Owen Davis Jr.

Owen Gould Davis Jr. (October 6, 1907 – May 21, 1949) was an American actor known primarily for his work in film. He also performed in the theatre, making his Broadway debut in the play Carry On (1928), which his father, Owen Davis, had written.

Owen Gould Davis Jr.
BornOctober 6, 1907
New York City, U.S.
DiedMay 21, 1949(1949-05-21) (aged 41)
Long Island Sound, New York, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1929–1940
SpouseLaina Muroni

Biography

Born in 1907 in New York City, Davis Jr. was the son of dramatist Owen Davis[1] and his wife, actress Elizabeth Breyer. In 1923 his father won the Pulitzer Prize for drama for his play Icebound. When he was young, his parents opposed his having any involvement in acting.[2]

Educated at The Choate School and Yale University,[2] Davis was one of the leading students in the drama school. He was chosen captain of the boxing team.

On stage, Davis made his Broadway debut in the play Carry On (1928), written by his father Owen Davis. He soon began working in film, making his screen debut with Walter Huston. Later he toured on stage with Huston. After gaining more stage experience, Davis went to Hollywood and began to specialize in movies.

Davis served in the United States Army during World War II.< Afterward, he became a television producer.[3] Shows produced by Davis included The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre.[4]

He married Laina Muroni.

Davis died on May 21, 1949. He drowned on Long Island Sound.[3] On May 25, 1949, the Nassau County medical examiner ruled that the drowning was accidental.[5]

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1929They Had to See ParisRoss Peters
1930All Quiet on the Western FrontPeter
1930Good IntentionsBud Finney
1936Murder on a Bridle PathEdward 'Eddie' Fry
1936Special InvestigatorGeorge Fenwick
1936Bunker BeanBunker Bean
1936Grand JurySteve O'Connell
1936The Plot ThickensRobert Wilkins
1937The Woman I LoveMezziores
1937It Could Happen to You!Fred Barrett
1937Luck of Roaring CampDavy
1938Touchdown, ArmyCadet Kirk Reynolds
1939These Glamour GirlsGreg Smith
1939Henry Goes ArizonaDanny Regan
1939Thou Shalt Not KillAllen Stevens
1940Knute Rockne All AmericanGus Dorais(final film role)

References
  1. "Engaged for New Comedy: Owen Davis Jr. to Have Leading Role in 'Babes in the Wood'". The New York Times. February 21, 1928. p. 31. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  2. "Owen Davis, Jr., Glad to Revisit St. Louis". St. Louis Globe-Democrat. May 3, 1933. p. 18. Retrieved April 20, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. "Owen Davis Jr. Dead in L. I. Sound; Disappeared From Grounded Yacht". The New York Times. May 22, 1949. p. 1. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  4. Hawes, William (November 16, 2015). Live Television Drama, 1946-1951. McFarland. p. 24. ISBN 978-1-4766-0849-5. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  5. "Davis Death Accidental: Playwright's Son Drowned -- Rites at 'Little Church'". The New York Times. May 26, 1949. p. 16. Retrieved April 20, 2024.


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