Douglas Fairbanks

Date of Birth: May 23, 1883

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: December 12, 1939

Biography

Douglas Fairbanks was an iconic American actor, screenwriter, director, and producer, best known for his swashbuckling roles in silent films. Born as Douglas Elton Thomas Ullman in Denver, Colorado, he became one of the most celebrated figures of early Hollywood. He gained fame for his dynamic performances and athletic prowess, appearing in classic films such as “The Mark of Zorro” (1920), “Robin Hood” (1922), and “The Thief of Bagdad” (1924). Fairbanks played a pivotal role in the formation of United Artists, along with Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and D.W. Griffith, revolutionizing the film industry by granting artists more creative control. He was married to Mary Pickford, and the couple was considered Hollywood royalty. Fairbanks’ influence extended beyond his acting career; he was also an author and a key figure in the establishment of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

5 Interesting Facts about Douglas Fairbanks

1. Douglas Fairbanks was one of the co-founders of United Artists in 1919, which helped give more creative control to actors and filmmakers.

2. He was one of the original 36 founders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which presents the annual Academy Awards.

3. Fairbanks wrote a book titled “Making Life Worth While,” which was published in 1918.

4. He was known for performing his own stunts, which added to the authenticity and excitement of his films.

5. Fairbanks was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing his immense contribution to the film industry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Douglas Fairbanks

1. “The man that’s out to do something has to keep in high gear all the time.”

2. “In taking on any new project, I always ask myself two questions: Is it worthwhile? and, Can I win?”

3. “I must be a star in everything I do.”

4. “I have never considered myself a specialist in anything. If I have any specialty, it is in being versatile.”

5. “There is one thing more powerful than the armies of the world, and that is an idea whose time has come.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Douglas Fairbanks’ net worth was estimated to be around $8 million, which would be equivalent to approximately $150 million today, adjusted for inflation.