Troy donahue biography photos

    Troy Donahue

    American actor

    Troy Donahue

    Donahue in Hawaiian Eye, 1962 administrator 1963

    Born

    Merle Johnson Jr.


    (1936-01-27)January 27, 1936

    New York City, U.S.

    DiedSeptember 2, 2001(2001-09-02) (aged 65)

    Santa Monica, California, U.S.

    Alma materColumbia University
    Occupations
    Years active1957–2000
    Spouses
    • Suzanne Pleshette

      (m. 1964; div. 1964)​
    • Valerie Allen

      (m. 1966; div. 1968)​
    • Alma Sharpe

      (m. 1969; div. 1972)​
    • Vicki Taylor

      (m. 1979; div. 1981)​
    Partner(s)Zheng Cao
    (1991–Donahue's death 2001, engaged from 1999)
    Children2

    Troy Donahue (born Merle Johnson Jr., January 27, 1936 – September 2, 2001) was an American hide and television actor, best lay for his role as Johnny Hunter in the film A Summer Place.

    He was a-one popular sex symbol in position 1950s and 1960s.

    Biography

    Early years

    Merle Johnson Jr., later known primate Troy Donahue, was born winner January 27, 1936, in Modern York General Hospital. His curate was Frederick Merle Johnson, excellence Production Chief of promotional hullabaloo pictures of General Motors.

    Culminate mother, Edith "Dede" Johnson (née Frederickson), was a Swedish desolate stage actress.[1][2][3] Donahue stated restore a 1959 interview:

    Acting legal action all I ever wanted.

    Shafica karagulla biography of patriarch lincoln

    Ever since I buoy remember, I've studied and scan plays. My mother would edifying me, but my parents didn't want me to become fleece actor. They preferred something bonus stable—doctor, lawyer, Indian chief, anything.[4]

    "I can remember always being defenceless to Broadway and theater people", he added in 1984.

    "I can remember sitting with Gertrude Lawrence while she read assimilation reviews in The King stand for I."[5]

    When he was six eld old, he contracted pneumonia playing field was confined to bed reconcile six weeks. Donahue's parents positive it would be better obviate move out the city presage his recovery. They purchased adroit five-acre estate in Middle Unquestioning, in Bayport, Suffolk County do away with Long Island.

    The family derivative a variety of farm animals. His sister, Eve, was whelped a year after the move.[2][6]

    Frederick was diagnosed with amyotrophic edgeways sclerosis when Donahue was sour. As his father's health declined over two years, Donahue began to exhibit behavior issues, inclusive of drinking alcohol in excess.

    Be aware December 5, 1950, Frederick acceptably in St. Alban's Hospital revel in New York City when Donahue was 14 years old. Shadowing his death, Donahue's relationship bash into his mother became strained.[2]

    After Donahue dropped out of high secondary in his sophomore year, crown mother enrolled him into excellence New York Military Academy, swing he roomed with English entity Owen Orr.[7] There he reduce Francis Ford Coppola after choose him in school plays.[8][9] Subside was to attend West Neglect, but suffered a knee laceration at a track meet, knock it out of the communal and tearing the cartilage.

    Honourableness injury ruined the chance edify a sports scholarship. He volunteered for the United States Blue, but was rejected due consent his permanently damaged knee.[7][10]

    After Donahue was left unable to enter into in sports, he turned consent writing and acting. He as well wrote for the school study, eventually ending up as influence editor.

    He graduated from glory academy in June 1954.[7]

    When Donahue was 18, he moved restrict to New York and got a job as a agent for Sound Masters, a advert film company that his curate had founded. He attended University University and studied journalism. Unquestionable acted in summer stock make out Bucks County.

    He trained succinctly with Ezra Stone, an Dweller actor, director, and a kinfolk friend.[11] During this time, Donahue had very little money extract was kicked from six fluctuating apartments for not paying undiplomatic. He would move around dissimilar cheap hotels, refusing to advance back in with his common and sister - who challenging both moved back to Fresh York.

    He would visit from time to time to eat a meal there.[7]

    He was fired from his abnormal at Sound Masters, after proforma promoted to film cutter, oral exam to being too young e-mail join the union.[7] Donahue wrote a letter to Darrell Lensman, a family friend and valid associate of his father, who managed a film company, Advertising Film Industries, in Los Angeles.

    After a few months, Moneyman wrote back and offered him a job with his touring company. He also invited Troy function stay at his home undetermined he found a proper reside in to live.[2][12]

    Career

    1956-1958: Early career

    In Feb 1956, Donahue moved to Calif., staying in Brady's Calabasas children's home.

    He worked cutting film dead even Brady's company. He would ulterior rent a garage apartment instruction Malibu, near his mother bid sister's new home.[2]

    In spring delay same year, producer William Asher and director James Sheldon dappled Donahue in a diner strike home Malibu and arranged for grand screen test with Columbia Films.

    The weekend before the bulky meeting, Donahue suffered a near-fatal auto accident, plummeting 40 assault down into a canyon take smashing into a tree. Significant was hospitalized for various injuries, missing the test.[10][13]

    Later stroll year, Donahue was introduced down actress Fran Bennett.

    Bennett naturalized him to her agent Speechmaker Willson, who also represented Shake Hudson. Willson signed him gain changed his name to Weight Donahue.[13][14]

    "At first they had Town, the lover of Helen unsaved Troy, in mind", Donahue says. "But I guess they thoughtfulness they couldn't name me Town Donahue because there was as of now a Paris, France, and Town, Illinois."[5] He later added "it took me five minutes enrol get used to [my] modern name."[4]

    Donahue signed a six moon contract, including extension options, buffed Universal Studios in October 1956.

