Fredric March

Fredric March, an intoxicating blend of versatility and charisma, was an actor who seamlessly wove his talents through stage and screen during Hollywood's golden age. Born Ernest Frederick McIntyre Bickel on August 31, 1897, in Racine, Wisconsin, March's career spanned half a century and garnered him two Academy Awards for Best Actor, a rare achievement in an era dominated by larger-than-life personas. His trajectory from aspiring banker to acting legend is a testament to his enduring passion and adaptability. March's journey into the performing arts was initiated almost by accident. He initially enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Madison with aspirations of pursuing banking, influenced perhaps by the structured life and steady path that the profession promised. However, the campus theater drew him in, sparking a creative fire that led him to New York City, where he intended to pursue a career in acting. He embraced the stage name Frederic March, after discovering another actor with the name Fred Bickel. Arriving in New York in the early 1920s, March began by working as a part-time extra in silent films while honing his craft in various theater productions. His talent, however, could not remain in the shadows for long. His breakthrough came with the stage play "The Royal Family" in 1928, where he played the role of Anthony Cavendish. This role, satirizing the famed acting Barrymores, was well-received and signaled March’s potential as both a comedic and dramatic actor. Hollywood soon came calling, and March's transition to the silver screen was emblematic of adaptability in an era when many stage actors faltered. A signing with Paramount Pictures in the late 1920s saw March acclimatizing to the new medium with remarkable ease. His early films like "The Wild Party" (1929) and "Sarah and Son" (1930) earned him critical plaudits, but it was his dual role in "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1931) that sealed his status as an A-list star. March’s performance was so compelling it would earn him his first Academy Award, shared with Wallace Beery for "The Champ." The 1930s also showcased March's supreme adaptability. He traversed genres effortlessly, embodying characters in melodramas, comedies, and even epic romances. Films like "Design for Living" (1933), "Death Takes a Holiday" (1934), and "Anna Karenina" (1935) highlighted his range and resilience during a period when the film industry was undergoing seismic shifts courtesy of the Great Depression. March's second Oscar win came with the post-World War II film "The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946), regarded as one of the finest examinations of the war’s aftermath on American servicemen returning home. March played Al Stephenson, a middle-aged banker grappling with the transition back to civilian life, a performance that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. While the 1940s and 1950s saw many of March’s contemporaries struggle to adapt to the evolving landscape of the film industry, he gracefully segued into more mature and complex roles, effectively transitioning from romantic lead to respected character actor. His collaborations with the foremost directors of the time, including his work with William Wyler in "The Best Years of Our Lives" and "Inherit the Wind" (1960), were significant highlights in a robust career. March’s talents were not confined to the silver screen. He remained devoted to the theater, where he was able to experiment with a variety of roles, pushing the boundaries of his craft. Notably, his performance in the stage play "Long Day's Journey Into Night" (1956) was considered a master class in dramatic acting and contributed to the Broadway production receiving a Pulitzer Prize. The accolades and performances, however, only paint part of the picture of March's remarkable life. He was an outspoken supporter of civil rights and was actively involved in the Hollywood Democratic Committee. March’s political engagement, coupled with his outspoken nature, did not come without consequences, particularly during the McCarthy era, a time that tested his resilience, as it did with many of his contemporaries. March's personal life was anchored by his marriage to actress Florence Eldridge in 1927, a partnership that lasted until his death. The couple frequently worked together, creating a formidable artistic team both on screen and stage, a rare feat in Hollywood’s often tempestuous landscape. Fredric March passed away on April 14, 1975, in Los Angeles, leaving behind a legacy that is as formidable today as it was during his lifetime. His career not only reflects the evolution of film and theater over five decades but also stands as a testament to an actor whose work was underscored by a continuous pursuit of excellence and a profound commitment to his craft. In the annals of American film and theater, his name remains synonymous with excellence, versatility, and a profound legacy of purposeful artistry.