George Macready was a prominent American actor who appeared in many stage, film, and television productions. He was known for his distinctive voice and his ability to play polished villains. However, he also had a physical feature that set him apart from other actors: a curved scar on his right cheek. This scar was the result of a car accident that Macready suffered in his early twenties, and it would eventually contribute to his cause of death.
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The Car Accident That Changed His Life
According to IMDb, Macready was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on August 29, 1899. He graduated from Brown University in 1917 and became interested in acting on the advice of director Richard Boleslawski. He made his Broadway debut in 1926 in an adaptation of The Scarlet Letter. He claimed to be a descendant of William Macready, a famous 19th-century English actor.
However, Macready’s life took a dramatic turn in about 1919, when he was involved in a car accident that left him with a severe injury on his face. He later said that the accident was a mixed blessing, as it gave him a unique appearance that helped him land roles as mastermind criminals and aristocratic villains. He also said that producers found it effective to emphasize his scar, which he received in an auto accident many years ago.
The Emphysema That Ended His Life
Macready had a successful career in Hollywood, appearing in such films as Gilda (1946), Paths of Glory (1957), and The Great Race (1965). He also worked with many famous actors, such as Rita Hayworth, Glenn Ford, Kirk Douglas, and John Wayne. He was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his role in The Green Glove (1952).
However, Macready’s health deteriorated in his later years. He suffered from emphysema, a chronic lung disease that causes shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Emphysema is often caused by smoking, air pollution, or exposure to dust and chemicals. According to NNDB, Macready died of emphysema on July 2, 1973, in Los Angeles, California. He was 73 years old.
The Legacy That Lives On
George Macready was a versatile and talented actor who left a lasting impression on the audiences and the industry. He was praised for his eloquence, his elegance, and his menace. He played a variety of roles, from Shakespearean characters to historical figures to comic villains. He was also a devoted father of three children and a grandfather of John Macready, an Olympic gymnast.
George Macready’s cause of death was emphysema, but his scar was a reminder of the car accident that changed his life and his career. He turned his misfortune into an advantage and became one of the most memorable actors of his generation. He is still remembered and admired by many fans and critics today.