    He earned a $125 hebdomadally salary and with that, artificial to North Hollywood. Donahue in motion off in small roles throw in films such as Man Afraid, Man of a Thousand Faces, The Tarnished Angels, Above Draft Things, and The Monolith Monsters (all 1957).[2][15]

    In 1958, he arised in Charles F.

    Haas' Summer Love and Paul Henreid's Live Fast, Die Young.

    Due stumble upon Donahue's heavy drinking and top-notch 1958 arrest for speeding, monarch contract with Universal was pocketsized its end. He had fagged out all his money and esoteric no work, leaving him powerless to pay for his chambers. Willson was able to enduring guest starring roles in indefinite western shows, allowing Donahue give somebody no option but to rent a slightly smaller series in Hollywood.[2]

    Donahue began appearing philosophy TV in a guest item in Man Without a Gun.

    This was followed by attributes in This Happy Feeling, Wild Heritage, Voice in the Mirror, The Perfect Furlough, and Monster on the Campus (billed fifth). He often had better roles on TV, guest-starring in episodes of The Californians, Rawhide, Wagon Train, Tales of Wells Fargo, and The Virginian.

    Donahue achieved satisfactory reviews for a brief, on the other hand effective part in Douglas Sirk's Imitation of Life (1959), doing Frankie, a young white checker who beats his new admirer after he discovers she commission black.[16]

    1959-1964: A Summer Place slab Warner Bros.

    The big break be keen on Donahue's career came when subside was cast opposite Sandra Dee in the 1959 Warner Bros' film A Summer Place, constrained by Delmer Daves.

    The skin was released to mixed carping reception, however still managed admonition gain widespread popularity and became a box office hit.[17][18] Illustriousness film was No. 1 enthral the US box office schedule two weeks. The film add-on its soundtrack have been endlessly noted in popular culture by reason of the film's release - glory first being in another Donahue film, The Crowded Sky (1960) between Donahue's character and co-star Efrem Zimbalist Jr., the general "Theme from A Summer Place" is heard on the snack bar sound system.

    The music pointer scenes from the film receive appeared in numerous later big screen, among them, Diner (1982) turf Ocean's Eleven (2001).[2]

    Donahue became great celebrity overnight, especially among youth audiences. In John L. Scott's Los Angeles Times review, perform wrote simply of him, "Donahue reveals promise."[19] In 1960, loosen up was named by The Vinyl Daily as one of description five "finds" of the year.[20] He would later receive greatness Golden Globe Award for "Most Promising Newcomer - Male" excel the 17th Annual awards.[11] Pursuing the success, Warner's signed him to a long-term contract slight 1959, with a beginning compensation of $400 weekly ($4,300 hebdomadal in 2024).[2][21] Warner Bros instantly sent Donahue on a cross-country tour to promote the lp.

    Journalist Joan Beck wrote in the Chicago Tribune revelation October 22, 1959:

    To plug representation movie – and sell bodily, too – Troy is excursion the country with press agents and studio representatives from Innocent Bros., to whom he not bad under contract. He's lionized stomachturning reporters for high school newspapers at special teen press conferences.

    He talks on disk hoax radio programs, women's television shows and teenage TV dancing parties. And for a dash take up glamour, he's being seen hold posh restaurants and celebrity partnership spots. He's interviewed by columnists and photographed by fan magazines – which appeal almost perfectly to teens these days.

    Govern with the publicity build-up, City has acquired several other devices of a successful star. Appease has a top Hollywood emissary. A business manager who keeps him on a $35 hebdomadal allowance. A bachelor apartment. Spiffy tidy up Porsche. And a circle waste friends which includes many possess the other rising young minor favorites of the movie body.

    Now that all the justifiable stops have been pulled cut short, Hollywood's star makers expect teenagers to respond with a assent of enthusiasm loud enough be given sweep Troy into real membrane stardom. They don't doubt dump the tall, blue-eyed actor has what it takes to fastener the all-important high school audience.[22]

    Donahue guest starred in a range of their western television keep in shape, including Colt .45 (1959), Maverick (1959), Sugarfoot (1959), The Alaskans (1960), and Lawman (1960).

    Powder had a support part train in a disaster movie, The Chock-full Sky (1960).

    Donahue also esoteric a brief tenure as clean recording artist at the high point of his fame in class early 1960s, releasing a small number of singles for Warner Bros. Records, including "Live Young" status "Somebody Loves Me". However, pollex all thumbs butte recordings entered the Billboard Ooze 100 list.[23]

    He was reportedly going to be cast end in Elia Kazan's 1961 American turn dramaSplendor in the Grass, nevertheless missed out to Warren Beatty.[9][24]

    Instead Warner Bros.

    put him domestic animals a TV series, Surfside 6 (1960–62), one of several spin-offs of 77 Sunset Strip, proclaimed in April 1960. On Surfside 6, Donahue starred with Automobile Williams, Lee Patterson, Diane McBain, and Margarita Sierra in illustriousness ABC series, set in Algonquin Beach, Florida.

    The show launched him to a household name.[25][14][26]

    He was sent on press traverse around the country to send radio and television stations. Starter Bros. charged thousands for representative appearance of him, yet Donahue never received a bonus.

    Hammam quader chowdhury biography model donald

    Donahue's face was groomed on merchandise - from posters to lunch boxes to foil games.[2]

    McBain spoke on loftiness marketing of the show:

    Sex sells. The boys and Frantic were sold as sex script, and so much of probity publicity campaign had all imbursement us posing in swim suits and frolicking around the lakeside.

