From the earliest years of the silver screen to the modern age of television, Utahns have consistently played starring roles in Hollywood. While dozens of Utahns have made their mark, five actors have achieved an even greater degree of fame. Read on to learn about these Utahns who rose to become Hollywood legends.
1. John Gilbert
Born in Logan, Utah, in 1897, John Gilbert (birth name John Cecil Pringle) became a prominent actor during the silent film era.
Gilbert’s acting career began in the early 1910s when he got involved in theater productions and was cast as an extra in movies. His big break came when he signed a three-year contract with the film studio Fox Films in 1921 and quickly rose to fame to become one of the most sought-after leading men in Hollywood. Known for his dashing looks, charisma, and talent, he appeared in numerous successful films, often playing romantic leading roles.
After his contract ended with Fox Films, Gilbert signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). In 1925 he starred in The Big Parade—Hollywood’s most successful film until Gone with the Wind (1939). Some of his other notable films include Flesh and the Devil (1926), La Bohème (1926), and 12 Miles Out (1927).
By 1928, Gilbert was the highest paid actor in Hollywood and was as popular as Rudolph Valentino. But with the advent of sound in film (the “talkies”) in the late 1920s, his career took a downturn. His voice didn’t match the public’s perception of him, and his transition to sound films was challenging.
Despite his initial struggles with sound films, Gilbert continued to work in the industry, but his career never fully recovered. He continued to play smaller roles in films throughout the 1930s.
Gilbert made nearly 100 films before he died of a heart attack in his Bel Air home in 1936 at age 38. He was once engaged to legendary actress Greta Garbo, but she got cold feet and left him at the altar. He also dated Marlene Dietrich from 1935 until his death.
2. Laraine Day
Born as La Raine Johnson on October 13, 1920, in Roosevelt, Utah, Laraine Day had a successful career in Hollywood during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. Her acting talents and natural charm made her a popular leading lady in both film and television.
Day initially appeared in small roles in various films until her breakout role in the film Stella Dallas (1937). Throughout the late 1930s and 1940s, Day became known for her versatility, appearing in a wide range of film genres, including dramas, comedies, and mysteries. Some of her notable films from this period include Foreign Correspondent (1940), Mr. Lucky (1943), and My Dear Secretary (1949).
In the 1950s, Day transitioned to television and became a familiar face in households across America. She starred in the popular TV series The Laraine Day Show (1951-1952), a dramatic anthology series where she played a different role in each episode, though her most famous role was Nurse Lamont in the Dr. Kildare series.
Day also appeared on a number of other television shows, including Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Wagon Train, Let Freedom Ring, FBI, Sixth Sense, Murder, She Wrote, Fantasy Island, Love Boat, and Lou Grant. For her contributions to the motion picture industry, Day was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Day was married to actor Leo Durocher for over two decades until their divorce in 1960. She died in Ivins, Utah, on November 10, 2007, at age 87.
3. Moroni Olsen
Moroni Olsen was born on June 27, 1889, in Ogden, Utah.
Olsen’s acting journey began on the stage, where he honed his craft and gained recognition as a talented actor. He appeared in various theatrical productions, including Shakespearean plays, and became known for his commanding presence and deep, resonant voice.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Moroni Olsen transitioned to Hollywood and started acting in films. He became a sought-after character actor known for his authoritative and dignified roles. While he often portrayed judges, politicians, and other figures of authority. He also showcased versatility in his performances, taking on a wide range of supporting roles.
Some of Moroni Olsen’s notable film appearances include The Three Musketeers (1935), The Life of Emile Zola (1937), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), and Notorious (1946). His biggest claim to fame, however, is as the voice of the Magic Mirror in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937).
In addition to his work in film, Moroni Olsen had a successful career in radio. He appeared on various radio programs, lending his distinct voice to a wide range of characters and narrations.
On television, Olsen appeared in several shows, often in guest roles. His television credits include Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, and The Twilight Zone.
He continued to his acting career until his death on November 22, 1954, in Los Angeles, California. He was 65 years old.
4. Keene Curtis
Keene Holbrook Curtis was born in Salt Lake City on February 15, 1923. He was discovered by Orson Welles when Welles directed a college production of Macbeth. Welles then cast him in the role of Lennox in his 1948 motion picture adaptation.
Curtis became known for his versatility as an actor and his ability to bring depth to the characters he portrayed. He starred in major motion pictures such as M*A*S*H (1970), Slap Shot (1977), Heaven Can Wait (1978), and I.Q. (1994), as well as several popular television shows including M*A*S*H*, Cheers, E.R., Star Trek: Voyager, Touched by an Angel, St. Elsewhere, Hill Street Blues, and L.A. Law.
In addition to film and television, Curtis had a successful career in theater and starred in several Broadway productions. He gained critical acclaim for his work in the theater, earning a Tony Award for his role in the musical The Rothschilds in 1973. But he was best known for his role as Daddy Warbucks in Annie.
Curtis passed away in Bountiful, Utah, on October 13, 2002, at age 79.
5. Wilford Brimley
Wilford Brimley was born on September 27, 1934, in Salt Lake City. Before pursuing an acting career, he worked various jobs, including riding with rodeos, working as a blacksmith, and serving in the United States Marine Corps. He was once the body guard of billionaire businessman Howard Hughes and also had a brief career as a professional horse trainer and rodeo rider. In fact, his film career didn’t begin until the 1960s, at the urging of his good friend, actor Robert Duvall.
Brimley served as a stunt man and riding extra in several Westerns. His first credited film role was in the movie True Grit (1969). However, it was in the 1980s that he gained widespread recognition. Some of his most notable films include Absence of Malice (1981), The Thing (1982), The Natural (1984), Cocoon (1985), and The Firm (1993).
In addition to his film work, Brimley had a significant presence on television. In 1974, he was cast in the popular television show The Waltons and in the popular family drama series Our House in the late ’80s.
Brimley was also known for his memorable commercials for Quaker Oats, serving as a spokesperson in the 1980s. Later, he became the spokesperson for Liberty Medical Diabetic Supplies. His gruff but warm demeanor made him a memorable figure in the advertising world.
In addition to acting, he was an accomplished singer and performed with various musical groups over the years.
Brimley passed away in St. George, Utah, on August 1, 2020, at the age of 85.
► You’ll also like: Thurl Bailey’s Championship Mindset
