Births on January 3

Ray Milland, Welsh-American actor and director (d. 1986)

Ray Milland: A Versatile Welsh-American Icon of Hollywood's Golden Age

Ray Milland, born Alfred Reginald Jones in Neath, Glamorgan, Wales, on January 3, 1907, and passing away on March 10, 1986, was a distinguished Welsh-American actor and an accomplished film director. His remarkable screen career spanned nearly six decades, from his debut in 1929 until his final appearances in 1985, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history. Milland is most profoundly remembered for his transformative, Academy Award-winning portrayal of Don Birnam, an alcoholic writer grappling with addiction, in Billy Wilder's groundbreaking 1945 drama, *The Lost Weekend*. This role not only earned him the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actor but also the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama and the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor, cementing his status as a dramatic powerhouse. Beyond this iconic performance, Milland's versatile talent also shone through a diverse range of roles, including the sophisticated leading man opposite John Wayne's corrupt character in Cecil B. DeMille's visually spectacular 1942 adventure *Reap the Wild Wind*, the chillingly calculating and murder-plotting husband in Alfred Hitchcock's suspense masterpiece *Dial M for Murder* (1954) – a film famously released in 3D – and the stern, patrician Oliver Barrett III in the beloved and era-defining romantic drama *Love Story* (1970).

From Cavalryman to Cinematic Star: Milland's Early Life and Hollywood Ascent

Before captivating audiences on screen, Alfred Reginald Jones embarked on a very different path, serving with distinction in the Household Cavalry, a prestigious branch of the British Army. During his military tenure, he honed impressive practical skills, becoming a proficient marksman, an accomplished horseman, and even a qualified aeroplane pilot. This period of discipline and diverse skill acquisition subtly contributed to the poised and commanding presence he would later exhibit in his acting roles, often portraying characters of authority or refined demeanor. Opting to leave the army to pursue his burgeoning passion for acting, he initially appeared as an extra in various British productions, gaining invaluable early experience in front of the camera. His perseverance paid off with his first significant, credited role in *The Flying Scotsman* (1929), one of Britain's earliest full-length sound films, which marked a pivotal turning point in his career by showcasing his potential for leading roles in the emerging "talkie" era.

Breaking into Hollywood: MGM, Paramount, and Breakthrough Success

The success of *The Flying Scotsman* quickly propelled Ray Milland across the Atlantic, leading to a pivotal nine-month contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), one of Hollywood's most powerful studios during its Golden Age. Upon moving to the United States, Milland worked as a "stock actor" at MGM, a common practice in the studio system where actors were kept under contract to fill various supporting roles across numerous productions. After his tenure at MGM, he was strategically signed by Paramount Pictures. At Paramount, he initially took on a range of lesser speaking parts, frequently typecast as a quintessential "English character," capitalizing on his natural accent and refined demeanor. However, his true breakthrough came through a loan-out to Universal Pictures for the immensely popular Deanna Durbin musical *Three Smart Girls* (1936). The unexpected triumph of this film, which revitalized Universal's fortunes, led directly to his first true lead role later that same year in *The Jungle Princess* (1936), where he starred opposite the then-new starlet Dorothy Lamour, who would become a prominent figure in exotic adventure films. Both *Three Smart Girls* and *The Jungle Princess* proved to be substantial successes, effectively launching both Milland and Lamour into prominent stardom. Milland’s fruitful collaboration with Paramount Pictures spanned nearly two decades, a testament to his consistent appeal and versatility as a leading man during a crucial period of Hollywood history.

A Distinguished Career: Notable Films and Collaborations

During his long and illustrious career, Ray Milland graced numerous other notable films, showcasing his remarkable range across genres. His filmography includes the classic screwball comedy *Easy Living* (1937), where he starred opposite Jean Arthur; the epic adventure *Beau Geste* (1939) alongside Gary Cooper; his first acclaimed collaboration with director Billy Wilder in the charming romantic comedy *The Major and the Minor* (1942), co-starring Ginger Rogers; the atmospheric and influential gothic ghost story *The Uninvited* (1944); Fritz Lang's tense film noir *Ministry of Fear* (1944); the intricate, high-stakes thriller *The Big Clock* (1948); and the innovative, entirely dialogue-free spy thriller *The Thief* (1952). The latter film was a daring cinematic experiment relying solely on visual storytelling and Milland's nuanced performance, for which he earned his second Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. At the peak of his career, Milland was notably among Paramount Pictures' highest-paid actors, a testament to his star power and consistent box-office appeal. Throughout his roles, he frequently co-starred alongside many of the most popular and celebrated actresses of his era, including screen legends such as Gene Tierney, Jean Arthur, Grace Kelly, Lana Turner, Marlene Dietrich, Maureen O'Hara, Ginger Rogers, Jane Wyman, and Loretta Young.

Transition to Directing and Enduring Legacy

Following his extensive and highly successful tenure at Paramount, Ray Milland diversified his career, venturing into film and television directing, as well as embracing roles in the burgeoning medium of television acting. His directorial credits include several films, such as *A Man Alone* (1955), which he also starred in, and numerous episodes of popular television series like *General Electric Theater* and *The Ray Milland Show* (also known as *Meet Mr. McNulty*), where he also took on a starring role. Milland’s enduring legacy lies in his remarkable versatility, his commanding screen presence, and his ability to seamlessly transition between complex dramatic portrayals, charming comedic roles, and gripping suspense thrillers. His contributions solidified his status as a true Hollywood icon, celebrated for both his artistic achievements and his remarkable longevity in the entertainment industry.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ray Milland

What was Ray Milland's real name?

Ray Milland was born Alfred Reginald Jones in Neath, Glamorgan, Wales. He adopted his more memorable stage name upon entering the acting profession.

What was Ray Milland most famous for?

Ray Milland is most renowned for his Academy Award-winning portrayal of an alcoholic writer in Billy Wilder's critically acclaimed 1945 film *The Lost Weekend*. He is also widely recognized for his roles in Alfred Hitchcock's suspense thriller *Dial M for Murder* (1954) and the popular romantic drama *Love Story* (1970).

Did Ray Milland win an Academy Award?

Yes, Ray Milland won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1946 for his powerful performance in *The Lost Weekend*. For the same role, he also received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama and the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor.

What other notable films did Ray Milland appear in?

Beyond his most famous roles, Milland starred in a wide array of acclaimed films including *Reap the Wild Wind* (1942), the screwball comedy *Easy Living* (1937), the adventure classic *Beau Geste* (1939), Billy Wilder's romantic comedy *The Major and the Minor* (1942), the gothic ghost story *The Uninvited* (1944), Fritz Lang's film noir *Ministry of Fear* (1944), the intricate thriller *The Big Clock* (1948), and the unique, dialogue-free spy film *The Thief* (1952).

Did Ray Milland direct films or television?

Yes, after a successful career as an actor, Ray Milland ventured into directing. He helmed several feature films, such as *A Man Alone* (1955), and directed numerous episodes of various television series, demonstrating his versatility both in front of and behind the camera.