Born: December 20, 1905 – Died: May 5, 1968
Albert Dekker, a distinguished figure in the world of acting, was born on December 20, 1905, in Brooklyn, New York. His journey into the world of performing arts began on the stages of Broadway in 1927, and by the late 1930s, he had already made a significant mark in the film industry. Dekker's rugged good looks and towering presence often saw him cast in aggressive character roles, a notable example being his portrayal of the double-crossing gang leader in "The Killers" (1946).
Early Life and Career
Dekker's early life, characterized by his foray into the acting world, saw him establishing himself as a Broadway star. Details about his educational background or family life during this period are scarce, but his transition from stage to screen in the late 1930s marked a pivotal point in his career.
His first major successful role in film came with "The Killers" in 1946, where he played Big Jim Colfax. This role not only showcased his talent but also cemented his position in Hollywood. Aside from his acting career, Dekker also served a term in the California legislature from 1944-46, representing the Hollywood district.
Throughout his career, Dekker was known for his versatility, taking on roles in various genres from film noir to science fiction, with notable performances in "Dr. Cyclops" (1940) and "Kiss Me Deadly" (1955). Unlike many actors of his time, as he grew older, Dekker turned to the stage rather than television, achieving great success there and on the college lecture circuit.
His personal life, including his marriage to Teresa Esther Guerini and his children, remained less publicized compared to his professional life. Dekker's unexpected death on May 5, 1968, left a lasting impact on the film industry.
Albert Dekker's contribution to Hollywood went beyond his roles in front of the camera. His unique ability to bring depth and intensity to his characters, coupled with his commitment to stage acting, makes him an iconic figure in the world of performing arts. His legacy is remembered for his dynamic and compelling performances, marking him as a versatile and distinguished actor of his era.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | *The Wild Bunch* | Harrigan |
| 1968 | Bonanza (TV Series) | Barney Sturgess |
| 1968 | I Spy (TV Series) | Indris |
| 1968 | Judd for the Defense (TV Series) | George Stuka |
| 1968 | Run for Your Life (TV Series) | Sir Harry Hiller |
| 1967 | The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (TV Series) | Harry Beldon |
| 1967 | Come Spy with Me | Walter Ludeker |
| 1966 | Mission: Impossible (TV Series) | Colonel Shtemenko |
| 1966 | Gammera the Invincible | Secretary of Defense |
| 1966 | Ten Blocks on the Camino Real (TV Movie) | Mr. Gutman |
| 1966 | Death of a Salesman (TV Movie) | Ben |
| 1965 | Rawhide (TV Series) | Jonas Bolt | Josh Breeden |
| 1965 | Seaway (TV Series) | Captain Marland |
| 1965 | The Trials of O'Brien (TV Series) | George Brewer |
| 1965 | Once Upon a Tractor (Short) | Colonel |
| 1964 | The Defenders (TV Series) | Mark Vronis |
| 1964 | Kraft Suspense Theatre (TV Series) | Karl Hesse |
| 1961 | Naked City (TV Series) | Herbert B. Warick | Samuel Grafton |
| 1961 | Westinghouse Presents: The Dispossessed (TV Movie) | Judge Dundy |
| 1961 | Festival (TV Series) | Moreen | King Henry VIII |
| 1961 | Route 66 (TV Series) | Frank Ivy |
| 1961 | The Witness (TV Series) | Jimmy Hines |
| 1960 | Play of the Week (TV Series) | King Herod |
| 1959 | Suddenly, Last Summer | Dr. Hockstader |
| 1959 | The Wonderful Country | Texas Ranger Capt. Rucker |
| 1959 | Middle of the Night | Walter Lockman |
| 1959 | These Thousand Hills | Marshal Conrad |
| 1959 | The Sound and the Fury | Earl Snopes |
| 1959 | BBC Sunday-Night Theatre (TV Series) | Dr. Joseph Pearson |
| 1958 | The Witches from Another World | Don Luis Montoya |
| 1958 | Folio (TV Series) | Willie Loman |
| 1957–1958 | ITV Play of the Week (TV Series) | Joe Keller | Willy Loman |
| 1958 | Decoy (TV Series) | Otto Flagler |
