Eddie Bracken

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Eddie Bracken
Born Edward Vincent Bracken
February 7, 1915(1915-02-07)
Astoria, New York, U.S.
Died November 14, 2002 (aged 87)
Montclair, New Jersey, U.S.
Years active 1940–2000
Spouse(s) Connie Nickerson (1939–2002) (her death)

Edward Vincent "Eddie" Bracken (February 7, 1915 – November 14, 2002) was an American actor.

Contents

[edit] Career

Born in Astoria, New York, Bracken performed in vaudeville at the age of nine and gained fame with the Broadway musical Too Many Girls in a role he reprised for the 1940 film adaptation. He had performed in a short film series called The Kiddie Troupers (one of many Our Gang-like series) prior to that, but that film was his big break. In 1936, Bracken pursued success on Broadway with his starring run in the Joseph Viertel play So Proudly We Hail. The military drama, co-starriing Richard Cromwell, opened to much fanfare but closed after 14 performances at the 46th Street Theater.

In the 1940s, director Preston Sturges cast Bracken in two of his best-loved films, The Miracle of Morgan's Creek, opposite Betty Hutton, and Hail the Conquering Hero. Due to the popularity of these films, Eddie Bracken was a household name during World War II. He made numerous radio broadcasts during this era, notably on The Eddie Bracken Show.

In 1953, Bracken left Hollywood. He appeared on Broadway in Shinbone Alley, Hello, Dolly!, The Odd Couple and Sugar Babies. After nearly 40 years out of feature films, he returned to perform character roles for director/writer John Hughes.

[edit] Death

He died in Montclair, New Jersey of complications from (undisclosed) surgery at the age of 87. His wife of 63 years, Connie, a former actress, died in August 2002, just three months before Eddie's passing. Connie was his leading lady in the Broadway production of What a Life in 1938. Together Eddie and Connie had five children: two sons Michael, David; three daughters Judy, Carolyn and Susan Bracken.

[edit] Hollywood Walk of Fame

For his contribution to radio, Eddie Bracken has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1651 Vine Street and a second star at 6751 Hollywood Blvd. for his contribution to the television industry.

[edit] Personal Quotes

"I could never just be an actor, that would be like having the rest of the day to die in... I'm in other businesses, most of them failures. Failures don't scare me. You make it or you don't"

"I am the theater's number one takeover guy for everybody. It's a great compliment to be asked to replace such a variety of performers."

"I've made a good living, and I've had a good time doing it. Has it been tough? You bet! I went broke three times, but I'm proud of the way I've recovered. You never hear any scandals about me. I'm well respected. I've got a happy family, a nice home, and I'm working in my business. What more could I ask?"

"I'm not a comedian; I'm an actor who does comedy."

[edit] Filmography

[edit] External links


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