Frank Fenton (actor)

Frank Fenton Moran[1] (April 9, 1906 – July 24, 1957), known as Frank Fenton, was an American stage, film and television actor.

This article is about the actor. For the writer of the same name, see Frank Fenton (writer).
Frank Fenton (Moran)
Frank Fenton in Lady of Burlesque (1943)
Born(1906-04-09)April 9, 1906
Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.
DiedJuly 24, 1957(1957-07-24) (aged 51)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Years active1942–1957
Spouse(s)Queenie Bilotti (m. 1934–1948)
Children2

Early years

Born Francis Fenton Moran,[2] the Georgetown University graduate lettered as a tackle on the school's football team. He also was active in Georgetown's undergraduate dramatic club, for which he directed and wrote plays.[3]

Career

Fenton started his career on stage in New York, acting on Broadway in An American Tragedy (1926) billed as Frank Moran.[4] As Frank Fenton, he starred in the Broadway versions of Susan and God with Gertrude Lawrence and as George Kittredge in The Philadelphia Story (1939) alongside Katharine Hepburn. His other Broadway credits include Stork Mad, O Evening Star, Dead End, and The O'Flynn.[5] He also appeared on stage in London, and toured with Katherine Cornell in Romeo & Juliet and other plays.

Fenton's film debut came in The Navy Comes Through (1942).[6] After moving to Hollywood for Barbara Stanwyck's Lady of Burlesque (1943),[7] the Hartford, Connecticut native[8] appeared in more than 80 movies and television programs. Although the majority of his motion picture career was spent in supporting roles, he starred alongside John Carradine in Isle of Forgotten Sins (1943), which was re-issued as Monsoon.

Fenton was married from 1934-1948[9] to the former Aqueena Bilotti, daughter of sculptor Salvadore Bilotti. The couple had two daughters, Alicia and Honoree.[10][11] They divorced in 1948.[12]

He is often confused—in print and online—with screenwriter and novelist Frank Fenton (1903 - August 23, 1971). The actor dropped his last name early in his career to avoid confusion with other well-known Morans in New York City, including prizefighter Frank Moran, drama reporter Frank Moran, and George Moran of the popular comedy team Moran and Mack.[2]

Death

Fenton died at UCLA Medical Center on July 24, 1957, at age 51.[12][13] He is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.[1]

Partial filmography
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References
  1. Wilson, Scott (2016). Resting Places: The Burial Sites of More Than 14,000 Famous Persons, 3d ed. McFarland. p. 238. ISBN 9781476625997. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
  2. Los Angeles Times, January 5, 1937, Pg. 15
  3. "What's in Name? Plenty! Says Mr. Fenton (Moran)". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. April 18, 1937. p. 83. Retrieved February 16, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. "("Frank Moran" search results)". Internet Broadway Database. The Broadway League. Archived from the original on 16 February 2018. Retrieved 16 February 2018.
  5. "("Frank Fenton" search results)". Internet Broadway Database. The Broadway League. Archived from the original on 17 February 2018. Retrieved 17 February 2018.
  6. "Broadway Actor Gets New Screen Role". Democrat and Chronicle. New York, Rochester. August 3, 1942. p. 11. Retrieved February 16, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. Los Angeles Times, April 3, 1943, Pg. A7
  8. "Frank Fenton Dies, Veteran Film Actor". The Daily Telegram. Wisconsin, Eau Claire. Associated Press. July 26, 1957. p. 3. Retrieved February 16, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. Los Angeles Times, June 6, 1948, Pg. 7
  10. Los Angeles Times, July 26, 1957, Pg. C10
  11. New York Times, July 26, 1957, Pg. 19
  12. "Frank Fenton, of Stage and Films, Dies at 51". The Los Angeles Times. California, Los Angeles. July 26, 1957. p. Part IV-10. Retrieved February 16, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. "Frank Fenton, TV Actor, Dies". Independent. California, Long Beach. Associated Press. July 26, 1957. p. C-3. Retrieved February 16, 2018 – via Newspapers.com.
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