FILM ACTOR DEAD

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20986, 13 December 1939, Page 11

FILM ACTOR DEAD

DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS, SENR. ' AN ADVVENTUROUS CAREER (United Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) NEW YORK, Dec. 12 One of the most famous actors of the films, Douglas Fairbanks, senior, died at Santa Monica, California, this morning. He was 55 years of age. Douglas Fairbanks first appeared on the stage at the age of 12 in his native town of Denver. After completing his studies at Harvard University he adopted a stage career. He played Shakespeare in New York and soon became a “Broadway star.” In 1914 he turned to the films. His success was instantaneous. Fairbanks was an all-round sportsman and kept himself in perfect training. Fairbanks, whose first marriage to Beth Sully, was dissolved in 1918, married Mary Pickford, the equally famous film star, in 1920. With Charles Chaplin, Norma Talmadge and other players he formed the United Artists’ Corporation, which employed from 5000 to 6000 people. The marriage was regarded as an ideal one, but there were reports in 1931 of a rift. Two years later it was reported that, while Mary wished to continue her film career, Fairbanks wanted to make his home in London and to travel. The couple were divorced in 1937. The following year Fairbanks married the former Lady Ashley. He leaves a son by his first marriage, Douglas Fairbanks, junior, who is also a well-known film actor.