Broadway star, in Hollywood from 1931. Often played the suave sophisticate in pursuit of a beautiful woman, as in Ernst Lubitsch's classic "Ninotchka" (1939) opposite Greta Garbo. Douglas began appearing in supporting roles in the early 1960s and turned in an award-winning performance in "Hud" (1963). Married to former actress turned US Representative Helen Gahagan.
- Also Credited As:
Melvyn Edouard Hesselberg
- Born:
April 5, 1901 in Macon, Georgia, USA
- Died:
August 4, 1981.
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Job Titles:
Actor, Hat salesman, Reporter
Family
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Brother: George Hesselberg.
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Brother: Lamar Hesselberg.
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Daughter: Mary Helen Douglas. born 1935; mother Helen Gahagan
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Father: Edward Kurljandsky Graoidanin. born in Riga, Latvia 1871
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Granddaughter: Illeana Douglas.
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Mother: Lina Shakelford.
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Son: Gregory Hesselberg. born 1920; mother Rosalind Hightower
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Son: Melvin Douglas Jr. born 1921; mother Rosalind Hightower
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Son: Peter Douglas. born 1933; mother Helen Gahagan
Milestones
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1919 First role on Chicago stage
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1929 Broadway debut in A Free Soul
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1931 Screen acting debut in Tonight or Never
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1942 Made director Arts Council of the Office of Civilian Defense