Alan Ladd

Date of Birth: September 3, 1913

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: January 29, 1964

Biography

Alan Ladd was an American actor and film producer, famously known for his roles in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. Born Alan Walbridge Ladd on September 3, 1913, in Hot Springs, Arkansas, he grew up in California after his family moved there when he was a child. Ladd’s early life was marked by hardship, including the death of his father and his mother’s remarriage. His small stature (he was 5’6″) initially hindered his career, but he eventually broke through with his distinctive voice and intense screen presence. Ladd’s first major success came with his role in the film “This Gun for Hire” (1942), which established him as a leading man in film noir. He went on to star in numerous classics such as “Shane” (1953), “The Blue Dahlia” (1946), and “The Great Gatsby” (1949). His collaborations with actress Veronica Lake were particularly well-received and contributed to his enduring legacy in Hollywood. Despite his on-screen success, Ladd’s personal life was challenging. He struggled with depression and alcohol abuse, issues that plagued him throughout his life. Sadly, Alan Ladd passed away on January 29, 1964, from an accidental overdose of sedatives and alcohol.

5 Interesting Facts about Alan Ladd

1. Alan Ladd was initially rejected by studios because of his height, but he overcame this with his unique voice and screen presence.

2. He served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II, contributing to the war effort while continuing to act in films.

3. His role in “Shane” is considered one of the greatest performances in Western film history.

4. Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake were considered one of the most iconic on-screen duos of the 1940s.

5. Ladd’s production company, Jaguar Productions, produced several successful films during the 1950s.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Alan Ladd

1. “I would rather be called an actor than a movie star.”

2. “I never fail to feel let down when I’m not on the screen.”

3. “I don’t care what I play, whether it’s a lover or a fighter. I just want to be in the movies.”

4. “When I was a kid, I used to dream about being an actor.”

5. “You can’t go on making westerns all your life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Alan Ladd’s net worth was estimated to be around $6 million, a substantial sum for the era.

Children

Alan Ladd had three children: Alan Ladd Jr., Alana Ladd, and David Ladd. Alan Ladd Jr. went on to become a prominent film producer, known for greenlighting films such as “Star Wars” during his tenure at 20th Century Fox.