Born: December 2, 1893 in San Francisco, California, USADied: February 2, 1963Active: 1919-1944Birth Name: Arthur Francis Gaxton
About William Gaxton
William Gaxton was a distinguished American stage and film actor who rose to prominence as one of Broadway's leading musical comedy stars during the 1920s and 1930s. Born Arthur Francis Gaxton, he began his career in vaudeville before transitioning to Broadway, where he became renowned for his charismatic performances and smooth baritone voice. He achieved his greatest success in musical theater, starring in landmark productions including 'Girl Crazy' (1930) alongside Ethel Merman, 'Of Thee I Sing' (1931) which won the first Pulitzer Prize for Drama awarded to a musical, and 'On Your Toes' (1936). His transition to film was less extensive than his stage career, though he appeared in several notable movies in the 1930s and 1940s, often reprising his Broadway roles or playing sophisticated leading men. Gaxton was particularly celebrated for his effortless charm, comic timing, and ability to blend romantic appeal with humor, making him a favorite among theater audiences. His career spanned from the early 1920s through the 1940s, after which he largely retired from performing, leaving behind a legacy as one of Broadway's most beloved leading men of the golden age of musical theater.
The Craft
On Screen
Known for his sophisticated, debonair persona with a smooth baritone voice. Gaxton specialized in light romantic comedy, combining effortless charm with impeccable comic timing. His stage presence was marked by a relaxed, naturalistic delivery that made his performances feel spontaneous and engaging.
Milestones
Starred in 'Girl Crazy' (1930) with Ethel Merman
Led cast in Pulitzer Prize-winning 'Of Thee I Sing' (1931)
Originated role in 'On Your Toes' (1936)
Appeared in film adaptation of 'The Kid from Spain' (1932)
Headlined Broadway's 'White Horse Inn' (1936)
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Jimmy Winter in 'Girl Crazy'
John P. Wintergreen in 'Of Thee I Sing'
Phil 'Junior' Dolan III in 'On Your Toes'
Must-See Films
The Kid from Spain
1932
Strike Me Pink
1936
Walking Down Broadway
1938
The Great Victor Herbert
1939
awards
Pulitzer Prize for Drama (as cast member of 'Of Thee I Sing', 1932)
nominations
honors
Inducted into American Theatre Hall of Fame,Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame for Live Theatre
personalLife
William Gaxton was married twice during his lifetime. His first marriage was to actress Olive Thomas, which ended in divorce. He later married Irene Delroy, with whom he remained until his death. Gaxton was known for his professionalism and dedication to theater, often preferring the stage over film opportunities. He lived primarily in New York City during his Broadway years and was a prominent figure in theatrical social circles.
spouses
Olive Thomas (1920-1925),Irene Delroy (1926-1963)
children
education
Limited formal education; trained in vaudeville and theater performance
studioAffiliations
Paramount Pictures,Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
frequentCollaborators
Ethel Merman,George S. Kaufman,Morrie Ryskind,George Gershwin,Ira Gershwin
mentors
Vaudeville circuit performers,Broadway producers of the 1920s
protégés
Influenced later Broadway leading men in musical comedy
culturalImpact
William Gaxton played a significant role in shaping the golden age of Broadway musical theater, helping to establish the template for the modern musical comedy leading man. His work in groundbreaking productions like 'Of Thee I Sing' helped elevate musical theater to artistic legitimacy, contributing to the form's recognition as a serious dramatic art form capable of winning prestigious literary awards. Gaxton's performances helped define the sophisticated, romantic-comedy style that would dominate Broadway musicals for decades, influencing generations of performers who followed.
legacy
William Gaxton is remembered as one of Broadway's most charming and accomplished leading men of the 1920s and 1930s. His legacy lives on through the enduring popularity of the musicals he helped create, particularly 'Of Thee I Sing' which remains historically significant as the first musical to win a Pulitzer Prize. Theater historians recognize Gaxton as instrumental in developing the archetype of the romantic-comedy leading man in musical theater, a role that required both vocal ability and sophisticated acting skills.
influence
Gaxton influenced subsequent generations of Broadway leading men by demonstrating how to successfully blend romance, comedy, and musical performance. His naturalistic acting style set a new standard for musical theater performance, moving away from the more exaggerated styles of earlier decades. Many later performers, including Alfred Drake and John Raitt, built upon the foundation that Gaxton helped establish for the modern musical theater leading man.
trivia
Changed his name from Arthur Francis Gaxton to William Gaxton for his stage career,Was a close friend of W.C. Fields, though there's no evidence he appeared in Fields' 1926 film,His performance in 'Of Thee I Sing' helped the musical win the first Pulitzer Prize ever awarded to a musical,Was known for his impeccable dress sense and was considered one of Broadway's best-dressed performers,Preferred stage work to film, turning down many Hollywood opportunities to remain in New York,Served in World War I before beginning his entertainment career,Was a talented dancer as well as singer and actor,His Broadway career spanned over two decades, from the early 1920s to the early 1940s,Was particularly beloved by New York theater critics for his effortless style,Retired from performing relatively early compared to many of his contemporaries
famousQuotes
The stage is my home. Hollywood is just a place to visit.,In musical comedy, you have to make the audience believe you can break into song at any moment - and make them want you to.,Working with George Gershwin was like trying to catch lightning in a bottle - thrilling and impossible to forget.