| 1957 | She Devil | Dr. Richard Bach |
| 1956 | Climax! (TV Series) | Brewster |
| 1955–1956 | Playwrights '56 (TV Series) | Mr. Anderson | Maj. Tobey |
| 1955 | Illegal | Frank Garland |
| 1955 | Kiss Me Deadly | Dr. G.E. Soberin |
| 1955 | Goodyear Playhouse (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1955 | East of Eden | Will Hamilton |
| 1954 | The Silver Chalice | Kester |
| 1952 | Wait Till the Sun Shines, Nellie | Lloyd Slocum |
| 1952 | Studio One (TV Series) | Billy Bones |
| 1952 | CBS Television Workshop (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1952 | Hollywood Opening Night (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1952 | Lights Out (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1951 | Betty Crocker Star Matinee (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1951 | Celanese Theatre (TV Series) | Clyde Rochester |
| 1951 | Stars Over Hollywood (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1951 | As Young as You Feel | Louis McKinley |
| 1951 | Hollywood Theatre Time (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1951 | Pulitzer Prize Playhouse (TV Series) | George Washington |
| 1950 | The Furies | Mr. Reynolds |
| 1950 | Destination Murder | Armitage |
| 1950 | Fireside Theatre (TV Series) | (segment "The Human Touch") |
| 1950 | The Kid from Texas | Alexander Kain |
| 1949 | Search for Danger | Kirk |
| 1949 | Bride of Vengeance | Vanetti |
| 1949 | Tarzan's Magic Fountain | Mr. Trask |
| 1948 | Lulu Belle | Mark Brady |
| 1948 | Fury at Furnace Creek | Edward Leverett |
| 1947 | Gentleman's Agreement | John Minify |
| 1947 | The Fabulous Texan | Gibson Hart |
| 1947 | Cass Timberlane | Boone Havock |
| 1947 | The Pretender | Kenneth Holden |
| 1947 | Wyoming | Duke Lassiter |
| 1947 | Slave Girl | Pasha |
| 1947 | California | Mr. Pike |
| 1946 | The Killers | Big Jim Colfax |
| 1946 | Suspense | Frank Leonard |
| 1946 | The French Key | Johnny Fletcher |
| 1946 | Two Years Before the Mast | Brown |
| 1945 | Hold That Blonde! | Police Inspector Callahan |
| 1945 | Incendiary Blonde | Joe Cadden |
| 1945 | Salome, Where She Danced | Von Bohlen |
| 1944 | Experiment Perilous | Clag (Claghorn) |
| 1944 | The Hitler Gang | Narrator (uncredited) |
| 1943 | The Woman of the Town | Bat Masterson |
| 1943 | In Old Oklahoma | Jim 'Hunk' Gardner |
| 1943 | The Kansan | Steve Barat |
| 1943 | Buckskin Frontier | Gideon Skene |
| 1942 | Star Spangled Rhythm | Albert Dekker (uncredited) |
| 1942 | Once Upon a Honeymoon | Gaston Le Blanc |
| 1942 | The Forest Rangers | Twig Dawson |
| 1942 | Wake Island | Shad McClosky |
| 1942 | Night in New Orleans | Police Lieutenant William Richards |
| 1942 | In Old California | Britt Dawson |
| 1942 | Yokel Boy | 'Buggsy' Malone |
| 1942 | The Lady Has Plans | Baron Von Kemp |
| 1941 | Among the Living | John Raden | Paul Raden |
| 1941 | Buy Me That Town | Louie Lanzer |
| 1941 | Honky Tonk | Brazos Hearn |
| 1941 | Reaching for the Sun | Herman |
| 1941 | You're the One | Luke Laramie |
| 1941 | Blonde Inspiration | Phil Hendricks |
| 1940 | Seven Sinners | Dr. Martin |
| 1940 | Rangers of Fortune | George Bird |
| 1940 | Dr. Cyclops | Dr. Thorkel |
| 1940 | Strange Cargo | Moll |
| 1939 | The Great Commandment | Longinus |
| 1939 | Beau Geste | Schwartz |
| 1939 | The Man in the Iron Mask | Louis XIII |
| 1939 | Hotel Imperial | Sergeant (uncredited) |
| 1939 | Never Say Die | Kidley's Second (uncredited) |
| 1939 | Paris Honeymoon | Amorous Drunk (uncredited) |
| 1938 | The Last Warning | Higgs the Butler |
| 1938 | Marie Antoinette | Comte de Provence (as Albert Van Dekker) |
| 1938 | Extortion | Jeffrey Thompson (as Albert Van Dekker) |
| 1938 | The Lone Wolf in Paris | Marquis Louis de Meyerson |
| 1937 | She Married an Artist | Whitney Holton (as Albert van Dekker) |
| 1937 | The Great Garrick | LeBrun (as Albert Van Dekker) |
| 1935 | The Lady in Black (Short) | (as Albert Van Dekker) |
| 1933 | Fifi (Short) | (as Albert van Dekker) |
General:
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
