Arthur Kennedy
A character actor of immense range who brought a raw, everyman intensity to roles in classic films like 'Champion' and 'Lawrence of Arabia'.
1914–1990 (age 76)·American actor·Birthday: February 17·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Arthur Kennedy carved out a distinctive career in Hollywood not as a leading man, but as the essential, gritty supporting player. Born in 1914, he honed his craft on the stage, winning a Tony Award early on, which set the tone for his respected theatrical foundation. His film breakthrough came with a searing performance in the 1949 boxing drama 'Champion,' earning him the first of five Academy Award nominations. Kennedy possessed a remarkable ability to embody complex, often morally ambiguous characters, from the treacherous reporter in 'Lawrence of Arabia' to the brother tormented by desire in 'Peyton Place.' He worked with directors like Elia Kazan and John Huston, consistently delivering performances that grounded films in emotional truth. Though he never won an Oscar, his body of work stands as a masterclass in understated, powerful character acting that elevated every project he touched.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Arthur was born in 1914, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Arthur Was Born
The biggest hits of 1914
Arthur's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1914Born
World War I begins
President: Woodrow Wilson
1919Started school
Treaty of Versailles signed; Prohibition ratified
President: Woodrow Wilson
1927Became a teenager
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1930Could drive
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1932Could vote
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1935Turned 21
Social Security Act signed into law
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,450President: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Cheek to Cheek" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Mutiny on the Bounty
1944Turned 30
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1954Turned 40
Brown v. Board of Education desegregates US schools
Gas: $0.29/galHome: $8,925Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Little Things Mean a Lot" — Kitty KallenBest Picture: On the Waterfront
1964Turned 50
Civil Rights Act signed; Beatles arrive in America
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $13,450Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"I Want to Hold Your Hand" — The BeatlesBest Picture: My Fair Lady
1974Turned 60
Nixon resigns the presidency
Gas: $0.53/galHome: $22,600Min wage: $2.00/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"The Way We Were" — Barbra StreisandBest Picture: The Godfather Part II
1984Turned 70
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1990Died at 76
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
Key Achievements
- Received five Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor or Best Actor over his career.
- Won a Tony Award in 1949 for his performance in Arthur Miller's play 'Death of a Salesman.'
- Played a pivotal role as Jackson Bentley, the cynical journalist, in David Lean's epic 'Lawrence of Arabia.'
Did You Know?
He served in the United States Navy during World War II before resuming his acting career.
His five Oscar nominations were all in the supporting category, except for one for Best Actor in 'Bright Victory.'
He originated the role of Biff Loman in the Broadway premiere of Arthur Miller's 'Death of a Salesman.'
“An actor is a sculptor who carves in snow.”
