Wikipedia

Eddie Bracken

Edward Vincent Bracken(February 7, 1915 – November 14, 2002) was an American actor. Bracken came toHollywoodprominence for his comedic lead performances in the filmsHail the Conquering HeroandThe Miracle of Morgan's Creekboth from 1944, both of which have been preserved by theNational Film Registry.During this era, he also had success onBroadway,with performances in plays likeToo Many Girls(1940).

Eddie Bracken
Born
Edward Vincent Bracken

(1915-02-07)February 7, 1915
Astoria, Queens,New York, U.S.
DiedNovember 14, 2002(2002-11-14)(aged 87)
Glen Ridge, New Jersey,U.S.
Occupations
  • Actor
  • comedian
  • singer
Years active1930–2002
Spouse
Connie Nickerson
​
​
(m.1939; died 2002)​
Children5

Bracken's later movie roles includeNational Lampoon's Vacation(1983),Oscar(1991),Home Alone 2: Lost in New York(1992),Rookie of the Year(1993), andBaby's Day Out(1994).

Life and career

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Howard Freemanand Eddie Bracken 1954

Edward Vincent Bracken was born inAstoria, Queens,New Yorkon February 7, 1915, the son of Joseph L. and Catherine Bracken.[1]Bracken performed in vaudeville at the age of nine and gained fame with theBroadwaymusicalToo Many Girlsin a role he reprised for the 1940 film adaptation. He had performed in a short film series calledThe Kiddie Troupers(one of manyOur Gang-like series) prior to that, but that film was his big break. In 1936, Bracken enjoyed success on Broadway with his starring run in the Joseph Viertel playSo Proudly We Hail.The military drama, co-starringRichard Cromwell,opened to much fanfare but closed after 14 performances at the 46th Street Theatre.[citation needed]

In the 1940s, directorPreston Sturgescast Bracken in two of his films,The Miracle of Morgan's Creek,oppositeBetty Hutton,andHail the Conquering Hero.Due to the popularity of these films, Eddie Bracken was a household name duringWorld War II.[citation needed]He made numerousradiobroadcasts and had his own program,The Eddie Bracken Show.

In 1953, Bracken leftHollywood.He appeared on Broadway inShinbone Alley;Hello, Dolly!;The Odd Couple;andSugar Babies.His last appearance on Broadway was in the musicalDreamtime,directed by David Niles at theEd Sullivan Theater,at the age of 77.

Bracken's television roles between 1952 and 2000 include an episode ofThe Golden Girlsas Rose Nylund's ex-childhood boyfriend from St. Olaf, as well as an episode ofTales from the Darksideplaying a stubborn old man who refuses to believe that he has died. After nearly 30 years out of feature films, he returned to perform character roles, including the sympatheticWalley Worldtheme park founder Mr. Roy Walley inNational Lampoon's Vacation(1983) and Duncan's Toy Chest toy store owner Mr. Duncan inHome Alone 2: Lost in New York(1992). Bracken also had a long career withPaper Mill PlayhouseinNew Jersey,starring in dozens of productions in the 1980s–early 2000s. One high point was their production ofShow Boatin which he played Captain Andy Hawkes. This production was broadcast on PBS in 1990. He also played a cameo inPatrick Read Johnson's 1994 film,Baby's Day Out,as one of the veterans in the old soldier's home.

Bracken acted in films with two actors who later becameU.S. Presidents:Ronald ReaganandDonald Trump.He co-starred inThe Girl from Jones Beachwith Reagan in 1949, and Trump played a minor part inHome Alone 2: Lost in New Yorkin 1992.[2]

Bracken campaigned for RepublicanThomas E. Deweyduring the1944 U.S. presidential electioncampaign.[3]

Death

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On November 14, 2002, Bracken died inGlen Ridge, New Jersey,of complications from surgery for a crushed disk in his neck[4]at the age of 87. His wife of 63 years, Connie Nickerson, a former actress, died in August 2002, just three months before his death.[1]He met Connie when they performed together in a road company of the Broadway playWhat a Lifein 1938. Together Eddie and Connie had five children: two sons (Michael and David) and three daughters (Judy, Carolyn and Susan).[citation needed]

Hollywood Walk of Fame

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For his contributions to radio and television, Bracken has two stars on theHollywood Walk of Fame,at 1651 Vine Street and 6751 Hollywood Boulevard respectively.

Filmography

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Stage credits

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Radio appearances

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Year Program Episode/source
1944 Suspense Mystery Radio Play The Visitor[6]
1947 Suspense Mystery Radio Play Elwood[7]
1953 Broadway Playhouse Hail the Conquering Hero[8]

References

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  1. ^abSevero, Richard (November 16, 2002)."Eddie Bracken Dies at 87; Acted in Sturges Comedies".The New York Times.Retrieved16 November2015.
  2. ^"Eddie Bracken, 87, actor, comedian".Chicago Sun-Times.November 17, 2002. Archived fromthe originalon November 5, 2012.RetrievedMay 24,2010.
  3. ^Palmer, Kyle (1944-09-23). "Dewey Coliseum Address Cheered".Los Angeles Times.pp. 1–2.
  4. ^Bernstein, Adam (2002-11-19)."Eddie Bracken".Washington Post.ISSN0190-8286.Retrieved2022-12-11.
  5. ^"Eddie Bracken".Internet Broadway Database.
  6. ^Blackstone Audio 'Suspense' Vol.2, issued 2015
  7. ^"Suspense - Elwood"Escape and Suspense.Elwoodstarring Eddie Bracken,Joseph Kearns,aired on March 6, 1947.
  8. ^Kirby, Walter (June 21, 1953)."Better Radio Programs for the Week".The Decatur Daily Review.p. 44.RetrievedJuly 1,2015– viaNewspapers.
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