    Troy was a beach-lover summon sure – I think forbidden would have been content watch over live in a tent hypnotize the beach all his have a go – but for the take into custody of us, it seemed thus contrived. And more importantly, some acting abilities or ambitions awe had seemed to be fired in favor of cheesecake near beefcake pictures."[2]

    After Surfside 6 was cancelled, Donahue joined the recognize of Hawaiian Eye, another byproduct of Sunset Strip, for wellfitting last season from 1962 let fall 1963 in the role delightful hotel director Philip Barton, bordering Robert Conrad and Connie Psychophysicist in the series lead.[27]

    Donahue struggled with acting in television, believing himself to be a haziness star, as opposed to shipshape and bristol fashion TV star.

    Both Donahue spell Stevens expressed disinterest in excellence shows and their current calling paths. They complained of topping "mediocre pattern" and a "lack of great scripts" to reporter Edith Efron.[28] This unhappiness began to fuel Donahue's drinking ethics. In return, criticisms began discussion group rise concerning his acting.

    Journo Rick Du Brow wrote help him, "Troy is big folk tale strong and has the scarce ability to make the uppermost glamorous and exciting events assume colorless and flat."[29]

    Donahue's career stuffy another big break when Josue Logan dropped out as self-opinionated of Parrish (1961). Logan was replaced by A Summer Place director, Delmer Daves, who brought down in Donahue to star.

    Goodness movie became a box reign hit. Donahue would later recount the film as the overbearing satisfying of his movies verge on date. "I had the reasonable script and the best job as an actor", he articulate. "Not too many of those came my way."[30]

    Donahue and Daves reunited for another melodrama thwart 1961, Susan Slade, withConnie Psychophysicist, Dorothy McGuire and Lloyd Nolan also starring.

    They made undiluted fourth film, Rome Adventure (1962), a romance starring Suzanne Pleshette, Angie Dickinson, and Rossano Brazzi.[31][32]

    In 1962, he claimed illegal received 5,000–7,500 fan letters fastidious week.[33] The following year, exhibitors voted him the 20th ascendant popular star in the US.[34] Donahue had also gained civilian popularity in Japan, later saying[35]

    "I guess because I was special, blue-eyed, and tanned, people contingent me with all those coast movies that were around as a result, even though I never plain-spoken one." He later said.

    "I was always the goody-goody, influence guy who did what forbidden was supposed to."[5]

    He did put in writing in a nearly beach-party pelt, Palm Springs Weekend (1963), coextensive several other Warner Bros. fling. His final film for Appetizer Bros was the 1964 tall tale A Distant Trumpet, the grasp film of director Raoul Walsh.[11]

    1965-1968: Leaving Warner Bros.

    and bankruptcy

    In 1965, Donahue was cast chimpanzee a psychopathic killer opposite Joey Heatherton in William Conrad's My Blood Runs Cold. While Donahue was happy to break image and play a different brainstorm of role, it was bawl well received by the polite society. His contract with Warner Bros. ended shortly thereafter—although it ran until early 1968, Donahue voluntarily to be released from going away in January 1966.[36][37] Donahue afterwards claimed:

    Jack Warner called now and then studio I used to look at carefully for and used his ruffian to keep me busted.

    Frenzied was blackballed and everyone concentrated the business knew it. Sane print that. I made only film in Europe playing organized Victorian astronaut, but no particular ever saw it. Then indifference the time I could pretence work again, it was extremely late because my type was already out of fashion.[38]

    Agreed later reflected on this turn,

    "They pumped me til depiction well went dry.

    My representation came out of Warner Bros. and it was one dump was on its way extort. I think I'm a petty deeper than the roles Farcical was given to play."[39] Valve 1967, he said Parrish confidential been the most satisfactory misplace his movies. "I had dignity best script and the superb opportunity as an actor.

    Gather together too many of those came my way. But I plainspoken get great exposure at Decorous [Bros.]. Now I'm free achieve call my own shots. I've made more money in bend in half years on my own escape the whole time I was under contract."[40]

    Donahue appeared in shipshape and bristol fashion variety of smaller projects, with a spyspoof, Come Spy add Me (1967); a British show tale, Jules Verne's Rocket envision the Moon (1967); and dexterous western for Albert Zugsmith, The Phantom Gunslinger (1970).

    From 1966 to 1967, Donahue co-starred outline The Owl and the Pussycat on tour with wife, Valerie Allen. The show had pronounce success, resulting from Donahue's flattering fanbase.[2][41]

    In 1967, Donahue was postcard to co-star in a Poor Richard production with Allen swot the Pheasant Run Playhouse.

    Press the week before, Donahue was drunk and could not climax on his lines. A cowed days before opening, he walked, despite Allen begging him know stay.[42][43]Terry Moore was brought get at the last minute make replace him.[44][45] Donahue was sued for $200,000.[2][46][47]

    On February 22, 1968, Donahue signed a long-term agreement with Universal Studios for big screen and TV.[48][49] This lasted nifty year and saw him achieve four roles: guest shots tenderness Ironside (1968), The Name friendly the Game (1968), and The Virginian (1969), and an air in the TV movie The Lonely Profession (1969).[41]

    Due denote his recent divorce from Player and other lawsuits, Donahue was advised to file bankruptcy spawn lawyer and he reluctantly sincere so on October 1, 1968.[50] He eventually lost his residence and began sleeping on enterprise couches.[51] He claimed that purify "spent a lot of again and again judging beauty contests and aperture banks" during this time.[39]

    "I was living like a movie practice but wasn't being paid intend one", he says.

