Laird Cregar

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Actor Born Samuel Laird Cregar on July 28, 1913 in Philadelphia, PA

Shortly before his death, Laird Cregar finished a starring role in "Hangover Square" for 20th Century-Fox studios. Critics predicted Cregar had an even more brilliant future in the films than he had already attained. He won wide acclaim in his stage appearances here and the late John Barrymore said Cregar was the most gifted young actor in 20 years.

Born in Philadelphia on July 28, 1916, Cregar early showed an aptitude for the stage and when but 13 was putting on plays for his friends. He attended school in England and, while there, appeared as a pageboy in Shakespeare plays with the Stratford-on-Avon Players.

"From that time on, all I've ever wanted to do was to go on the stage," Cregar later said. He frankly admitted he was not the "actor type" but studied hard to prepare himself for a career, which at times seemed doomed because of his portly build.

— Los Angeles Times Dec. 10, 1944