Lowell Thomas
Actor
About Lowell Thomas
Lowell Thomas was a pioneering American writer, broadcaster, and traveler who became one of the most influential figures in early 20th-century media. Born in Ohio and raised in a Colorado mining town, he began his career as a gold-mine worker and newspaper reporter before gaining international fame for his coverage of World War I. He is most famously credited with 'discovering' T.E. Lawrence and transforming him into the legendary 'Lawrence of Arabia' through a series of highly successful illustrated lectures and films. In the 1930s, Thomas transitioned into radio and newsreels, becoming the voice of Fox Movietone News and a fixture in American households with his nightly news broadcasts. His involvement in the film industry extended beyond narration; he was a key figure in the development and promotion of the Cinerama widescreen process in the 1950s, which revolutionized theatrical presentation. Throughout his long career, he authored over 50 books and remained a tireless advocate for global exploration and technological innovation in cinema.
The Craft
On Screen
Lowell Thomas was primarily a narrator and presenter rather than a traditional character actor. His 'acting' was characterized by a distinctive, authoritative, and resonant baritone voice that conveyed a sense of adventure and worldly wisdom. In his on-screen appearances, such as the prologue to 'This Is Cinerama', he exhibited a charismatic, professorial persona, using direct address to engage the audience. He was a master of the 'travelogue' style, blending journalistic reporting with theatrical showmanship.
Milestones
- Created the global legend of Lawrence of Arabia through his 1919 film lectures
- Became the primary narrator for Fox Movietone News (1932-1952)
- Delivered the first news broadcast on television in 1939
- Co-founded and promoted the Cinerama widescreen film process in 1952
- Inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame
- Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (1977)
- George Foster Peabody Award (1944)
- Alfred I. duPont–Columbia University Award (1945)
- Golden Plate Award of the American Academy of Achievement (1971)
Nominated
- Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary (Short Subject) for 'Schlitz on Mt. Washington' (1937)
Special Recognition
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (6105 Hollywood Blvd)
- National Radio Hall of Fame Inductee (1989)
- The Explorers Club Lowell Thomas Award (Named in his honor)
- Society of American Travel Writers Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Awards (Named in his honor)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Lowell Thomas essentially invented the modern travelogue and the persona of the 'celebrity journalist.' By bringing the story of T.E. Lawrence to the masses, he helped shape Western perceptions of the Middle East for decades. His nightly radio broadcasts, which ran for over 45 years, made him one of the most trusted voices in America, bridging the gap between the era of print journalism and the age of television news.
Lasting Legacy
His most lasting legacy in cinema is the introduction of Cinerama, which forced the film industry to adopt widescreen formats to compete with television. He is also remembered as the 'Father of the Travelogue,' having established the template for nature and travel documentaries. The Lowell Thomas Award, presented by The Explorers Club, continues to honor those who excel in the field of exploration.
Who They Inspired
He influenced generations of broadcasters, from Edward R. Murrow to modern travel hosts like Anthony Bourdain, by demonstrating how personal charisma and narrative flair could enhance factual reporting. His use of multi-media presentations (film, slides, and live narration) was a precursor to modern immersive storytelling.
Off Screen
Thomas was the son of a doctor and a teacher, which fostered his lifelong interest in education and science. He was an avid skier and outdoorsman, often incorporating his personal hobbies into his professional travel assignments. He maintained a long-term residence in Pawling, New York, where he was a prominent member of the community and a close friend to many political figures.
Education
Valparaiso University (B.Sc., 1911); University of Denver (B.A., M.A., 1912); Princeton University (M.A., 1916)
Family
- Frances Ryan (1917-1975)
- Marianna Munn (1977-1981)
Did You Know?
- He was the first person to film the Dalai Lama in Tibet in 1949.
- His radio sign-off, 'So long, until tomorrow,' became one of the most famous catchphrases in broadcasting history.
- He was a founding member of the Capital Cities Communications company.
- Thomas was once a professor of oratory at Princeton University.
- He survived a plane crash in the Himalayas while traveling to Tibet.
- He was a member of the 'Dutch Treat Club' in New York, a famous circle of writers and artists.
- Despite his fame as a traveler, he was famously afraid of snakes.
- He narrated over 1,000 Movietone newsreels during his career.
In Their Own Words
So long, until tomorrow!
He had a genius for backing into the limelight. (Referring to T.E. Lawrence)
After the age of 80, everything that doesn't hurt doesn't work.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is Cinerama!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lowell Thomas?
Lowell Thomas was a world-famous American broadcaster, writer, and explorer best known for making 'Lawrence of Arabia' a household name. He was a pioneer in radio and television news and a key figure in the development of widescreen cinema.
What films is Lowell Thomas best known for?
He is best known for the 1919 documentary 'With Allenby in Palestine and Lawrence in Arabia' and the 1952 landmark film 'This Is Cinerama'. He also narrated the popular 1930 documentary 'Africa Speaks!'
When was Lowell Thomas born and when did they die?
Lowell Thomas was born on April 6, 1892, in Woodington, Ohio, and passed away on August 29, 1981, in Pawling, New York, at the age of 89.
What awards did Lowell Thomas win?
His most prestigious award was the Presidential Medal of Freedom, received in 1977. He also won a Peabody Award and was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
What was Lowell Thomas's acting/directing style?
Thomas was a master of the travelogue style, using a resonant, authoritative voice to narrate adventures. As a producer, he focused on technological innovation and immersive spectacles that brought the world to the theater audience.
What is the 'Lowell Thomas' connection to Lawrence of Arabia?
Thomas traveled to the Middle East during WWI and met T.E. Lawrence. He filmed Lawrence and later created a massive multi-media stage show that turned the British officer into an international icon of adventure.
What was Lowell Thomas's role in the creation of Cinerama?
Thomas was a primary investor and the public face of Cinerama. He produced and narrated the first Cinerama film, which used three projectors to create a massive, curved widescreen image that changed the movie industry forever.
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Films
1 film