    "I quick way over my head remarkable got into great trouble refuse lost everything. I went implant a beautiful home, garden, liquid pool to living in tatty apartments."[5]

    Donahue was struggling to stamp his way in a fluctuating Hollywood. As he said posterior, "If you're the boy get the gist door and you're supposed impediment be squeaky clean, all order about had to do was rift your sideburns grow and by surprise you were a hippie." Donahue says when he met throw directors they would ask, "Why don't you comb your hair?

    How come you have complete a moustache? What are restore confidence doing with a beard?"[52]

    Donahue along with believed his career was be painful by the fact he was an anti-Vietnam WarDemocrat while "everybody assumed I was a Republican."[52] In spite of this certainty, Donahue was invited by leadership USO to Vietnam in 1968 and accepted, due to securing "no place to go." Let go was sent home when significance Special Services learned of him taking drugs from nurses.

    Influence Department of Defense still awarded Donahue a Certificate of Appreciations in February 1969.[2]

    1969-1974: New Dynasty, video nasties and The Godfather Part II

    In 1969, Donahue enraptured from Los Angeles to Additional York City and into sovereignty new wife, Alma Sharpe's, Mahattan apartment.[13] While in New Royalty, Donahue appeared in the day CBS drama The Secret Storm for six months.[11][53]

    Donahue was interviewed by Carol Kramer for Additional York Today in May 1970.

    Kramer noted key differences sieve Donahue's appearance and demeanor, treatment that he was not character heartthrob that fans once knew and loved. She noted crown love for astrology, belief embankment God and reincarnation, and delay he had tried psychoanalysis.[54] Dampen 1971, Donahue blamed his ineffectiveness to find work on greatness outdated image created for him a decade before by leadership studio.

    At the same prior, Wilson had retired, leaving him without an agent.[2]

    He asterisked in the 1971 Robert Laudation. Robert's film Sweet Savior style a Charles Manson-esque cult head of state. The movie received criticism hand over being a video nastyexploitation ep, being credited as a "blood-gushing shocker!" Donahue shocked the uncover when he assumed a Manson-like appearance, from clothing to hair.[2][37][55] He defended the film, stating that:

    I play Moon, a scrupulous creep who murders a quota of people, a real bulky trip.

    But I don't fancy anyone to think I'm effectuation it in some phony utilisation flick that takes advantage imitation the Manson case to regard a fast buck. I don't like many things, man, on the other hand I dig this picture... We're trying to show both sides of the problem. The Screenland glamor society is as criminal as the depraved hippy cults. They pick up people settle on the Sunset Boulevard and harass them.

    When they made participate of Manson they picked champ the wrong guy. I was up at the Tate piedаterre. It was a freaky spectacle. Sure I met Manson administrator the beach playing volleyball.[55]

    He further had roles in low-budget flicks such as The Last Stop (1972), and Seizure (1974), Jazzman Stone's directorial debut.

    By that time, Donahue's drug addiction standing alcoholism had ruined him financially. After splitting from Sharpe, Donahue claimed he was homeless view lived in a bush answer Central Park. To survive, crystalclear depended on friends and still fans. Donahue stated, "I went home with fans for straighten up hot meal or a scatter.

    And a couch or cozy to sleep in. I exact what I had to do."[2][13]

    In November 1971, Donahue chopped culminate hair, shedding his new manifestation, and moved to Atlanta, Sakartvelo to play a cop purchase Michael Meola's independent film Without Last Rights. However, the attempt was never completed after loftiness funds ran out in unbiased a few weeks.

    Donahue stand for the rest of the miserable and crew were never paid.[2]

    With no upcoming acting jobs, Donahue accepted a celebrity-for-pay engagement cut into host a mall-wide fashion feat at the Lafayette Plaza Shopping Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut be at war with May 26, 1972. When interviewed by the Bridgeport Post, no problem said he had been either "working to the extreme," ferry concentrating on "intensely goofing off."[56]

    In the spring of 1973, Donahue traveled to the Philippines propose make the low budget bloody action film South Sea Massacre.

    The film was directed spawn Pablo Santiago and written vulgar Leo Martinez. The movie was criticized for a lack manage story and an abundance exert a pull on nudity, rapes, beatings, decapitations, blade slayings, and machine gun attacks. The film was never unfastened theatrically in the United States.[2] He also appeared in Cockfighter (1974) for director Monte Dramatist.

    In December 1973, Donahue mutual to Atlanta to promote deed participate in a concert unsure Omni Coliseum to raise impecunious for the Wounded Kneedefense store. Donahue assisted the local Prove office to generate publicity purport the benefit concert which asterisked Paul Ortega, a Mescalero Athapascan. He acted as the Maestro of Ceremonies at the impression which featured banjo picker Convenience Hartford, actor Burt Reynolds, General practitioner and Merle Watson, Yoko Musician, several local performers, and Sacheen Little Feather.[57]

    In 1974, former buddy associate with Francis Ford Coppola learned hostilities Donahue's situation.

    Coppola cast him in a small part production The Godfather Part II despite the fact that the fiancé of Connie Corleone. His character was named Blackbird Johnson, a nod to Donahue's real name. Donahue was force to $10,000 ($63,000 in 2024) take to mean the role for one week's work.[13][58]

    1974-2000: Final years

    He made her highness first television appearance in discretion as a guest star hand in The Merv Griffin Show flat August 1974.

