Diminutive, cool performer with pretty-boy blond good looks who flourished in the 1940s after achieving his breakthrough as the dispassionate, trench-coated killer opposite Veronica Lake in "This Gun For Hire" (1942). Ladd excelled at playing soft-spoken, understated tough guys who would only reluctantly resort to violence. Among his more enjoyable films are "Lucky Jordan" (1942) and "The Blue Dahlia" (1946). His career began to peter out in the early 1950s but enjoyed a notable shot in the arm with one of his biggest hits and best-remembered films, the George Stevens Western "Shane" (1953). Ladd continued making films right up until his death, giving a fine performance in his last film, "The Carpetbaggers" (1964), a melodramatic story of behind-the-scenes Hollywood wrangling. Married to actress Sue Carol (who later became his manager) from 1942; father of film executive Alan Ladd, Jr., and actors David and Alana Ladd.
- Also Credited As:
Alan Walbridge Ladd Jr
- Born:
September 3, 1913 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA
- Died:
January 29, 1964.
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Job Titles:
Actor, Grip, Gas station attendant, Hot dog vendor, Lifeguard
Family
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Daughter: Alana Sue Ladd Jackson. born April 21, 1943; mother, Sue Carol
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Daughter: Carol Lee Ladd Veitch.
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Father: Alan Walbridge Ladd. died c. 1918
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Granddaughter: Jordan Ladd. daughter of David Ladd and Cheryl Ladd
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Mother: Ina Ladd. emigrated from England to the USA; committed suicide c. 1938
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Son: Alan Ladd Jr. born on October 22, 1937; mother, Marjorie Jane Ladd; married to Patricia Beazley
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Son: David Alan Ladd. born 1947; mother Sue Carol; divorced from Cheryl Jean Stopplemoor Ladd of Charlie s Angels fame
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Step-father: James Beavers.
Education
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Bard Dramatic School
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North Hollywood High School
Milestones
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1932 Made film debut in a bit part, Once in a Lifetime
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1939 Signed by film actress turned agent Sue Carol
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1942 Achieved star status in This Gun for Hire ; first teaming with Veronica Lake
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1942 Worked exclusively for Paramount under long term contract
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1944 Received medical discharge from the Air Corps
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1948 Last of four co-starring vehicles opposite Veronica Lake, Saigon
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1953 Made annual exhibitors poll of top ten boxoffice stars two years in a row, placing fourth and sixth
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1953 Association with Paramount ended (date approximate)
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1953 Played most memorable film role in Shane
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1954 Formed production concern, Alan Ladd Enterprises; first feature credit starring Ladd, Drum Beat , co-produced with Jaguar Productions and Warner Brothers
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1964 Last film, The Carpetbaggers
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After working as lifeguard, gas station attendant and hotdog vendor, became bit player in films, radio and local theatrical productions
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Briefly worked for the San Fernanado Valley Sun-Record
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Joined a small group of actors that Universal planned to turn into movie stars; group disbanded after two weeks
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Moved with family to North Hollywood at age seven
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Worked as a grip at Warner Bros. For two years