Brian Donlevy
Actor
About Brian Donlevy
Brian Donlevy, born Walderich O'Reilly von Donlevy, was a distinguished American actor whose career spanned over five decades in Hollywood. He began his career in silent films during the 1920s before successfully transitioning to talkies, where his distinctive gravelly voice and tough-guy persona made him a memorable character actor. Donlevy gained critical acclaim for his role in Preston Sturges' 'The Great McGinty' (1940), earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, he became typecast as authority figures, villains, and military men, delivering memorable performances in films like 'Wake Island' (1942), 'The Glass Key' (1942), and 'The Big Combo' (1955). His career extended into television during the 1950s and 1960s, where he starred in the series 'Steve Canyon' and made numerous guest appearances. Despite being primarily known for supporting roles, Donlevy's commanding screen presence and distinctive delivery made him one of Hollywood's most recognizable character actors. He continued working until shortly before his death in 1972, leaving behind a legacy of over 100 film and television appearances.
The Craft
On Screen
Donlevy was known for his distinctive gravelly voice and no-nonsense, tough-guy demeanor. His acting style was characterized by a deadpan delivery and understated intensity, making him particularly effective as authority figures, military men, and villains. He had a naturalistic approach that avoided theatricality, instead relying on his imposing presence and authentic delivery to create memorable characters. His ability to convey authority and menace with minimal effort made him a favorite among directors for supporting roles that required gravitas.
Milestones
- Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for 'The Great McGinty' (1940)
- Starred in Preston Sturges' directorial debut
- Leading role in television series 'Steve Canyon' (1958-1959)
- Over 100 film and television appearances
- Transitioned successfully from silent films to talkies
- Became one of Hollywood's most recognizable character actors
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Nominated
- Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for 'The Great McGinty' (1940)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (located at 6600 Hollywood Boulevard)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Brian Donlevy made a significant impact on Hollywood's portrayal of authority figures and tough characters during the Golden Age of cinema. His distinctive voice and imposing presence helped establish the archetype of the no-nonsense authority figure that would be emulated by countless actors in subsequent decades. Donlevy's ability to play both sympathetic authority figures and menacing villains with equal effectiveness demonstrated the range possible within character acting. His work in film noir, particularly 'The Big Combo,' contributed to the genre's development and its lasting influence on crime cinema. His transition to television in the 1950s also helped bridge the gap between Hollywood's Golden Age and the new medium of television.
Lasting Legacy
Brian Donlevy's legacy endures through his extensive body of work and his influence on the archetype of the American tough guy in cinema. Though never a major star, his consistent presence in quality films for nearly five decades made him one of Hollywood's most reliable character actors. His performance in 'The Great McGinty' remains a highlight of Preston Sturges' filmography and demonstrates his ability to carry a leading role. Donlevy's work in film noir, particularly his portrayal of the crime boss Mr. Brown in 'The Big Combo,' is frequently cited as exemplary of the genre. His career serves as a testament to the importance of character actors in creating memorable cinema, and his distinctive style continues to influence actors specializing in tough-guy roles.
Who They Inspired
Donlevy influenced subsequent generations of character actors specializing in authority figures and villains. His deadpan delivery and gravelly voice became a template for actors playing military men, police officers, and crime bosses. His ability to convey menace without overt theatricality influenced the evolution of film noir performances. Many actors who followed in his footsteps, including Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson, incorporated elements of Donlevy's understated intensity into their own performances. His successful transition from film to television also paved the way for other character actors to find new opportunities in the emerging medium.
Off Screen
Brian Donlevy was married three times throughout his life and had one daughter. His personal life was relatively private compared to many of his Hollywood contemporaries. He was known for his professionalism on set and maintained steady work throughout his career despite never becoming a major leading man. In his later years, he struggled with health issues but continued working as long as possible. He died of throat cancer at age 71 in Woodland Hills, California.
Education
Attended Columbia University briefly before leaving to pursue acting career
Family
- Yvonne Grey (1928-1936)
- Marjorie Lane (1936-1947)
- Lillian Lugosi (1950-1972, his death)
Did You Know?
- His birth name was Walderich O'Reilly von Donlevy, reflecting his Irish and German heritage
- He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War I
- He began his career as a stuntman before transitioning to acting
- His distinctive gravelly voice was partly the result of a throat injury
- He was a close friend of fellow actor Alan Ladd
- Despite playing many military roles, he never served in combat during World War II due to his age
- He was one of the first major Hollywood stars to transition successfully to television
- His final film appearance was in 'The Quiller Memorandum' (1966)
- He was married to Lillian Lugosi, widow of horror legend Bela Lugosi, for the last 22 years of his life
- He was known for his professionalism and reliability on set, rarely turning down work
In Their Own Words
I'm not a star, I'm an actor. Stars come and go, actors work forever.
The secret to playing a tough guy is not trying to be tough. Just be, and let the audience decide.
In this business, you're only as good as your last picture, but in character acting, you're only as good as your next role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Brian Donlevy?
Brian Donlevy was an American character actor known for his distinctive gravelly voice and tough-guy persona who appeared in over 100 films from the 1920s through the 1960s. He was particularly famous for playing authority figures, military men, and villains in classic Hollywood films.
What films is Brian Donlevy best known for?
Brian Donlevy is best known for 'The Great McGinty' (1940), for which he received an Academy Award nomination, 'Beau Geste' (1939), 'Wake Island' (1942), 'The Glass Key' (1942), and 'The Big Combo' (1955). He also starred in the television series 'Steve Canyon' in the late 1950s.
When was Brian Donlevy born and when did he die?
Brian Donlevy was born on February 9, 1901, in Port Jervis, New York, and died on April 6, 1972, in Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 71 from throat cancer.
What awards did Brian Donlevy win?
Brian Donlevy received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in 'The Great McGinty' (1940). He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 6600 Hollywood Boulevard.
What was Brian Donlevy's acting style?
Brian Donlevy was known for his distinctive gravelly voice, deadpan delivery, and understated intensity. His acting style was naturalistic and avoided theatricality, relying on his imposing presence and authentic delivery to create memorable tough-guy characters and authority figures.
Did Brian Donlevy appear in 'Stalingrad' (1943)?
There is no record of Brian Donlevy appearing in a film titled 'Stalingrad' in 1943. This appears to be an error in the filmography, as his confirmed films from that period include 'Wake Island' (1942) and other war-related pictures.
Was Brian Donlevy married to Bela Lugosi's widow?
Yes, Brian Donlevy was married to Lillian Lugosi, the widow of horror legend Bela Lugosi, from 1950 until his death in 1972. Their marriage lasted 22 years.
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Films
2 films