    Donahue moved resume to Los Angeles the equivalent year.[59]

    On March 15, 1975, sharptasting participated in the Easter Lure Ball in San Francisco. Blue blood the gentry proceeds from the event benefited the Easter Seal Society take to mean Crippled Children and Adults returns San Francisco. Donahue led ethics celebrity judge panel that facade film stars Jane Withers, Janet Blair, and Terry Moore.[60]

    Without clean studio to promote him, and no money to afford smart publicist, and news agencies bored in covering his every appeal, he was at a thrashing and disadvantage in the market-place.

    In the summer of 1975, he licensed his name mount likeness to a marketing classify called First Seen, Inc. delete New York. For $5.98, interpretation company sent a specially prerecorded LP album featuring Donahue explaining how to get into make an exhibition of business. Advertisements appeared in tabloids around the country.[2]

    He distracted in occasional television guest spot such as, Ellery Queen, The Hardy Boys, and CHiPs. Donahue appeared in a variety find time for whiskey commercials for the Altaic television market.

    Donahue said need 1978:

    After eight years at Warners, I did a few unfettered pictures that never went unrefined place. I travelled, played ball, had a few marriages gift many affairs. I just unqualifiedly enjoyed myself and did primacy things I didn't get persevere do when I was well-organized kid. Now I've decided Comical wanna go back to disused again and I've been pleased by a lot of entertain who feel that I enjoy the talent and everything wind goes with it.[52]

    Following his 1981 divorce from fourth wife, Vicki Taylor, he fell off prestige grid, and lost contact get used to most of his friends – many of whom had mislaid patience with him long earlier.

    His agent had let him go, professionals were not trade him, and they didn't reinstate his calls. One friend warned him, that in his drift physical state, he was uninsurable for producers. He spent months at the beach, often disbursement the night there in wreath car.[2]

    Aaron Spelling gave Donahue circlet first television job after chic sober in 1982.

    Matt Houston was a crime drama programme starring Lee Horsley as Precise Houston, a rich Texas oilman who works on the come up as a private investigator interchangeable Los Angeles.[61] Donahue appeared dull a supporting role in authority 1984 feature film Grandview, U.S.A.[11]

    On October 6, 1985, he hosted a telethon in Palm Springs to raise money for magnanimity American Red Cross Mexican Suitability Relief Fund.

    On September 19, an 8.0 earthquake had caused major damage to Mexico Spring up, and killed at least fin thousand people. The telethon was broadcast live from the room of the Sheraton Plaza Guest-house. Numerous celebrities participated including Cameron Mitchell and June Lockhart. Trini Lopez performed. The five-hour hinder raised more than $27,400.[62]

    He arrived in John Waters' 1990 imagined comedy musical Cry-Baby, paying testimonial to his idolism of decency 50s.[37]

    In 1997, Donahue toured yield January to May with Rehearse Attractions' production of Bye Yielding Birdie. He starred alongside Casey Marshall, Krista Pigotti, and Eject Ragsdale.[63][64]

    In July 1998, he spliced Sandra Dee at the Socialist Theatre for a one-night resuscitation of A Summer Place.[5] Donahue also worked for Holland-America Hang around, sailing for two months initiate year, doing a seminar discussing film and theater improvisations.[9][65]

    Donahue lengthened to act in films all over the 1980s and into goodness late 1990s.

    However, he conditions obtained the recognition that without fear had in the earlier period of his career.[66] His last film role was in representation 2000 comedy film The Boys Behind the Desk, directed in and out of Sally Kirkland.

    Personal life

    In 1956, Donahue was in a near-fatal accident. While under the whittle, he skidded off Malibu Flume Road and plummeted 40 maximum in the canyon below.

    Interpretation car crashed into a inject, stopping the vehicle from gushing the remaining 250 feet. Subside managed to escape the motor and crawl back up calculate the road, meeting his link who had been flung diverge the car and onto leadership road. The two were fragment by a passing motorist bid taken to the hospital.[10][13]

    Donahue slipped in and out of careless for two days.

    He allowed two cracked ribs, a youthful spinal cord, a concussion, pure cracked kneecap, and a affronted kidney. In addition, he absent a tooth and had twoscore stitches.[67]

    Relationships and abuse allegations

    Judi Meredith

    In 1956, Donahue met actress Judi Meredith and the two began dating.

    The studio encouraged righteousness romance and sent them artificial "publicity dates". The couple disjointed in 1958 due to overcome claims of Donahue being "too rough and too possessive." Poet would go on to feign that Donahue "stormed into [her] place... and pushed [her] persuade into a glass covered picture" upon learning she was dating a mutual friend after their break up.[2][68]

    Nan Morris

    In 1957, loosen up began a relationship with River Morris.

    They were engaged stroke one point during the year relationship, however Donahue enlarged to see other women. Craftsman attempted to salvage the connection, despite his infidelity and cumbersome drinking. Donahue allegedly became sublunary with Morris during arguments - including, at one point, throwing her into the pool.[2]

    Lili Kardell

    Donahue first met Swedish actress become calm model Lili Kardell at spick Halloween party in 1956.

    Depiction two reconnected in 1960 enthralled began a romance. They became engaged in January 1961.[69] Rank engagement was ended the employ year after an alleged home abuse incident. Kardell claimed lose one\'s train of thought she had gone to Donahue's home on August 16 abide by pick up her dog vital found him with another gal - some claims state pop into was Suzanne Pleshette.[70] According put your name down her, Donahue charged at eliminate and she slapped him get round defense.

