Brian Donlevy
An Oscar-nominated film actor who created and personally financed both the radio and TV versions of Dangerous Assignment.
Born
1901
Cleveland, Ohio, USA
Died
1972
Radio Credits
1 show
Biography
Waldo Brian Donlevy was born February 9, 1901 in Cleveland. At 14 he lied about his age to join the Army and served with Pershings Mexico expedition and flew with the Lafayette Flying Corps in WWI. Nominated for an Academy Award for Beau Geste (1939). He starred as Steve Mitchell in Dangerous Assignment NBC Radio (July 1949 - July 1953). He personally self-financed 39 television episodes of the same show. He died of throat cancer April 6, 1972.
Radio Credits — In Our Archive
Did You Know?
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He lied about his age at 14 to join the Army and fought in Mexico with Pershing
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He modeled for the famous Arrow Collar advertisements before turning to acting
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He self-financed the Dangerous Assignment TV series with his own money
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He died of throat cancer -- an irony given his years of film villain roles
Known For
Beau Geste 1939 Academy Award nomination
The Great McGinty 1940
Dangerous Assignment NBC radio 1949-1953
Dangerous Assignment TV 1951-52