Full Name: George Orson Welles
Profession: Actor and Director
Biography: Remembered for his innovative work in theatre, radio and film.
In theatre, most notably "Caesar" (1937), a groundbreaking Broadway adaptation of Julius Caesar.
In radio, the debut of the Mercury Theatre, whose "The War of the Worlds" (1938), is one of the most famous broadcasts in the history of radio.
In film, "Citizen Kane" (1941) about newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst, consistently ranks as one of the all-time greatest films.
Born: May 6, 1915
Birthplace: Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA
Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
Star Sign: Taurus
Died: October 10, 1985 (aged 70)
Cause of Death: Heart attack
Articles and Photos
WR Hearst – The Master of Fake News
Newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst was a towering figure of his age. Immensely wealthy, he believed he had unlimited influence, even on matters of war.
April 29, 1863Panic Over War of the Worlds
When Orson Welles decided to present the War of the Worlds story in a radio newscast format, his broadcast on this day apparently caused panic across the US.
October 30, 1938
Married Life
- 1943-09-07 American "Gilda" actress Rita Hayworth (24) weds American actor-director-wunderkind Orson Welles (28); divorce in 1947
- 1947-11-10 American "Gilda" actress Rita Hayworth (28) divorces American actor-director-wunderkind Orson Welles (32) after just over 4 years of marriage
Historical Events
- 1938-10-30 A radio broadcast of H. G. Wells "The War of the Worlds", narrated by Orson Welles, allegedly causes a mass panic
- 1941-05-01 "Citizen Kane", directed by Orson Welles and starring himself, Joseph Cotten and Dorothy Corningore, premieres at the Palace Theater in New York City
- 1947-12-26 Marc Blitzstein's play with music "The Cradle Will Rock", directed by Orson Welles, opens at Mansfield Theater, NYC; runs for 34 performances
- 1948-02-07 Marc Blitzstein's play with music "The Cradle Will Rock", directed by Orson Welles, closes at Mansfield Theater, NYC, after 34 performances
- 1949-09-02 "The Third Man", directed by Carol Reed, starring Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli and Orson Welles, is released in the United Kingdom (Academy Awards Best Cinematography 1950)
- 1952-05-10 5th Cannes Film Festival: "The Tragedy of Othello: The Moor of Venice" directed by Orson Welles and "Two Cents Worth of Hope" directed by Renato Castellani jointly awarded the Grand Prix du Festival International du Film