Paul Gregory
Actor
About Paul Gregory
Paul Gregory was a talented American singer and actor who rose to prominence during the transition from the silent era to early sound cinema. Born in New York City in 1904, he established himself as a versatile performer on the Broadway stage, most notably in Florenz Ziegfeld's lavish productions. He gained significant acclaim for originating the role of Wanenis in the 1928 Broadway musical 'Whoopee!', a role he was later chosen to reprise in the 1930 film adaptation produced by Samuel Goldwyn. During the early 1930s, Gregory was frequently cast as the romantic lead in musical comedies, often paired with actresses like Claudia Dell and Margaret Schilling. His career was characterized by his strong vocal abilities and a classic leading-man presence that suited the operetta-influenced style of early Hollywood musicals. Despite a promising start in high-profile Technicolor productions, his film career was relatively brief, as the public's appetite for filmed operettas began to wane by the mid-1930s. Gregory passed away in 1942 at the young age of 38, leaving behind a legacy as one of the quintessential romantic voices of the early talkie period.
The Craft
On Screen
Gregory was known for a formal, earnest acting style typical of the early sound era's romantic leads. His performances often emphasized his clear, resonant singing voice and a poised, almost theatrical delivery that bridged the gap between Broadway and the emerging Hollywood musical format.
Milestones
- Originated the role of Wanenis in the Broadway production of 'Whoopee!' (1928)
- Reprised his stage role in the 1930 film 'Whoopee!', one of the first major two-strip Technicolor musicals
- Starring role in the Warner Bros. musical 'Children of Dreams' (1931), directed by Alan Crosland
- Featured as the romantic lead in the Joe E. Brown comedy 'Sit Tight' (1931)
- Performed in the Ziegfeld Midnight Frolic (1929) on Broadway
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Special Recognition
- Recognized as a featured performer in the prestigious Ziegfeld Follies circle
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Paul Gregory's involvement in 'Whoopee!' (1930) places him at a pivotal moment in cinematic history—the birth of the modern movie musical. As the romantic lead in one of the first full-length Technicolor features, he helped define the visual and auditory standards for the genre. His performance of 'I'll Still Belong to You' remains a notable example of the early 'crooner' style that would soon dominate popular music.
Lasting Legacy
Gregory is remembered by film historians primarily for his contribution to the Ziegfeld-Goldwyn collaboration. While his filmography is small, his presence in 'Whoopee!' ensures his place in the history of Technicolor and the evolution of Busby Berkeley's choreography. He represents the 'lost' generation of early sound stars whose careers were tied to the specific, short-lived vogue for filmed stage operettas.
Who They Inspired
His transition from stage to screen served as a blueprint for many Broadway performers during the early 1930s. His clean-cut, vocal-centric leading man archetype influenced the casting of future musical stars like Nelson Eddy and Allan Jones.
Off Screen
Paul Gregory maintained a relatively private personal life away from the Hollywood spotlight. He was part of the New York theatrical community before moving to Los Angeles for his film career. His early death in 1942 cut short a career that had seen him transition from a Broadway star to a featured player in major studio productions.
Education
Trained in vocal performance and stagecraft in New York City.
Did You Know?
- He was one of the few original Broadway cast members of 'Whoopee!' to be brought to Hollywood for the film version.
- In 'Whoopee!', he played a character of Native American heritage, a common but controversial casting practice of the era.
- His film 'Sit Tight' (1931) was originally intended to be a full musical, but most of his songs were cut when the public temporarily tired of musicals.
- He appeared in the 1930 Broadway show 'Smiles' alongside Marilyn Miller and the Fred and Adele Astaire.
- Gregory's performance in 'Whoopee!' was captured in two-strip Technicolor, making him one of the earliest actors to be filmed in color for a major studio.
- He is often confused with the later producer Paul Gregory (born James Burton Lenhart), who produced 'The Night of the Hunter'.
In Their Own Words
I'll still belong to you, when the summer's over... (Lyric from 'Whoopee!', 1930)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Paul Gregory?
Paul Gregory was an American stage and film actor/singer active during the late 1920s and early 1930s. He is best known for playing the romantic lead Wanenis in both the Broadway and film versions of the musical 'Whoopee!'.
What films is Paul Gregory best known for?
He is most famous for the 1930 Technicolor musical 'Whoopee!' starring Eddie Cantor. He also starred in the musicals 'Children of Dreams' (1931) and 'Sit Tight' (1931).
When was Paul Gregory born and when did he die?
Paul Gregory was born in 1904 in New York City and passed away on July 19, 1942, at the age of 38.
What was Paul Gregory's role in 'Whoopee!'?
He played Wanenis, a young man of Native American descent who is in love with the heroine, Sally Morgan. He performs the romantic ballad 'I'll Still Belong to You' in the film.
Was Paul Gregory a Broadway actor?
Yes, he was a prominent Broadway performer before moving to films, appearing in Ziegfeld productions like 'Whoopee!' (1928), 'Smiles' (1930), and the 'Ziegfeld Midnight Frolic'.
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Films
1 film
