Broderick Crawford
A powerhouse character actor who won an Oscar as a corrupt politician and later barked orders into a radio on 'Highway Patrol.'
1911–1986 (age 75)·American actor·Birthday: December 9·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Broderick Crawford possessed a brute force physicality and a voice like grinding gravel, tools he used to craft some of mid-century America's most memorable tough guys. His breakthrough as the demagogic Willie Stark in 'All the King's Men' was no fluke; it channeled a raw, unsettling energy that made his corruption feel terrifyingly real. After the Oscar win, Hollywood often typecast him as a brute, but Crawford found his perfect medium on television. As Chief Dan Mathews on 'Highway Patrol,' his commanding bark of 'Ten-Four!' became a national catchphrase, cementing him in the public imagination as the ultimate no-nonsense lawman. His career was a testament to the impact of sheer, unvarnished presence.
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.
Broderick was born in 1911, 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 Broderick Was Born
The biggest hits of 1911
Broderick's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1911Born
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire kills 146 in New York
President: William Howard Taft
1916Started school
The Battle of the Somme claims over a million casualties
President: Woodrow Wilson
1924Became a teenager
First Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France
President: Calvin Coolidge"It Had to Be You" — Isham Jones
1927Could drive
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1929Could vote
Wall Street crashes, triggering the Great Depression
Gas: $0.21/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Singin' in the Rain" — Cliff EdwardsBest Picture: The Broadway Melody
1932Turned 21
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1941Turned 30
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 40
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 50
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 60
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
1981Turned 70
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Died at 75
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
Key Achievements
- Won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Willie Stark in 'All the King's Men' (1949).
- Starred as Chief Dan Mathews in the seminal TV series 'Highway Patrol,' which ran for four seasons and 156 episodes.
- Received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his performance in 'All the King's Men.'
- Delivered a notable supporting performance in 'Born Yesterday' (1950) as the coarse millionaire Harry Brock.
Did You Know?
He was the son of vaudeville comedians Lester Crawford and Helen Broderick, growing up in the world of show business.
Crawford served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II as a radio operator.
Despite his tough-guy image, he was a well-read man who studied at Harvard College.
“You can't beat the people at their own game. I tried.”
