Owen Davis Jr. Explained

Owen Gould Davis Jr.
Birth Date:October 6, 1907
Birth Place:New York City, U.S.
Death Place:Long Island Sound, New York, U.S.
Occupation:Actor
Years Active:1929–1940
Spouse:Laina Muroni

Owen Gould Davis Jr. (October 6, 1907 – May 21, 1949) was an American actor known primarily for his work in film. He also performed in the theatre, making his Broadway debut in the play Carry On (1928), which his father, Owen Davis, had written.

Biography

Born in 1907 in New York City, Davis Jr. was the son of dramatist Owen Davis[1] and his wife, actress Elizabeth Breyer. In 1923 his father won the Pulitzer Prize for drama for his play Icebound. When he was young, his parents opposed his having any involvement in acting.[2]

Educated at The Choate School and Yale University,[2] Davis was one of the leading students in the drama school. He was chosen captain of the boxing team.

On stage, Davis made his Broadway debut in the play Carry On (1928), written by his father Owen Davis. He soon began working in film, making his screen debut with Walter Huston. Later he toured on stage with Huston. After gaining more stage experience, Davis went to Hollywood and began to specialize in movies.

Davis served in the United States Army during World War II.< Afterward, he became a television producer. Shows produced by Davis included The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre.[3]

He married Laina Muroni.

Davis died on May 21, 1949. He drowned on Long Island Sound.[4] On May 25, 1949, the Nassau County medical examiner ruled that the drowning was accidental.[5]

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
1929They Had to See Paris Ross Peters
1930All Quiet on the Western Front Peter
1930Good Intentions Bud Finney
1936Murder on a Bridle Path Edward 'Eddie' Fry
1936Special Investigator George Fenwick
1936Bunker Bean Bunker Bean
1936Grand Jury Steve O'Connell
1936The Plot Thickens Robert Wilkins
1937The Woman I Love Mezziores
1937It Could Happen to You! Fred Barrett
1937Luck of Roaring Camp Davy
1938Touchdown, Army Cadet Kirk Reynolds
1939These Glamour Girls Greg Smith
1939Henry Goes Arizona Danny Regan
1939Thou Shalt Not Kill Allen Stevens
1940Knute Rockne All American Gus Dorais (final film role)

Notes and References

  1. News: Engaged for New Comedy: Owen Davis Jr. to Have Leading Role in 'Babes in the Wood' . April 20, 2024 . The New York Times . February 21, 1928 . 31. subscription .
  2. News: Owen Davis, Jr., Glad to Revisit St. Louis . April 20, 2024 . St. Louis Globe-Democrat . May 3, 1933 . 18. Newspapers.com.
  3. Book: Hawes . William . Live Television Drama, 1946-1951 . November 16, 2015 . McFarland . 978-1-4766-0849-5 . 24 . April 20, 2024 . en.
  4. News: Owen Davis Jr. Dead in L. I. Sound; Disappeared From Grounded Yacht . April 20, 2024 . The New York Times . May 22, 1949 . 1. subscription .
  5. News: Davis Death Accidental: Playwright's Son Drowned -- Rites at 'Little Church' . April 20, 2024 . The New York Times . May 26, 1949 . 16. subscription .