Robert Mitchum American film actorwritercomposer and singer Date of Birth: 06.08.1917 Country: USA

1. Robert Mitchum: A Hollywood Legend
2. A Troubled Youth and Wanderlust
3. Finding Purpose in Acting
4. Rise to Stardom
5. The Noir Icon
6. Controversies and Success
7. Later Career and Legacy

Robert Mitchum: A Hollywood Legend

Born on August 61917in BridgeportConnecticutRobert Charles Durman Mitchum's parents were Norwegian and worked in the shipyard and railroad industries. After his father's untimely deathhis mother moved the family back to Connecticutwhere she remarried. Robert faced challenges in schoolbeing expelled from multiple institutions due to his rebellious nature.

A Troubled Youth and Wanderlust

At 13Mitchum moved to New York City's Hell's Kitchen with his sister. Howeverhis struggles continuedleading him to drop out of school and embark on a nomadic journey. He traveled the country as a "hobo," engaging in odd jobs like ditch-digging and boxing. Arrested for vagrancyMitchum faced serious injuries that nearly resulted in the amputation of his leg.

Finding Purpose in Acting

Returning homeMitchum reconnected with his future wifeDorothy Spence. He then joined his sister's theater company in Californiawhere he discovered his passion for acting and writing. In 1940he married Dorothy and returned with her to Californiawhere he pursued stable employment at an aircraft factory. Howevera nervous breakdown led him to seek opportunities in the film industry.

Rise to Stardom

After small roles in Western filmsMitchum's breakthrough came in the 1943 war drama "Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo." His performance impressed RKO Radio Pictureswho signed him to a seven-year contract. Mitchum became a star in low-budget Westernsparticularly adaptations of Zane Grey novels. His breakout role in the 1945 film "The Story of G.I. Joe" brought him national recognition and a career boost.

The Noir Icon

Mitchum is best known for his iconic roles inフィルム・ノワール. Notable works include "Undercurrent," "The Locket," "Pursued," "Crossfire," "Out of the Past," "Blood on the Moon," "Rachel and the Stranger," and "The Big Steal." These films showcased his unique brand of understated masculinity and cynical charm.

Controversies and Success

In 1948Mitchum faced a drug possession arrest that landed him in jail for 43 days. Howeverthe incident did not damage his career or popularity. Despite his famehe remained humble and reservedpreferring to communicate in one-word answers. His laid-back approach to acting impressed his colleaguesbut others found it frustrating.

Later Career and Legacy

Mitchum made his television debut in 1983's "The Winds of War" and continued to appear in films throughout his career. He passed away from complications of lung cancer and emphysema in 1997. Todayhe is widely regarded as one of Hollywood's Golden Age greats. A renowned actor with a distinctive Robert Mitchum left an enduring legacy in cinema.