Victor McLaglen

Victor Andrew de Bier Everleigh McLaglen (10 December 1886 – 7 November 1959) was a British-American actor and former boxer. Initially a leading man renowned for his prowess in the ring, his acting career later developed into a series of compelling character roles. He was an integral part of John Ford’s Stock Company, performing in 12 of the director’s films, seven of them with John Wayne. Winning an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1935 film 'The Informer', McLaglen was nominated again for Best Supporting Actor in 'The Quiet Man', both films directed by John Ford. His name was immortalized in 1960 with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His birthplace was a contentious matter, with McLaglen claiming to have been born in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, despite his birth certificate stating 505 Commercial Road, Stepney, East End of London. His father, Andrew Charles Albert Mclaglen, was a prominent bishop and former missionary, leading the family to reside in South Africa for a time. His military service and boxing career saw him become a well-known local figure before turning to acting. He became one of the biggest leading men in cinema before his career transitioned into solid character roles.