Introduction
Victor McLaglen was a boxer turned actor who made a name for himself in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his rugged looks, imposing height, and his ability to play tough-guy roles with ease. McLaglen was also a close friend and frequent co-star of John Wayne, and the two appeared in several films together.
Early Life and Boxing Career
Victor McLaglen was born in 1886 in England. He grew up in a family of actors and performers, and he began his own career in the entertainment industry as a boxer. McLaglen was a skilled fighter, and he competed in over 60 professional bouts during his career. He even fought against legendary boxer Jack Johnson in 1909, although he lost the match.
Despite his success in the ring, McLaglen eventually decided to pursue a career in acting. He moved to Hollywood in the early 1920s and began appearing in small roles in films. It wasn’t until the late 1920s that he began to gain recognition for his acting abilities.
Breakthrough Roles
One of McLaglen’s breakthrough roles was in the 1930 film The Big House, in which he played a tough convict. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish McLaglen as a leading man in Hollywood. He went on to appear in several other successful films, including Gunga Din (1939) and The Quiet Man (1952).
One of McLaglen’s most famous co-stars was John Wayne. The two first appeared together in the 1939 film Stagecoach, and they went on to appear in several other films together, including The Quiet Man and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949). McLaglen and Wayne had a close friendship both on and off the screen, and their on-screen chemistry was often praised by critics and audiences alike.
Personal Life
McLaglen was married twice and had three children. His daughter Sheila McLaglen also had a career in the entertainment industry as a producer. McLaglen was known for his heavy drinking and his volatile temper, which often got him into trouble both on and off the set.
McLaglen passed away in 1959 at the age of 72. The cause of his death was a heart attack. He was buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
Legacy
Victor McLaglen’s legacy as an actor and boxer has endured long after his death. He is remembered for his tough-guy roles and his on-screen chemistry with John Wayne. His daughter Sheila McLaglen has continued his legacy in the entertainment industry, and his films continue to be watched and enjoyed by audiences around the world.
FAQ
Who is Victor McLaglen?
Victor McLaglen was a British-American actor and former professional boxer. He was born on December 10, 1886, in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England.
What was Victor McLaglen’s career before he became an actor?
Victor McLaglen was a professional boxer before he became an actor. He won the heavyweight boxing championship of the British Army in 1909 and turned professional in 1913.
What are some of Victor McLaglen’s notable films?
Victor McLaglen appeared in over 130 films in his career, including “The Informer” (1935), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He also starred in “The Quiet Man” (1952) alongside John Wayne.
What was Victor McLaglen’s relationship with John Wayne?
Victor McLaglen and John Wayne appeared in several films together, including “The Quiet Man” (1952), “Fort Apache” (1948), and “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon” (1949). They were good friends off-screen as well.
When did Victor McLaglen pass away?
Victor McLaglen passed away on November 7, 1959, in Newport Beach, California, at the age of 72.
