Ralph Bellamy Biography

Fast Facts

• Has received a Star on both the Hollywood walk of Fame and the Palm Springs Walk of Stars
• In 1984 he was awarded with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and three years later received the Honorary Award for his service to acting
• Attended New Trier High School and was the president of the Drama Club, but was later expelled as a result of smoking on school property
• Ran away from home at age 15, only to settle in New York after joining a road show
• Quote: "I always tell the producers, if I can't get the girl at the end of the picture, at least give me more money․"
• Quote: "I've been very lucky; like most actors and actresses, there have been times when I've gone hungry․ My philosophy is, just take it a day at a time․ As far as I'm concerned, I'll never retire․"
• After initially working as a supporting actor in films throughout the first decade of his career, he would land his first lead role in 1936's "Straight From the Shoulder" and later 1937's "The Awful Truth", a role that would land him an Oscar nomination
• Would portray Franklin D․ Roosevelt in numerous productions later in his career, with titles including "The Winds of War" as well as the stage and film productions of "Sunrise at Campobello"
• Opened the Palm Springs Racquet Club in 1934 alongside Charles Farrell with an initial investment of $78,000
• Bequeathed his Lifetime Achievement Oscar to nephew and fellow actor, Sam Huntington