Richard Thorpe
Birth Name:
Rollo Smolt Thorpe
Birth Place:
Hutchinson, Kansas, United States
Profession
Director, Writer, Actor, Editor, Producer, Assistant director
Fast Facts
- A Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars was dedicated to him and his son, Jerry Thorpe, in 2003
- His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame rests at 6101 Hollywood Blvd
- Performed vaudeville onstage early on in his entertainment career
- Directed many adventure films, including 1934's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and 1952's "Ivanhoe․"
- Led a long career at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, working as a director for the studio from 1935 to 1962
- His favorite films that he directed were "Night Must Fall" and "Two Girls and a Sailor․"
- Was the original director of "The Wizard Oz," and under his direction Judy Garland wore a blond wig and baby-doll makeup that made her look older than her character in the finished film
Awards
- 1952DGA Award - Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures:Nominated
- 1952Golden LionNominated
- 1953DGA Award - Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures:Nominated
- 1954Grand Prize of the FestivalNominated