Fredric March

Born 8/31/1897 - Died 4/14/1975.

Fredric March began a career in banking but in 1920 found himself cast as an extra in films being produced in New York. He starred on the Broadway stage first in 1926 and would return there between screen appearances later on. He won plaudits (and an Academy Award nomination) for his send-up of John Barrymore in The Royal Family of Broadway (1930). Four more Academy Award nominations would come his way, and he would win the Oscar for Best Actor twice: for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931) and The Best Years of Our Lives (1946). He could play roles varying from heavy drama to light comedy, and was often best portraying men in anguish, such as Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman (1951). As his career advanced he progressed from leading man to character actor.

He entered the banking business in New York in 1920, working at what was then known as First National City Bank (now Citibank) when a ruptured appendix nearly killed him. While he was recuperating, his landlady (a former actress) related anecdotes from her days in the theater and he was so enchanted that he decided to pursue his real dream and become an actor.

He singled out The Best Years of Our Lives (1946) as his favorite movie role and "Long Day's Journey into Night" as his favorite stage play. He considered work in television "an awful experience".

In 1955, an informal poll of some 30 top stars, directors and producers was tabulated and announced. March was picked as Best Film Actor two to one, with runners-up Marlon Brando, William Holden, Ronald Colman and Spencer Tracy.

Starred in seven Oscar Best Picture nominees: Smilin' Through (1932), The Barretts of Wimpole Street (1934), Les Misérables (1935), Anthony Adverse (1936), A Star Is Born (1937), One Foot in Heaven (1941) and The Best Years of Our Lives (1946). Only the last of these won.