Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
Douglas Elton Fairbanks Jr. (December 9, 1909 – May 7, 2000) was an American actor, producer, and decorated naval officer of World War II. The son of silent film star Douglas Fairbanks and stepson of Mary Pickford, he established his own successful career in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s, becoming known for his charm, sophistication, and versatility in both romantic comedies and adventure films.
Among his most notable films are The Prisoner of Zenda (1937), Gunga Din (1939), Little Caesar (1931), and The Corsican Brothers (1941). He also appeared opposite many of the era’s leading actresses, including Katharine Hepburn, Joan Crawford, Loretta Young, Rita Hayworth, and Paulette Goddard.
During World War II, Fairbanks served with distinction in the United States Navy, helping develop military deception and special operations techniques. For his wartime service, he received numerous decorations from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and several other nations. After the war, he continued acting in films and television while also becoming a respected producer and public figure. Fairbanks remains remembered as one of Hollywood’s most elegant leading men and among the few major stars to achieve distinction both on screen and in military service.
In 1969, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the International Best Dressed List.
Acting
Movie
Little Caesar
as Joe Massara
1931
TV
The Love Boat
as Elliott Norman
1977
TV
The Love Boat
as Elliott Banning
1977
Movie
Gunga Din
as Thomas Anthony Ballantine
1939
Movie
Ghost Story
as Edward Charles Wanderley
1981
TV
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
as Self
1962
Movie
The Prisoner of Zenda
as Rupert of Hentzau
1937
Movie
Morning Glory
as Joseph Sheridan
1933
Movie
Sinbad the Sailor
as Sinbad
1947
TV
American Experience
as Self
1988
Movie
Chase a Crooked Shadow
as Self - Epilogue (uncredited)
1958
TV
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
as Self (uncredited)
1968
TV
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
as Self
1968
Movie
The Dawn Patrol
as Douglas 'Doug' Scott
1930
Movie
The Three Musketeers
as (uncredited)
1921
Movie
The Young in Heart
as Richard Carleton
1938
Movie
Angels Over Broadway
as Bill O'Brien
1940
Movie
The Stolen Jools
as Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
1931
Movie
The Real Charlie Chaplin
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
2021
Movie
The Battle Over Citizen Kane
as Self
1996
TV
What's My Line?
as Self
1950
Movie
A Woman of Affairs
as Jeffry Merrick
1928
TV
Great Performances
as Self
1971
TV
The Ed Sullivan Show
as Self
1948
Crew
Movie
Night and the City
Casting
1950
Movie
Chase a Crooked Shadow
Producer
1958
Movie
Angels Over Broadway
Associate Producer
1940
Movie
The Exile
Writer
1947
Movie
Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?
Thanks
1975
Movie
Mr. Drake's Duck
Producer
1951
Movie
The Fighting O'Flynn
Writer
1949
Movie
Jump for Glory
Producer
1937
Movie
Police Dog
Producer
1955
Movie
Scarlet Dawn
Additional Dialogue
1932
Movie
The Silken Affair
Executive Producer
1956
Movie
The Amateur Gentleman
Producer
1936