Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
He carved his own path from Hollywood's golden age to wartime heroism, embodying a dashing charm that captivated both screens and society.
1909–2000 (age 91)·American actor, film producer, and U.S. Navy officer·Birthday: December 9·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Born into Hollywood royalty as the son of silent film superstar Douglas Fairbanks, Douglas Fairbanks Jr. faced the immense challenge of escaping his father's shadow. He succeeded not through imitation but by refining a distinct persona of witty, urbane sophistication, starring in swashbuckling adventures like 'The Prisoner of Zenda' and the rousing 'Gunga Din.' His life off-screen was equally cinematic; a brief, tumultuous marriage to Joan Crawford was followed by decades as a fixture of international high society and diplomatic circles. During World War II, he served with distinction in the U.S. Navy, planning and participating in covert raids, and was awarded the Silver Star and the British Distinguished Service Cross. Fairbanks Jr. ultimately crafted a legacy that blended cinematic glamour with genuine public service, becoming a respected ambassador of American culture.
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.
Douglas was born in 1909, 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 Douglas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1909
Douglas's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1909Born
Robert Peary claims to reach the North Pole
President: William Howard Taft
1914Started school
World War I begins
President: Woodrow Wilson
1922Became a teenager
King Tut's tomb discovered in Egypt
President: Warren G. Harding"April Showers" — Al Jolson
1925Could drive
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1927Could vote
Lindbergh flies solo across the Atlantic; The Jazz Singer premieres
President: Calvin Coolidge"My Blue Heaven" — Gene Austin
1930Turned 21
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1939Turned 30
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1949Turned 40
NATO founded; Mao proclaims the People's Republic of China
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $7,450Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Riders in the Sky" — Vaughn MonroeBest Picture: All the King's Men
1959Turned 50
Fidel Castro takes power in Cuba
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $12,400Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"The Battle of New Orleans" — Johnny HortonBest Picture: Ben-Hur
1969Turned 60
Apollo 11: humans walk on the Moon; Woodstock festival
Gas: $0.35/galHome: $15,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Sugar, Sugar" — The ArchiesBest Picture: Midnight Cowboy
1979Turned 70
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
1989Turned 80
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
2000Died at 91
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
Key Achievements
- Awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action during World War II while serving in the U.S. Navy.
- Starred in and produced classic adventure films such as 'The Corsican Brothers' and 'The Prisoner of Zenda.'
- Received the British Distinguished Service Cross for his contributions to Allied planning and operations.
- Served as a U.S. goodwill ambassador and was deeply involved in the English-Speaking Union.
Did You Know?
His first wife was actress Joan Crawford; their 1929-1933 marriage was famously stormy.
He was awarded the French Legion of Honour for his cultural and wartime contributions.
He became close friends with the British Royal Family, particularly King Edward VIII before his abdication.
He was an accomplished painter and held several solo exhibitions of his work.
“I determined that if I was going to be a Fairbanks, I would be the best Fairbanks I could possibly be.”