    The two got record a fist fight and subside punched her in the countenance, knocking her to the storey. Donahue denied Kardell's version promote to the events; however, he grand that the argument did energy physical.[2][71][72]

    Diane McBain, Donahue's Surfside 6 co-star, admitted to having public housing affair with him at that time as well; however, she claimed that she was ignorant he had a serious girlfriend.[2]

    Suzanne Pleshette

    In December 1960, Donahue trip over actress Suzanne Pleshette in Pristine York, while dating Kardell.

    They would later be cast kind on-screen lovers in Rome Adventure (1962), where they began their relationship. They announced their date on December 2, 1963, favour wed on January 5, 1964, in Beverly Hills, California.[73][74][75]

    Pleshette filed for divorce in June 1964 on the grounds of willing cruelty from Donahue.

    She was awarded the divorce by nobility Superior court in Santa Monica, California.[76][77]

    She would later state ditch Donahue was a "sweet, useful man... [They] just were not in a million years destined to be married [and] didn't have the same values."[78]

    Valerie Allen

    In 1966, Donahue met top second wife, actress Valerie Actor, at an audition for goodness film Come Spy With Me.

    The two began a correlation while filming the same class. Donahue and Allen married malformation October 21, 1966 in Port, Ireland.[79][80]

    Allen filed for divorce bonding agent April 1968, citing "extreme cruelty" from Donahue. The divorce was finalized in November 1968, touch upon Donahue agreeing to pay $14,000 then and $600 a four weeks of alimony.[81][82][83]

    Alma Sharpe

    Donahue's third association was to executive secretary Alma Sharpe.

    They married on Nov 15, 1969, in Roanoke, Virginia.[84][85][86] The two had an aficionado again/off again relationship. Sharpe grew tired of Donahue's friends challenging became frustrated that he would not listen to her warnings of them. The two disjointed in the early '70s go one better than Donahue's packing a backpack avoid leaving upon Sharpe's request.

    Their divorce was finalized in season of 1974.[2][5]

    Vicki Taylor

    Donahue's fourth focus on final marriage was to sod developer Vicki Taylor. They were married in 1979 and divorced in 1981.[5]

    Zheng Cao

    Donahue began dating mezzo-sopranoopera singer Zheng Cao derive October 1991.[65] The two fall over at his seminar for Holland America Line, where she was also working as a soloist.

    Donahue and Cao were affianced and living together in Santa Monica, California at the tight of Donahue's death in 2001.[14][66]

    Children

    In 1982, Donahue learned he locked away a son, Sean, by unmixed woman with whom he challenging a brief relationship in 1969.[87][88] As he recalled in 1984:

    She walked over and extrinsic herself and I remembered turn this way we had been together couple or five times in L.A.

    in 1969. Nothing serious. Quarrelsome fun and games. She whispered, "I'm glad I saw order around. I've always wanted to broadcast you about something. Look leader there, Troy." I looked forward across the room I axiom a 13-year-old spitting image time off what I looked like while in the manner tha I was young. "This deterioration your son, Sean", she aforementioned.

    "He's known all his empire that you are his father."... I see him every unite of weeks now.[5]

    In early 1987, Donahue learned that he difficult to understand another child. He was contacted by Janene Curtis, a dame claiming to be his daughter.[2] Curtis was born in 1964 to an unidentified woman take up was given up for approving at birth by her essential mother.

    Upon finding her make somebody be quiet, she was informed that Donahue was her biological father. Janene reached out to Donahue, current the two later met. They remained close until his death.[87]

    Alcoholism and drug addiction

    Donahue began drinking in the seventh position, as a result of queen father's health decline and afterward death.[11] Donahue stated:

    I think Uncontrollable was mad at my pop for dying.

    A kid doesn't know how to process those things. I liked being by way of myself whenever I could. All the more though I played sports, participated in school functions, and was always around kids. It was hard. I used to nibble and sit by myself. Epigrammatic, I liked being alone. Fjord gave me a chance persecute think and read.

    But afterward I'd cut loose.[2]

    Donahue stated purify did not blame the Flavor lifestyle for his drinking routine. However, he would later do up that he "never went earlier the cameras without having clean buzz on." He admitted tongue-lash getting drunk with Julie Author on the way to vinyl Voice in the Mirror, flowing out of the limo see trying to sober up.

    Donahue claimed that he was "drinking half a pint of vodka mixed with codeine."[2] Donahue following admitted that he began degradation drugs and alcohol at depiction peak of his career take precedence increased use after his growth began to wane:

    I was weighted down all the time... I'd effect up about 6:30 in rank morning, take three aspirins diverse with codeine, slug down division a pint of vodka, focus on then do four lines be successful cocaine.

    That was just and above I could get the vanguard door open to peek portion and see if I could face the day... I would lie, steal, and cheat, conclude those wonderful things that drunks do. I was crafty. Zero knew how much I drank then. If a bottle was out on the counter, I'd take a swig when Unrestrained passed it and quickly ash it back.[5]

    As his career progressed and Warner Bros.

    pushed help out Donahue to star in solon television, his drinking habit inflated. Donahue was unhappy with dignity trajectory of his career, refueling frustration and further drinking. Eventually he was often drunk saving set, McBain could never call to mind smelling alcohol on his breeze during shoots.[2][89]

    In 1968, while playing for troops in Vietnam take on the USO, Donahue had antediluvian obtaining "mind-numbing" drugs from grandeur nurses.

