Reginald Owen was a British actor who had a long and successful career in Hollywood, appearing in more than 80 films and many TV shows. He was best known for his roles in classic movies such as A Christmas Carol, Mary Poppins, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks. He was also one of the few actors who played both Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on screen. He died in 1972 at the age of 85, but what was the cause of his death? And what was his life like before he passed away? In this article, we will explore the life and death of Reginald Owen, and pay tribute to his legacy in the film industry.
Early Life and Career
Reginald Owen was born on August 5, 1887, in Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire, England. His birth name was John Reginald Owen, and he was the son of Joseph and Frances Owen. He studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and made his professional debut in 1905, at the age of 18. He co-authored and starred in a play called Where the Rainbow Ends, which was a success and ran for over 1,000 performances. He also worked as a radio disc jockey and served in the Navy during World War I.
Owen moved to the United States in 1920 and performed on Broadway. He made his film debut in 1929, in The Letter, opposite Jeanne Eagels. He soon found his niche in Hollywood, especially in historical dramas and comedies. He worked with many famous stars, such as Jean Harlow, Joan Crawford, Jeanette MacDonald, Barbara Stanwyck, and Elizabeth Taylor. He also appeared in seven films that were nominated for the Best Picture Oscar, including The Great Ziegfeld, Mrs. Miniver, and Mary Poppins. He won the admiration of audiences and critics alike for his versatility and charm.
Memorable Roles and Achievements
One of Owen’s most memorable roles was as Ebenezer Scrooge in the 1938 film version of A Christmas Carol. He was a last-minute replacement for Lionel Barrymore, who had played the part on the radio for years, but was unable to do the film due to illness. Owen gave a convincing and touching performance as the miserly and repentant Scrooge, and the film became a holiday classic.
Another role that Owen is remembered for is as Admiral Boom in the 1964 film Mary Poppins. He played the eccentric neighbor of the Banks family, who fired cannons from his rooftop and had a fondness for nautical terms. He also sang in the song “Let’s Go Fly a Kite” with the rest of the cast. Owen reprised his role as Admiral Boom in the 1971 film Bedknobs and Broomsticks, which was his last film appearance.
Owen was also one of the few actors who played both Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson on screen. He played Watson in the 1932 film Sherlock Holmes, starring Clive Brook as Holmes. He then played Holmes himself in the 1933 film A Study in Scarlet, based on the first novel by Arthur Conan Doyle. He was praised for his portrayal of the famous detective, and joined the ranks of Jeremy Brett, Carleton Hobbs, and Patrick Macnee as actors who played both roles.
Reginald Owen Cause of Death
According to various sources, Owen died of a heart attack on November 5, 1972, in Boise, Idaho. He was 85 years old. He was buried at the Morris Hill Cemetery in Boise. He was survived by his third wife, Barbara Vermicheff, whom he married in 1956. He had previously been married to Lydia Bilbrook, an actress, from 1909 to 1923, and to Billie Austin, a singer, from 1934 to 1956. He had two children, a son and a daughter, from his first marriage.
Reginald Owen was a talented and prolific actor who left a mark on the film industry. He played many memorable characters, both serious and comic, and brought them to life with his charisma and skill. He was a veteran of both the stage and the screen, and a respected colleague and friend to many. He will be remembered as one of the stars of the golden age of Hollywood. Rest in peace, Reginald Owen.
