Work : Published/ Exhibited/ Released 31 October 1938 (Famous "War of the Worlds" radio program) chart Placidus Equal_H.
Death:Death by Heart Attack 10 October 1985 (Age 70) chart Placidus Equal_H.
American actor, director, producer and writer who presented his sensational drama, "War Of The Worlds," by radio on 31 October 938. The presentation of the show was so convincing that some people around the country thought that aliens had truly invaded, creating a public panic. A brilliant talent, Welles appeared in many films, including "Citizen Kane," 1941, a film which earned him a best-actor Oscar nomination. His other films included "Long Hot Summer," 1958 and "The Trial," 1963. He also did guest shots on many TV shows. Welles story is that of a stunningly brilliant and sudden rise followed by a long, slow decline. He could read by the age of three and weighed 80 lbs. and was 4 6" by the time he was six. He was proficient at a number of magic tricks by age seven, and also read Shakespeare, wrote poetry and painted. At 10, he was lecturing at his local high school and age 15 when his dad died, about the same time that his older brother was institutionalized as schizophrenic. He made his pro acting debut at 16, acting in "Jew Suss" at Dublins Gate Theater; at 18, he was playing opposite Katharine Cornell and at 19, making a network radio debut on "The March of Time." In 1935, his magnificent baritone became the voice of "The Shadow" on radio. Two years later he dazzled the New York theater world with his modern-dress "Julius Caesar." A handsome young man, his first marriage was to Virginia Nicholson. Welles associated with beautiful women, including Rita Hayworth (whom he married), Delores Del Rio and Lena Horne. His third wife was Paola Mori, and he had three children, a daughter with each wife. He once described his parenting skills as "minimal." Welles made his first film when he was 25, "Citizen Kane." He directed 17 films, a number of which were never finished; he appeared in all but one of them. As an actor he was most notable for the wildly uneven quality of the approximately 60 films in which he performed. They ranged from superlative to dreadful. In his last years, he worked primarily as a voice-over artist; one of his last credited roles was as Unicron, a character in a kids cartoon show. He steadily gained weight with age to become immense. His obesity contributed to his fatal heart attack, sometime in the early morning hours of 10 October 1985, Los Angeles, CA. He was home, alone, in front of a typewriter. Link to Wikipedia biography Read less
Orson Welles was an American actor, director, writer, and producer who is considered one of the most important figures in the history of cinema. He is best known for his innovative and influential work in film, theatre, and radio.
Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Welles displayed remarkable talent from a young age. He began his career in theatre, achieving success both in the United States and abroad. His groundbreaking stage productions, including a voodoo-inspired Macbeth and a modern-dress Julius Caesar, garnered significant attention.
Welles's radio work further cemented his reputation. His 1938 radio adaptation of H.G. Wells's The War of the Worlds caused widespread panic, as many listeners believed the Martian invasion to be real. This broadcast showcased Welles's masterful use of sound and dramatic storytelling.
In 1941, Welles made his film debut with Citizen Kane, a film widely considered one of the greatest ever made. Welles co-wrote, directed, and starred in the film, which revolutionized cinematic techniques and narrative structure. While he continued to make films throughout his career, he often faced challenges securing funding and artistic control due to his independent spirit and sometimes difficult personality. Some notable films include The Magnificent Ambersons, Touch of Evil, and The Trial.
Welles continued to work in various mediums throughout his later years, including acting in films and commercials, and directing stage productions. He remained a respected and influential figure in the arts until his death in 1985. His legacy as a visionary artist continues to inspire filmmakers and artists today.
Unfortunately, there isn't readily available, structured data about Welles's social media presence (he predated it) or specific recent projects beyond his lifetime achievements. More information about his life and work can be found in biographies, critical analyses, and film documentaries available through libraries, archives, and online resources.
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