John Craven
Cheirel in Flight to Nowhere (1946)
Born(1916-06-22)June 22, 1916
New York City, U.S.
DiedNovember 24, 1995(1995-11-24) (aged 79)
Salt Point, New York City, U.S.
OccupationActor
Years active1937–1970
Parent

John Craven (June 22, 1916 November 24, 1995) was an American actor in films and plays and on television.

Biography

Frank Craven, Martha Scott and John Craven in the original Broadway production of Our Town (1938)

Craven was born on June 22, 1916, in New York City. He was a third-generation actor, following in the profession of his father, Frank Craven, and his grandfather, John T. Craven.[1] His mother, Mary Blythe, was an actress prior to marriage.[2]

Craven originated the role of George Gibbs in the original stage version of Our Town, in which his father played the stage manager.[1] Craven was overlooked in the movie version, however, with the part going to the then-unknown William Holden. Other Broadway shows in which Craven appeared included They Knew What They Wanted (1949), Spring Again (1941), Village Green (1941), Delicate Story (1940), Two On An Island (1940), Aries Is Rising (1939), and The Happiest Days (1939).[3]

Craven was stationed in Naples during World War II and put on shows for the USO.[1]

Though born in New York City, he attended Beverly Hills High School, in the early 1930s. His stage family had a long history of alternating generations of men named John with subsequent generations of men named Frank.

On November 24, 1995, Craven died at his home in Salt Point, New York.[4][5]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1937Over the GoalKing
1943The Human ComedyTobey George
1943Dr. Gillespie's Criminal CaseRoy Todwell
1943Someone to RememberDan Freeman
1943For God and CountryDanny BrewerShort
1944The Purple HeartSgt. Martin Stoner
1944Meet the PeopleJohn Swanson
1944In the Meantime, DarlingSleeping SoldierUncredited
1946Flight to NowhereClaude Forrest
1946Swell GuyMike O'Connor
1953Count the Hours!George Braden
1954Security RiskDr. Lanson
1955The Green Mountain BoysRemember BakerTV movie
1956Battle StationsCmdr. James Matthews
1956Navy WifeDr. Carter
1956Hold Back the NightMaj. Bob MacKay
1956Friendly PersuasionBand LeaderUncredited
1958Revolt in the Big HouseGuardUncredited
1960Ocean's 11CashierUncredited
1960Let's Make LoveComstockUncredited
1964The Brass Bottle2nd PsychiatristUncredited
1970The Wild SceneMorton

Selected Television

Year Title Role Notes
1956 The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp Harry Drew / Dolan Episode "One of Jesse's Gang"
1960 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Older Clete Vine Season 5 Episode 20: "The Day of the Bullet"
1960 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Herbert Gold Season 6 Episode 4: "The Contest for Aaron Gold"
1960 Wanted Dead or Alive Zack Dawson Season 3, Episode 9 "Criss-Cross"
1961 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Tommy Season 6 Episode 17: "The Last Escape"

References

  1. 1 2 3 "John Craven, 79, Who Played George in Original 'Our Town'". The New York Times. November 28, 1995. p. B 12. Retrieved February 19, 2021 via ProQuest.
  2. Drutman, Irving (February 25, 1940). "Yes, He's Frank Craven's Son But He's Making His Own Way". Miami Daily News. New York Herald Tribune. p. 48. Retrieved February 19, 2021 via Newspapers.com.
  3. "John Craven". Internet Broadway Database. The Broadway League. Archived from the original on February 19, 2021. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  4. Willis, John; Monush, Barry (January 1997). Screen World 1996. Hal Leonard Corporation. p. 294. ISBN 978-1-55783-252-8. Retrieved February 19, 2021.
  5. (27 November 1995). Actor John Craven Dies at 79, Buffalo News
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