Ray Milland
Actor
About Ray Milland
Ray Milland was a sophisticated Welsh-born actor who transitioned from a decorative leading man in the 1930s to one of Hollywood's most respected dramatic performers during the 1940s. Born Reginald Truscott-Jones, he served in the Household Cavalry before a chance introduction to the film industry led to his debut in British cinema and a subsequent move to Hollywood under contract with MGM. His early career was defined by light romantic comedies and adventure films, but his trajectory changed permanently when he lobbied for the role of Don Birnam in Billy Wilder's 'The Lost Weekend' (1945). His unflinching portrayal of an alcoholic writer earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the first Welshman to receive the honor. Throughout the 1950s, he maintained his stardom in thrillers like Alfred Hitchcock's 'Dial M for Murder' and later transitioned into a successful second career as a director and character actor in television and horror films. His career spanned over five decades, during which he evolved from a studio-system heartthrob into a versatile craftsman of the screen.
The Craft
On Screen
Milland was known for a polished, understated, and quintessentially 'gentlemanly' acting style that masked a deep capacity for intensity. In his early years, he relied on his athletic physique and charming screen presence, but he developed a technique of psychological realism that allowed him to portray desperation and obsession effectively. He was praised for his ability to convey internal struggle through subtle facial expressions rather than histrionics, a trait that made him a favorite of directors like Billy Wilder and Alfred Hitchcock.
Milestones
- Won the Academy Award for Best Actor for 'The Lost Weekend' in 1945
- Won the Best Actor Award at the inaugural Cannes Film Festival in 1946
- Starred in Alfred Hitchcock's suspense masterpiece 'Dial M for Murder' (1954)
- Successfully transitioned to directing with films like 'A Man Alone' (1955) and 'Panic in Year Zero!' (1962)
- Published a well-received autobiography titled 'Wide-Eyed in Babylon' in 1974
- Maintained a prolific career in the 1970s with roles in 'Love Story' and 'The Thing with Two Heads'
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Award for Best Actor (1945) - The Lost Weekend
- Cannes Film Festival Best Actor Award (1946) - The Lost Weekend
- New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor (1945) - The Lost Weekend
- Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (1946) - The Lost Weekend
Nominated
- Primetime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series (1976) - Rich Man, Poor Man
Special Recognition
- Two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (Motion Pictures and Television)
- Inducted into the Online Film & Television Association Hall of Fame
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Ray Milland played a crucial role in shifting the perception of the 'Hollywood Leading Man' from a purely romantic figure to a complex dramatic force. His performance in 'The Lost Weekend' was culturally significant as it was one of the first mainstream films to treat alcoholism as a serious, devastating disease rather than a comedic trope. This performance broke the 'Pretty Boy' mold and paved the way for other actors to take on gritty, unglamorous roles to prove their range.
Lasting Legacy
Milland's legacy is defined by his versatility and his status as the first Welsh actor to conquer Hollywood at the highest level. He is remembered as a pillar of Paramount Pictures' golden era and a master of the suspense genre. His transition into directing and his longevity in television ensured that he remained a relevant figure in entertainment for over half a century, influencing the 'suave but troubled' archetype seen in modern cinema.
Who They Inspired
He influenced a generation of actors, including fellow Welshmen like Richard Burton and Anthony Hopkins, by proving that international actors could achieve top-tier stardom in the American studio system. His disciplined approach to acting and his ability to maintain a long career through reinvention serve as a blueprint for professional longevity in Hollywood.
Off Screen
Milland was known for being one of the more stable and private figures in Hollywood. He married Muriel Weber in 1932, and the couple remained married for 54 years until his death in 1986, a rarity in the film industry. He was an avid yachtsman and marksman, skills he acquired during his time in the British military. Despite his suave screen persona, he was known to be somewhat introverted and preferred a quiet life away from the Hollywood party circuit.
Education
Attended King's College London before joining the Household Cavalry.
Family
- Muriel Weber (1932-1986)
Did You Know?
- He was a champion marksman and served in the elite Household Cavalry in London.
- During the filming of 'Reap the Wild Wind', he was nearly killed by a falling studio light.
- He learned to fly and served as a flight instructor for the US Army Air Forces during WWII after being rejected for combat duty due to a hand injury.
- He was a skilled linguist, fluent in Spanish and French.
- He famously accepted his Oscar with a simple bow and no speech, one of the shortest acknowledgments in history.
- His role in 'The Lost Weekend' was so intense that he spent time in a psychiatric ward to research the effects of delirium tremens.
- He wore a hairpiece for much of his later career, which he often joked about in interviews.
In Their Own Words
I've been a puppet for so long, I've forgotten who's pulling the strings.
The only thing I ever wanted to be was a professional. I didn't want to be a star.
In 'The Lost Weekend', I had to go to the very bottom of the barrel. It was the most exhausting experience of my life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ray Milland?
Ray Milland was an Academy Award-winning Welsh actor and director who became one of Paramount Pictures' most reliable leading men during the 1930s and 40s. He is best remembered for his sophisticated screen presence and his harrowing portrayal of an alcoholic in 'The Lost Weekend'.
What films is Ray Milland best known for?
He is most famous for 'The Lost Weekend' (1945), Alfred Hitchcock's 'Dial M for Murder' (1954), the adventure epic 'Beau Geste' (1939), and the ghost story 'The Uninvited' (1944).
When was Ray Milland born and when did they die?
Ray Milland was born on January 3, 1907, in Neath, Wales, and passed away on March 10, 1986, in Torrance, California, at the age of 79.
What awards did Ray Milland win?
His most prestigious award was the 1945 Academy Award for Best Actor. He also won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival and a Golden Globe for the same role.
What was Ray Milland's acting style?
Milland possessed a suave, understated style that emphasized intelligence and charm. However, he was capable of great dramatic depth, often portraying characters with hidden flaws or psychological burdens.
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Films
1 film
