Orson Welles was an American actor and filmmaker, remembered for his innovative work in film, radio, and theatre.
He is considered among the greatest and most influential filmmakers of all time.
Welles's mother, Beatrice, was a concert pianist who played during lectures to support the family after his parents separated.
Biography
Early Life
George Orson Welles was born on May 6, 1915, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, into a family of affluence. He was the younger son of Richard Head Welles and Beatrice Ives Welles, a concert pianist. After his parents separated in 1919, Welles faced hardship as his father became an alcoholic and his mother struggled to support the family. Tragically, Beatrice passed away from hepatitis when Welles was just nine years old, leading him to abandon his musical aspirations. Despite this, he received early training in piano and violin, which would later influence his artistic endeavors.
Career
Welles's career began in the early 1930s when he made a name for himself in the theater, notably at the Gate Theatre in Dublin. His boldness and talent quickly garnered attention, leading to his stage debut in 1931. He later gained fame for his innovative work in film and radio, creating iconic broadcasts such as "The War of the Worlds" and the series "The Shadow." Welles's film career was marked by groundbreaking techniques, including deep-focus cinematography, which revolutionized the industry. He is remembered for his influential films and theatrical productions, earning accolades such as the Academy Award for Best Writing and the Palme d'Or.
Personal Life
Welles's personal life was as dramatic as his career. He married actress Virginia Nicolson in 1934, but their relationship ended in divorce in 1940. He later had a high-profile romance with actress Dolores del Río and married Rita Hayworth in 1943, though they divorced in 1947. Welles's relationships often reflected his passionate and tumultuous nature, which was mirrored in his artistic pursuits.
Legacy
Orson Welles is celebrated as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, known for his fearless experimentation in film and theater. His contributions to cinema, particularly as an independent filmmaker, paved the way for future generations. Welles's innovative techniques and storytelling continue to inspire filmmakers today, solidifying his status as a cultural icon.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
Stories for Christmas2020
- 1.The Happy Prince: High above the city on a tall column, stood the statue of the Happy Prince...1:59
- 2.The Happy Prince: Far away, far away in a little street there is a poor house...2:24
- 3.The Happy Prince: When the day broke, he flew down to the river and had a bath...2:03
- 4.The Happy Prince: In the square below there stands a little Match Girl...1:52
- 5.The Happy Prince: So the swallow flew over the great city...0:30
- 6.The Happy Prince: Leaf after leaf of the fine gold the swallow picked off...0:30
- 7.The Happy Prince: Then the snow came...1:24
- 8.The Happy Prince: Early the next morning, the Mayor was walking in the Square below...0:50
- 9.The Happy Prince: 'Bring me the two most precious things in the city,' said God to one of his angels0:58
- 10.A Christmas Carol: God rest ye merry gentlemen4:36
- 11.A Christmas Carol: Quickly I made myself ready for bed3:07
- 12.A Christmas Carol: There at my bedside3:01
- 13.A Christmas Carol: Wake up, Man!6:06
- 14.A Christmas Carol: And looking up, I beheld6:05
- 15.Mr. Pickwick's Christmas: I have the highest pleasure (The Pickwickians set off to visit Mr. Wardie)7:11
- 16.Mr. Pickwick's Christmas: But if they were cheerful and happy outside the house (At the farm)4:47
- 17.Mr. Pickwick's Christmas: We're all ready, I believe (The dance)5:19
- 18.The Small One: The same winter sun that dances on the northern snow...3:00
- 19.The Small One: 'You see Pablo, once upon a Christmas eve there was a small donkey'...2:55
- 20.The Small One: Well, it was early afternoon when the small boy and his small donkey went through the town gates...2:45
- 21.The Small One: Well, the little boy and the little donkey left the marketplace, Pablo...2:42
- 22.The Small One: And so, Pablo, The Small One passed through the town gates...1:37
- 23.The Littlest Angel: Once upon a time of many, many years ago...5:31
- 24.The Littlest Angel: But at length and at last, he slowly approached the doorway...3:04
- 25.The Littlest Angel: And then in all those timeless days that followed...1:11
- 26.The Littlest Angel: The angels, dark angels, the seraphim, the cherubim...2:17
- 27.The Littlest Angel: A small, rough, unsightly box...2:21
- 28.The Littlest Angel: The littlest angel wept hot, bitter tears...0:48
- 29.The Littlest Angel: Then suddenly, the voice of God, like divine music, rose through Paradise2:29
- 30.Lullaby of Christmas: This story is as old as Christmas...2:14
- 31.Lullaby of Christmas: Yes, Ay-You was without the gift of speech...1:05
- 32.Lullaby of Christmas: But the most stupendous and overwhelming thing of all, he'd be able to sing...1:47
- 33.Lullaby of Christmas: But morning after morning God disappointed them...3:24
- 34.Lullaby of Christmas: And then without the slightest warning of all came the dreadful day...3:59
- 35.Lullaby of Christmas: And so Ay-You tried to sing...1:48
- 36.Lullaby of Christmas: After a while he fell asleep...2:00
- 37.Lullaby of Christmas: The Ay-You knew why he had been born never to speak until this moment2:56
Orson Welles2008
- 1.Soldier on Leave3:36
- 2.Donovan's Brain10:36
- 3.Judge Welles Presides6:21
- 4.World of Tomorrow3:57
- 5.Museum Lecture7:31
- 6.Realism in Radio7:27
- 7.Daytime Radio4:20
- 8.Orson the Publisher2:18
- 9.Jack Benny's Cast Visit Orson10:36
The Begatting of The President1969
- 1.L. B. Jenesis2:13
- 2.The Defoliation Of Eden3:54
- 3.Burn, Pharaoh, Burn3:45
- 4.The Coming Of Richard3:24
- 5.The Pacification Of Goliath3:06
- 6.Paradise Bossed3:04
- 7.The Raising Of Richard2:08
- 8.The Book Of Hubert2:35
- 9.The Ascension3:00
Drippy: The Runaway Raindrop, Chapter One
Tracklist not collected yet.
Drippy: The Runaway Raindrop, Chapter Two
Tracklist not collected yet.
I Know What It Is to Be Young1984
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Hitch-Hiker and the Master of Ballantrae2014
Tracklist not collected yet.
Your Obedient Servant2008
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Very Best of Orson Welles2001
Tracklist not collected yet.
Smithsonian Historical Performances: Les Misérables1995
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Shadow1977
Tracklist not collected yet.
Dracula1976
Tracklist not collected yet.
The War of the Worlds1970
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Shadow: The Lost Shows #40457
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Shadow: The Original Broadcasts from Radio's Golden Age, Volume 1
Tracklist not collected yet.
Suspense: "Sorry, Wrong Number"
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Shadow: The Original Radio Broadcasts, Volume 2
Tracklist not collected yet.
The Shadow: The Original Radio Broadcasts, Volume 3
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Achievements
- Award
- Academy Award for Best Writing, Original Screenplay
- Award
- Palme d'Or
- Award
- Academy Honorary Award
- Award
- Golden Lion
- Award
- honorary doctorate from the University of Paris-VII
- Award
- AFI Life Achievement Award
- Award
- Commander of the Legion of Honour
- Award
- National Board of Review Award for Best Film
- Award
- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
Similar artists
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Orson Wells
George Orson Welles was an American actor and filmmaker. Remembered for his innovative work in film, radio, and theatre, he is considered among the greatest and most influential filmmakers of all time.
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
…