Ben Lyon
A Hollywood leading man of the silent and early talkie era who later reinvented himself as a powerful studio executive in Britain.
1901–1979 (age 78)·American actor·Birthday: February 6·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Ben Lyon's story is a tale of two distinct careers spanning the Atlantic. Discovered as a teenager, his boyish charm and good looks made him a star in 1920s Hollywood, appearing in films like "Hell's Angels" where he famously helped launch Jean Harlow's career. He transitioned smoothly into talkies, but his ambitions stretched beyond the screen. In the late 1930s, he moved to London with his wife, actress Bebe Daniels, and their popular radio show "Hi Gang!" made them household names in Britain during the Blitz. After WWII, Lyon leveraged his industry knowledge, taking a executive role at 20th Century-Fox's British operations where he had a keen eye for talent, notably helping to secure Marilyn Monroe's first studio contract. He spent his later years as a beloved figure on British television, completing a remarkable journey from American matinee idol to a behind-the-scenes power player and media personality in the UK.
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.
Ben was born in 1901, 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 Ben Was Born
The biggest hits of 1901
Ben's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1901Born
Queen Victoria dies, ending the Victorian era
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1906Started school
San Francisco earthquake devastates the city
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1914Became a teenager
World War I begins
President: Woodrow Wilson
1917Could drive
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1919Could vote
Treaty of Versailles signed; Prohibition ratified
President: Woodrow Wilson
1922Turned 21
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1931Turned 30
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1941Turned 40
Pearl Harbor attack brings the US into WWII
Gas: $0.19/galHome: $3,060Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Chattanooga Choo Choo" — Glenn MillerBest Picture: How Green Was My Valley
1951Turned 50
First color TV broadcast in the US
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,925Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Too Young" — Nat King ColeBest Picture: An American in Paris
1961Turned 60
Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human in space
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,500Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Tossin' and Turnin'" — Bobby LewisBest Picture: West Side Story
1971Turned 70
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1979Died at 78
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
Key Achievements
- Starred in the groundbreaking aviation film "Hell's Angels" (1930), produced by Howard Hughes.
- Co-created and starred in the hugely popular BBC radio comedy series "Hi Gang!" during World War II.
- Served as a casting director and executive for 20th Century-Fox in Europe, influencing early careers.
- Successfully transitioned from silent films to sound, maintaining his star status into the 1930s.
Did You Know?
He and his wife Bebe Daniels were among the first celebrities to broadcast live from a submarine.
Lyon is credited with suggesting the stage name "Marilyn Monroe" for Norma Jeane Mortenson.
He served as a flight instructor for the US Army Air Forces during World War II.
“I told them to test that girl Harlow; she had something special.”
