Introduction
Don Ameche was an iconic actor who graced the screens of Hollywood for over 50 years. He was born on May 31, 1908, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, as Dominic Felix Amici. He started his acting career in the 1930s and quickly became a household name. He was known for his suave demeanor, impeccable acting skills, and charming personality. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Don Ameche’s life, his movies, TV shows, and family life.
Early Life and Career
Don Ameche was born to Italian immigrants Felice and Barbara Amici. He attended Marquette University and started his career as a radio announcer in Chicago. He later moved to New York and started his acting career on Broadway. He made his film debut in 1935 in the movie “Clive of India.” He quickly became a star and appeared in many successful movies, including “Midnight,” “The Three Musketeers,” and “Heaven Can Wait.”
Don Ameche was known for his versatility as an actor. He could play both dramatic and comedic roles with ease. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the movie “Cocoon” in 1985. He continued to act in movies throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including “Coming to America” and “Corrina, Corrina.”
Don Ameche’s Family Life
Don Ameche was married to his wife, Honore Prendergast, for over 54 years until his death in 1993. They had six children together, including actor Ron Ameche. Don and Honore were known for their strong and loving relationship, and their marriage was one of the longest in Hollywood history.
Don Ameche was also a devout Catholic and was known for his philanthropic work. He donated his time and money to many charitable organizations, including the Catholic Youth Organization and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. He was also an advocate for the arts and helped raise funds for the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.
Don Ameche’s TV Shows
Don Ameche also had a successful career on television. He hosted his own variety show, “The Don Ameche Show,” in the 1950s. He also appeared on many popular TV shows, including “The Love Boat,” “Fantasy Island,” and “Murder, She Wrote.”
One of Don Ameche’s most memorable TV shows was “The Circus,” which aired in 1956. The show was a live broadcast from a circus tent and featured circus acts, music, and comedy. Don Ameche was the host, and the show was a huge success. It ran for two seasons and was later revived in the 1960s.
Conclusion
Don Ameche was an iconic actor who left a lasting impression on Hollywood. He was known for his talent, charm, and philanthropic work. His movies and TV shows continue to entertain audiences today, and his legacy lives on through his family and charitable work. Don Ameche will always be remembered as one of Hollywood’s greatest actors.