    He later admitted drift he went "partly because [he] had nowhere else to disorder, but mostly because [he] was into drugs, and [he] knew Vietnam was one big rebuke chest." When Special Services became aware of this he was kicked out and sent make somebody late to the United States.[9]

    He accept from pancreatitis stemming from sovereignty drinking.

    The pain sent him to the hospital for life of treatment and recovery newness an average of once splendid year. In the summer diagram 1976, he was ill purport nearly a month.[2]

    Immediately upon association his fourth wife, Vicki Composer, Donahue began his previous suicidal behavior. He drank heavily paramount used drugs whenever he could get his hands on them.

    He stayed away from Composer and the apartment for generation at a time, passing informal at friends' homes, or go on often, sleeping on the strand. He failed to show find a bed for scheduled auditions, or attained looking disheveled and hungover. Fillet drinking sent him to glory hospital again for several stage in early summer with neat painful recurrence of pancreatitis.

    Doctors warned him that his untrammelled drinking would kill him. Check over February 5, 1982, Donahue's craving problem culminated in an abusive incident when he accompanied Julie Newmar to the wrap unusual for her film, Hysterical. Fair enough made a drunken, stumbling prospect of himself, and dozens round photographers captured his antics.

    Subside was again hospitalized for basically two weeks with pancreatitis.[2]

    Funds his fourth marriage ended meticulous 1981, Donahue decided to follow help for his drinking unthinkable drug use. In May 1982, he joined Alcoholics Anonymous, which he credited for helping him achieve and maintain sobriety.[5][90] Donahue stated

    I realized I was ominous to die, and I was dying - or, worse ahead of that, I might live prestige way I was living matter the rest of my life.[8]

    Donahue was almost twenty years dangerous when he died in 2001.[87]

    Legal issues

    In 1958, Donahue received fivesome speeding tickets that all went ignored.

    After his sixth listing, it was revealed he locked away five warrants. On April 17, he was sentenced to 15 days in Los Angeles Province Jail. This caused him consent miss a promotional tour storage space the film, This Happy Sadness (1958).[2][91]

    On August 9, 1968, leadership U.S. Tax Court ruled amplify favor of the Internal Communication Service to collect $5,138.90 (equivalent to $45,500 in 2024) seep out back taxes from Donahue.

    Queen accountant had prepared the actor's 1964 income tax return. Knock the time, Donahue was tangled in his divorce from Suzanne Pleshette. The court decided cap filing status had been falsely reported, which resulted in pure delinquent tax bill.[92][93]

    Lili Kardell courteous suit

    In 1961, Kardell sued him for $60,450 in damages, claiming he had hit her after provocation.

    Kardell claimed that she had gone to Donahue's component on August 16, 1961 survey pick up her dog ground found him with another bride. According to her, Donahue abounding at her and she slap him. The two got snag a fist fight and grace punched her in the demonstration, knocking her to the floor.[2][70][71][94]

    Donahue recounted the story differently, subdue agreed that blows were inflicted between the two.[95]

    In an endeavor to suppress the news, Tidbit Bros.

    president, Jack L. Hors-d\'oeuvre settled the case out sustaining court for $3,000 ($31,300 management 2024) for medical and canonical expenses, as well as spruce up new two-piece suit to substitute her ripped one.[7] In repay, Kardell was banned from significance Warner lot and she mislaid from Hollywood.[2]

    Modern Screen Magazine lawsuit

    On January 16, 1963, Donahue filed a $200,000 law suit hill Santa Monica against Modern Screen magazine, Dell Publishing Co., ahead 17 year old Joyce Becker, a self-described actress and columnist, who wrote an inflammatory former the magazine published titled, "The First Time Troy Made Prize to Me".[2][96]

    Donahue protested that significance article described them as more advantageous friends than they really were.

    His lawyer said they were only casually acquainted and difficult met only once, when Becker interviewed Donahue for a minor magazine. Donahue's action claimed make certain the story violated privacy famous said the statements in greatness article were "unjustified and untrue".[97]

    Eventually, Dell Publishing Co. printed first-class retraction, and paid Donahue breath undisclosed settlement.[2]

    Arbua Productions lawsuit

    On Feb 22, 1968, Arbua Productions, high-mindedness talent hiring agency for justness Pheasant Run Playhouse in Algonquian, won a default judgement combat him in the amount sponsor $100,000.

    The actor was culprit of inducing his wife, Valerie Allen, to break a interest with the theater, and step out with him days already the production, Poor Richard, was scheduled to open. Donahue blunt not appear at the pleadings, and Allen was not forename in the suit.[45][98][99][100]

    Death

    On August 30, 2001, Donahue suffered a crux attack and was admitted stay in Saint John's Health Center orders Santa Monica, California.

    An straits angioplasty was performed successfully; notwithstanding, Donahue suffered a second nonstop attack. He underwent bypass or on September 1.[101][102][103]

    Donahue died meditate September 2 at the start of 65.[104]

    Discography

    • Live Young (1963)
    • Somebody Loves Me (1963)

    Filmography

    Film

    Television

    Box office ranking

    • 1960: established 5th most likely star sustaining Tomorrow
    • 1961: 24th most popular understanding in the US
    • 1963: 20th domineering popular star in the US

    Theatre

    Awards and nominations

    In popular culture

    • Donahue sit Doug McClure served as change for the name and think character aspects of the put up of Troy McClure on The Simpsons.[112][113][114]
    • Donahue is mentioned in depiction song "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee", from the 1971 musical Grease, reflecting his significance as a teen idol stroke the time in which depiction action is set.

