Stanley Smith (actor)

Stanley Smith
Born
Joseph Stanley Smith

(1903-01-06)January 6, 1903
Kansas City, Missouri
DiedApril 13, 1974(1974-04-13) (aged 71)
Pasadena, California, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1929–1943
SpouseHelen Evans
Children2

Joseph Stanley Smith[1][2][3] (January 6, 1903[2] – April 13, 1974[1])[4] was a film actor and singer. He had leading roles opposite various other stars and featured in several musicals.

Early life and career

Smith was born in Kansas City.[5] He acted in all of the dramatic club's productions while he was a student at Hollywood High School. As a juvenile, he acted in Lenore Ulric's west coast company's production of Kiki. He went on to acti in stock theater in Houston and Omaha for three seasons before returning to the west coast.[6]

Film studios for which Smith worked included Pathe and Paramount.[6] He co-starred opposite Clara Bow in Love Among the Millionaires. He married Mary Lawlor in the finale of Good News.[7] He signed with Paramount Pictures.[8]

Smith also led an orchestra.[9]

Personal life and death

Smith was married to fellow Kansas City native, Helen Evans,[10][11] with whom he had two children.

On April 13, 1974, following a lengthy illness, Smith died at his home in Pasadena, California,[1] at age 72.[2] Predeceased by his son, Joseph Stanley Smith Jr.,[12] he was survived by his wife and daughter.[1]

Filmography

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Obituaries: J. Stanley Smith". Variety. April 24, 1974. p. 63. ProQuest 1032481553. J. Stanley Smith, 69, former stage and screen leading man, died April 13 in his Pasadena (Calif.) home after a lengthy illness. Starting his career in high school theatricals, he appeared on the stage in such plays as 'Kiki,' 'What Price Glory' and 'The Royal Family' before turning to films in 1929 to play opposite Nancy Carroll in Paramount's 'Sweetie.' He was also with femme star in 'Honey' the following year. [...] Surviving are his wife and daughter.
  2. ^ a b c "California Death Index, 1940-1997," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VGT3-HB8 : 26 November 2014), Joseph S Smith, 13 Apr 1974; Department of Public Health Services, Sacramento.
  3. ^ "California, World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1940-1945", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGXB-312C : Fri Mar 08 01:49:59 UTC 2024), Entry for Joseph Stanley Smith and J H Fetty, 14 February 1942.
  4. ^ Kear, Lynn; Rossman, John (2016-03-30). The Complete Kay Francis Career Record: All Film, Stage, Radio and Television Appearances. ISBN 9781476602875.
  5. ^ Fleming, E. J. (2009-03-23). Paul Bern: The Life and Famous Death of the MGM Director and Husband of Harlow. ISBN 9780786452743.
  6. ^ a b "Handled Mail". Detroit Free Press. August 17, 1930. p. 43. Retrieved June 5, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ Bradley, Edwin M. (2004-08-11). The First Hollywood Musicals: A Critical Filmography of 171 Features, 1927 through 1932. ISBN 9780786420292.
  8. ^ "Stanley Smith, the film actor, signed to Paramount Pictures".
  9. ^ Henderson, Jessie (December 4, 1932). "Four Film Youngsters Come Back With New Viewpoint of 'Flickers'". Chattanooga Daily Times. p. 28. Retrieved June 5, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "United States Census, 1950", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6XGH-SHYY : Wed Mar 20 08:32:28 UTC 2024), Entry for J Stanley Smith and Helen Eons Smith, 19 April 1950.
  11. ^ "United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6K4H-RCRP : 11 February 2023), Helen Evans Smith, .
  12. ^ "Obituary Notices". Pasadena Independent. October 9, 1968. p. 38. Retrieved June 6, 2024.


Stub icon

This article about a United States film actor born in the 1900s is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.