Joel McCrea

Date of Birth: November 5, 1905

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: October 20, 1990

Biography

Joel McCrea was an American actor who became one of the most popular leading men during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Born in South Pasadena, California, McCrea was raised in a well-to-do family and attended Pomona College, where he nurtured an early interest in acting. He began his career in silent films in the late 1920s and transitioned seamlessly into talkies, becoming known for his versatility in various genres, including adventure, drama, and comedy. However, it was in Westerns that McCrea truly carved out his niche, appearing in classics like “The Virginian” (1946), “Ride the High Country” (1962), and “Wichita” (1955). Over a career spanning nearly five decades, McCrea appeared in more than 90 films, working with legendary directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, Preston Sturges, and Howard Hawks. Despite his stardom, McCrea was known for his humility and down-to-earth personality. He retired from acting in the 1970s, spending his later years managing his 3,000-acre ranch in Thousand Oaks, California, where he raised cattle and horses.

5 Interesting Facts about Joel McCrea

1. Joel McCrea was a licensed pilot and often flew his own plane to film locations.

2. He was married to actress Frances Dee for 57 years, a rarity in Hollywood.

3. McCrea turned down numerous roles that he felt were morally compromising, preferring to play characters with integrity.

4. He was a lifelong Republican and actively supported conservative political causes.

5. Despite his success, McCrea was known to live frugally and invested wisely in real estate and agriculture.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joel McCrea

1. “I have no regrets, except perhaps one: I should have tried harder to be a better actor.”

2. “The only reason I ever wanted to be an actor was that I thought it would be a way to travel.”

3. “My career was 90 percent luck and 10 percent hard work.”

4. “I always felt that I was only as good as my last picture.”

5. “I never pretended to be anything but what I am.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Joel McCrea’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, a substantial sum considering the era.

Children

Joel McCrea and Frances Dee had three sons: Jody McCrea, David McCrea, and Peter McCrea. Jody McCrea followed in his father’s footsteps and also became an actor, best known for his role in the “Beach Party” movies of the 1960s.