Frank Capra

Date of Birth: May 18, 1897

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: September 3, 1991

Biography

Frank Capra was an Italian-American film director, producer, and writer who became one of America’s most influential directors during the 1930s and 1940s. Born in Sicily, Italy, Capra emigrated to the United States with his family when he was just five years old. He grew up in Los Angeles, California, where he later attended the California Institute of Technology. Capra started his career in the film industry as a writer and later as a director for silent films. He rose to prominence with his work for Columbia Pictures, directing hits like “It Happened One Night” (1934), “Mr. Deeds Goes to Town” (1936), and “You Can’t Take It With You” (1938). Capra’s films often focused on themes of American idealism and the common man’s triumph over adversity. His most enduring work, “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946), has become a beloved holiday classic. Capra’s distinctive style and optimistic narratives have left an indelible mark on American cinema.

5 Interesting Facts about Frank Capra

1. Frank Capra won three Academy Awards for Best Director.

2. He served as a major in the U.S. Army during World War II and directed the “Why We Fight” documentary series.

3. Capra was the first director to win the Directors Guild of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

4. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1965.

5. Capra’s autobiography, “The Name Above the Title,” was published in 1971 and became a best-seller.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Frank Capra

1. “There are no rules in filmmaking. Only sins. And the cardinal sin is dullness.”

2. “I made mistakes in drama. I thought drama was when actors cried. But drama is when the audience cries.”

3. “A hunch is creativity trying to tell you something.”

4. “Film is a disease. When it infects your bloodstream, it takes over as the number one hormone; it bosses the enzymes, directs the pineal glands, plays Iago to your psyche.”

5. “My advice to young filmmakers is this: don’t follow trends. Start them.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Frank Capra’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million (adjusted for inflation, this would be roughly $100 million today).