William Broderick Crawford (December 9, 1911 â€" April 26, 1986) was
an American stage, film, radio, and television actor, often cast in
tough-guy roles and best known for his Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning
portrayal of Willie Stark in All the King's Men (1949) and for his
starring role as Dan Mathews in the television series Highway Patrol
(1955â€"1959).Until filming All the King's Men, Crawford's career had
been largely limited to "B films" in supporting or character roles. He
realized he did not fit the role of a handsome leading man, once
describing himself as looking like a "retired pugilist". Nevertheless,
he excelled in roles playing villains and authoritarian
figures.Crawford was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Lester
Crawford and Helen Broderick, who were both vaudeville performers, as
his grandparents had been. Lester appeared in films in the 1920s and
1930s. Helen Broderick had a career in Hollywood comedies, including a
memorable appearance as Madge in the classic musical Top Hat and as
Mabel Anderson in the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film Swing
Time.Young William joined his parents on the stage, working for
producer Max Gordon. After graduating from preparatory high school
Dean Academy (now Dean College) in Franklin, Massachusetts, Crawford
was accepted by Harvard College where he enrolled. However, after only
three weeks at Harvard he dropped out to work as a stevedore on the
New York docks.
an American stage, film, radio, and television actor, often cast in
tough-guy roles and best known for his Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning
portrayal of Willie Stark in All the King's Men (1949) and for his
starring role as Dan Mathews in the television series Highway Patrol
(1955â€"1959).Until filming All the King's Men, Crawford's career had
been largely limited to "B films" in supporting or character roles. He
realized he did not fit the role of a handsome leading man, once
describing himself as looking like a "retired pugilist". Nevertheless,
he excelled in roles playing villains and authoritarian
figures.Crawford was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Lester
Crawford and Helen Broderick, who were both vaudeville performers, as
his grandparents had been. Lester appeared in films in the 1920s and
1930s. Helen Broderick had a career in Hollywood comedies, including a
memorable appearance as Madge in the classic musical Top Hat and as
Mabel Anderson in the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers film Swing
Time.Young William joined his parents on the stage, working for
producer Max Gordon. After graduating from preparatory high school
Dean Academy (now Dean College) in Franklin, Massachusetts, Crawford
was accepted by Harvard College where he enrolled. However, after only
three weeks at Harvard he dropped out to work as a stevedore on the
New York docks.
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