Millard Mitchell

'Millard Mitchell' (qv) was born to American parents in Havana, Cuba. He was a popular stage and radio actor in the 1930's in New York, where he also filmed his first cinema appearances (industrial short features). His first Hollywood role was in _Mr. and Mrs. North (1942)_ (qv). After World War II, Mitchell acted in a several movies, often cast as sardonic, yet stolid characters. He was in the highest-grossing movie of 1953, 'Anthony Mann' (qv) Western, _The Naked Spur (1953)_ (qv), adding his unique style playing an old prospector who falls in with 'James Stewart' (qv). He received top billing in 1952's _My Six Convicts (1952)_ (qv), but fans of movie musicals most admired his screen role as movie mogul 'R. F. Simpson' in the classic film _Singin' in the Rain (1952)_ (qv). A heavy smoker, Millard died too young - lung cancer ended his life at the age of 50.::J. T. Evans/edited by canadazbest