Maxwell Reed | |
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Born | Larne, Ireland | 2 April 1919
Died | 16 August 1974 London, England | (aged 55)
Cause of death | Cancer |
Nationality | British |
Occupation | Actor |
Years active | 1946–1966 |
Spouse |
Maxwell Reed (2 April 1919 – 16 August 1974) was a Northern Irish actor [1] who became a matinee idol in several British films during the 1940s and 1950s.[2]
His early years included work as a merchant seaman and minor stage experience in Ireland and London, before being auditioned by Rank and joining 'The Company of Youth’ at the age of 27.[3][4]
He made his film debut in The Years Between (1946) and then appeared in Gaiety George (1946).
He was promoted to leading man status for Daybreak (made in 1946, not released until 1948) and The Brothers (1947).[5] Reed followed it with Dear Murderer (1947), Night Beat (1947), Daughter of Darkness (1948), The Lost People (1949), Madness of the Heart (1949), and Blackout (1950).
Reed drifted back to supporting parts in The Clouded Yellow (1950). Reed later said "they tried to make me a star too soon."[6] He kept in lead roles for The Dark Man (1950) and There Is Another Sun (1951).
Reed moved to the U.S. to make Flame of Araby (1952). He returned to Britain for Sea Devils (1953) and The Square Ring (1953). After making Captain Phantom (1953) in Italy, he made Marilyn (1953), Before I Wake (1954) and The Brain Machine (1956). He had a small role in Helen of Troy (1956).
Reed moved to Hollywood in the late 1950s and portrayed the title role in the 1950s television series Captain David Grief, which was based on short stories by Jack London. He also made three films in the U.S. and appeared as a guest star in television series such as Bonanza, Perry Mason and Daniel Boone.[7]
He was the first husband of actress Joan Collins, whom he married on 24 May 1952. The marriage ended in divorce in 1956. Joan exposed Reed as a rapist, stating that he drugged her when they first met and she awoke to him raping her.[8]
He died from cancer aged 55, in London.[9]
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