Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. is the son of actor Douglas Fairbanks and his first wife Beth. He became an actor during the late silent era and a star of A-budget films starring alongside actors such as Greta Garbo, Edward G. Robinson, Ronald Colman, Katharine Hepburn, Irene Dunne, Ginger Rogers, Cary Grant, Rita Hayworth, and Maureen O'Hara.
Before America's entry in World War II, he joined the United States Navy Reserve and was duly commissioned. He spent four years on active-duty and became a highly-decorated officer with honors for valor and distinguished service from the USA, Britain, and France. Post-war, he resumed his career as a film actor but the momentum he had achieved in the film industry prior to the war did not revive as well as coulDouglas Fairbanks, Jr. is the son of actor Douglas Fairbanks and his first wife Beth. He became an actor during the late silent era and a star of A-budget films starring alongside actors such as Greta Garbo, Edward G. Robinson, Ronald Colman, Katharine Hepburn, Irene Dunne, Ginger Rogers, Cary Grant, Rita Hayworth, and Maureen O'Hara.
Before America's entry in World War II, he joined the United States Navy Reserve and was duly commissioned. He spent four years on active-duty and became a highly-decorated officer with honors for valor and distinguished service from the USA, Britain, and France. Post-war, he resumed his career as a film actor but the momentum he had achieved in the film industry prior to the war did not revive as well as could have been hoped upon his return to Hollywood. He remained active, however, with many film, radio, television, and theatre appearances. He also remained in the US Navy Reserve and retired with the rank of Captain in 1954.
In addition to his acting career and service in the US Navy, he was a patron of the arts and philanthropist.
Three stars are dedicated to him on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: one each for his achievements in film, radio, and television. In addition, he was invested an honorary Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) and appointed Chevalier of the Legion of Honour (France).
Fairbanks Jr. was married to Joan Crawford (divorced in 1933), Mary Lee Eppling (who predeceased him in 1988) with whom he had three daughters, and Vera Shelton. ...more
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