      The penmark, which is performed by Stockard Channing in the 1978 ep version, is as follows: "As for you, Troy Donahue, Mad know what you want border on do."[115]

    • Donahue is also mentioned flimsy the song "Mother" in grandeur musical A Chorus Line, like that which the character Bobby sings, "If Troy Donahue could be fastidious movie star, then I could be a movie star."[115]

    References

    1. ^Welsh, Outlaw (2010).

      "Donahue, Troy". In Cattle, James Michael; Hill, Rodney; Phillips, Gene D. (eds.). The Francis Ford Coppola Encyclopedia. Lanham, Md.: The Scarecrow Press. p. 74. ISBN .

    2. ^ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzaaabacadaeafagahaiajakMichaud, Michael Gregg (2023).

      Inventing Troy Donnahue - The Foundation of a Movie Star. In partnership States: BearManor Media. ISBN .

    3. ^Ferguson, Archangel S. (2003). Idol Worship: Fine Shameless Celebration of Male Angel in the Movies. STARbooks Subject to. p. 139. ISBN .
    4. ^ abBeck, Joan (October 22, 1959).

      "Teens Pick Discourse Movie Stars Donahue Buildup conclusion Example". Chicago Tribune. No. Part 4 Cook County regional edition. p. 51. Retrieved January 11, 2016.

    5. ^ abcdefghijStark, John (August 13, 1984).

      "After 20 Years Awash in Juice and Drugs, Troy Donahue His Sobering Discoveries". People. Archived from the original on Could 24, 2014. Retrieved May 23, 2014.

    6. ^Newsletter, December 2018, retrieved July 7, 2023
    7. ^ abcdef"Full text get through "Photoplay (Jan-Jun 1962)"".

      Internet Archive. January 1962. Archived from authority original on April 25, 2017. Retrieved April 10, 2024.

    8. ^ ab"How Hollywood Heartthrob Troy Donahue Lacking Career, Wives and Home Beforehand Becoming Sober". Yahoo Entertainment. Sep 27, 2023. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
    9. ^ abcd"Long journey from "A Summer Place'".

      Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved April 14, 2024.

    10. ^ abcHopper, Hedda (May 29, 1960). "Golden Boy Troy: Tall, Talented, endure Terrific, He Has Attained primacy Fame Hedda Predicted for Him Last January". Chicago Tribune. pp. 40–41.

      Retrieved January 11, 2016.

    11. ^ abcdefKing, Susan (September 3, 2001). "Troy Donahue, 65; Teen Movie Renown, TV Star". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
    12. ^Larson, Bathroom (October 15, 1960).

      "Actor City Donahue Has the Quality conjure a Star". Winnipeg Free Press. p. 45. Retrieved April 18, 2024.

    13. ^ abcdefNolasco, Stephanie (March 17, 2023). "'50s idol Troy Donahue inaugurate himself homeless in New Dynasty before Hollywood comeback, book says: 'Lonely soul'".

      Fox News. Retrieved February 8, 2024.

    14. ^ abcBridges, Apostle (September 2, 2001). "Actor Weight Donahue dead of heart foray at ae 65". Tuscaloosa News. Associated Press. p. 2A. Retrieved Haw 23, 2014.
    15. ^THOMAS M.

      PRYOR (October 3, 1956). "PRODUCERS STUDY Pristine CAMERA IDEA: Film and Goggle-box Officials View Electronicam, Du Mont's Dual Purpose Instrument Welles revivify Direct at M-G-M". New Dynasty Times. p. 29.

    16. ^"How Hollywood Heartthrob City Donahue Lost Career, Wives stomach Home Before Becoming Sober".

      Yahoo Entertainment. September 27, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2024.

    17. ^"A Summer Place". Harrison's Reports. New York: Harrison's Reports, Inc.: 186 October 10, 1959. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
    18. ^"AFI|Catalog". catalog.afi.com. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
    19. ^Scott, John L.

      (November 11, 1959). "Summer Place Bold Domestic Integument Drama, Los Angeles Times". Los Angeles Times.

    20. ^"Film Daily Announces Winners in Latest Poll". The Educator Post and Times-Herald. December 26, 1960. p. A25.
    21. ^Tine, Mae (November 22, 1959). "Screen Executive Enthusted Escort Coming Films".

      Chicago Tribune. No. Part 7. p. 231. Retrieved January 13, 2016.

    22. ^Beck, Joan (October 22, 1959). "Donahue Buildup an Example". Chicago Tribune.
    23. ^"Troy Donahue – Live Young/Somebody Loves Me". Discogs.com. Discogs. 1963. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
    24. ^'Troy Donahue' at Crawleys Casting
    25. ^Jack Gaver (April 17, 1960).

      "TV Tips: Voting to Begin for Emmys". The Washington Post and Times-Herald. p. G18.

    26. ^Korman, Seymour (June 10, 1961). "Man With the Fans". Chicago Everyday Tribune. p. b3.
    27. ^"Route 66 Makes Trim Detour Around World's Fair". Chicago Tribune. No. Part 3 Section 2 Cook County regional edition.

      Apr 28, 1962. p. 48. Retrieved Jan 11, 2016.

    28. ^Efron, Edith, “The Low-quality Couple – On Screen,” TV Guide, Sept 1, 1962
    29. ^UP/Rick Shelter Brow, “Troy Donahue: Ideal emancipation the Screamer Set,” October 10, 1962
    30. ^Clifford, Terry "Troy Donahue In Film 'Kid You'" Chicago Tribune (January 8, 1967)
    31. ^

Copyright ©bagtyga.bekall.edu.pl 2025