Don Ameche
A dapper star of Hollywood's Golden Age who smoothly transitioned from radio heartthrob to a beloved elder statesman of comedy.
1908–1993 (age 85)·American actor·Birthday: May 31·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Don Ameche's voice was his first ticket to fame—a warm, resonant baritone that made him one of radio's biggest stars in the 1930s. That voice, paired with his easy charm and pencil-thin mustache, made him a natural for the movies. At 20th Century Fox, he became a leading man in light comedies and musicals, often paired with Alice Faye or Betty Grable in films like 'Alexander's Ragtime Band.' He was so identified with the role of the suave, singing romantic lead that he famously portrayed the inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell, in a biopic. As his matinee idol days waned, Ameche found a brilliant second act. He became a reliable and witty presence in comedies, culminating in a remarkable late-career resurgence. His turn as a mischievous, rejuvenated millionaire in 'Trading Places' reminded audiences of his impeccable timing, and he won an Academy Award for his supporting role in 'Cocoon.' Ameche's career arc—from radio to silver screen to elder comic relief—traced the evolution of American entertainment itself.
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.
Don was born in 1908, 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 Don Was Born
The biggest hits of 1908
Don's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1908Born
Ford Model T goes into production
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1913Started school
The Federal Reserve is established
President: Woodrow Wilson
1921Became a teenager
First commercial radio broadcasts
President: Warren G. Harding"My Man" — Fanny Brice
1924Could drive
First Winter Olympics held in Chamonix, France
President: Calvin Coolidge"It Had to Be You" — Isham Jones
1926Could vote
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
1929Turned 21
Wall Street crashes, triggering the Great Depression
Gas: $0.21/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Singin' in the Rain" — Cliff EdwardsBest Picture: The Broadway Melody
1938Turned 30
Kristallnacht and the escalation toward WWII
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $2,850Min wage: $0.25/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Begin the Beguine" — Artie ShawBest Picture: You Can't Take It with You
1948Turned 40
Israel declares independence; Berlin Blockade begins
Gas: $0.26/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Twelfth Street Rag" — Pee Wee HuntBest Picture: Hamlet
1958Turned 50
NASA founded
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $11,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Volare" — Domenico ModugnoBest Picture: Gigi
1968Turned 60
Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy assassinated
Gas: $0.34/galHome: $14,950Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"Hey Jude" — The BeatlesBest Picture: Oliver!
1978Turned 70
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1988Turned 80
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Died at 85
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
Key Achievements
- Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Art Selwyn in 'Cocoon' (1985).
- Starred as Alexander Graham Bell in the 1939 biographical film 'The Story of Alexander Graham Bell,' a role so iconic his name became slang for a telephone.
- Was a major radio star in the 1930s, co-hosting 'The Chase and Sanborn Hour' with Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy.
- Received critical acclaim for his comedic performance alongside Ralph Bellamy in 'Trading Places' (1983).
Did You Know?
His real surname was Amici; he was of Italian descent.
He and his wife, Honore Prendergast, were married for 54 years until his death and had six children.
He was the first host of the NBC radio series 'The First Nighter Program.'
Ameche was a licensed pilot and owned several aircraft.
“The voice is the first instrument of the actor.”
