George Stevens Biography

Fast Facts

• Recognized by the National Board of Review in 1953 for his work on "Shane"
• Born into a Hollywood family, both his mother and father were actors, while his uncle was a well-known film critic
• Quote: "(On working with James Dean in "Giant") "All in all, it was a hell of a headache to work with him․""
• After starting his career as a camera operator in the early '30s, he would land his first directing job with "Kentucky Kernals", a slapstick comedy made in 1934
• Upon his return from service during WWII, he would focus mainly on dramatic pieces, including "Giant" and "A Place in the Sun", both of which would earn him an Oscar statue
• Recipient of the Irving G․ Thalberg Memorial Award in 1953 for his numerous contributions made to the film industry
• Served as president of the Screen Directors Guild twice, both before and after his deployment during WWII
• While serving in the U․S․ Army during WWII, he would orchestrate the filming of the Normandy landings, work that would eventually garner him the Legion of Merit award