katharine Hepburn, Joan Crawford, Loretta Young, Rita Hayworth, and Paulette Goddard.
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During World War II, Fairbanks served with distinction in the United States Navy, helping develop military deception and special operations techniques. For his wartime service, he received numerous decorations from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and several other nations. After the war, he continued acting in films and television while also becoming a respected producer and public figure. Fairbanks remains remembered as one of Hollywood’s most elegant leading men and among the few major stars to achieve distinction both on screen and in military service.
In 1969, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the International Best Dressed List.
Known for
Little Caesar
January 25, 1931
Gunga Din
January 26, 1939
Ghost Story
December 18, 1981
The Prisoner of Zenda
September 3, 1937
Morning Glory
August 18, 1933
Sinbad the Sailor
January 13, 1947
Chase a Crooked Shadow
January 16, 1958
The Dawn Patrol
July 10, 1930
The Three Musketeers
August 28, 1921
The Stolen Jools
April 4, 1931
The Young in Heart
July 6, 1938
Angels Over Broadway
October 2, 1940
Acting129
- 2024Marlene Dietrich: Home Movies as Self
- 2021The Real Charlie Chaplin as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
- 20091939: Hollywood's Greatest Year as Self (archive footage)
- 2008ZEITENBLICKE- Jetzt ist Hallstatt Zeit as Self
- 2008Mary Pickford: The Muse of the Movies as Self (archive footage)
- 2005Little Caesar: End of Rico, Beginning of the Antihero as Self (archive footage)
- 2004On Location with Gunga Din as Self / Thomas Anthony Ballantine (archive footage)
- 2004Checking Out: Grand Hotel as Self (archive footage)
- 2002Joan Crawford: The Ultimate Movie Star as Self (archive footage)