Johnny Mitchell was a promising young actor who appeared in several films in the 1940s, such as Pillow to Post, Laugh Your Blues Away, and Mr. Skeffington. He had a charming personality, a handsome face, and a talent for comedy. He was also a war hero, having served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II. However, his life was cut short by a tragic suicide on January 19, 1951, when he shot himself in the head at his New York apartment. He was only 32 years old.
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Who Was Johnny Mitchell?
Johnny Mitchell was born on December 13, 1918, in Manhattan, New York City, as Douglas N. Lamy. He was the son of a French-Canadian father and an Irish mother. He had an older brother and sister, who both became actors as well. He attended the Professional Children’s School and made his stage debut at the age of 12. He also performed on radio and in nightclubs.
He began his film career in 1941, when he signed a contract with MGM. He used the name Douglass Newland and appeared in minor roles in films such as Blossoms in the Dust, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Woman of the Year. He then moved to Columbia, where he changed his name to Douglass Drake and starred in comedies such as Laugh Your Blues Away, The Boogie Man Will Get You, and My Sister Eileen.
In 1943, he joined Warner Bros. and adopted the name Johnny Mitchell, after the character he played in Mr. Skeffington, opposite Bette Davis and Claude Rains. He received positive reviews for his performance and was considered a rising star. He also appeared in Cinderella Jones, with Joan Leslie and Robert Alda, and Pillow to Post, with Ida Lupino and Sydney Greenstreet. He also made a cameo appearance as himself in Hollywood Canteen, a musical tribute to the troops.
What Happened to Johnny Mitchell?
Johnny Mitchell’s film career came to an abrupt halt in 1944, when he was drafted into the US Army Air Corps. He served as a bombardier and flew 25 missions over Europe. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart. He was discharged in 1946 and returned to New York, where he hoped to resume his acting career.
However, he found it difficult to find work in Hollywood, as the studios had lost interest in him. He also suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and alcoholism. He became estranged from his family and friends and isolated himself in his apartment. He also developed a drug addiction, as he used morphine to cope with his chronic back pain.
On January 19, 1951, he decided to end his life. He wrote a suicide note, which read: “I’m sorry, but I can’t go on. I love you all, but I’m too unhappy to live. Please forgive me.” He then shot himself in the right temple with a .38 caliber revolver. He was found dead by his landlord, who had come to collect the rent.
Why Did Johnny Mitchell Kill Himself?
The exact reasons for Johnny Mitchell’s suicide are unknown, but there are several possible factors that may have contributed to his decision. He may have felt hopeless and worthless, as he had failed to achieve his dreams of becoming a successful actor. He may have felt guilty and ashamed, as he had wasted his talent and potential. He may have felt lonely and unloved, as he had lost contact with his family and friends. He may have felt helpless and desperate, as he had no money and no prospects. He may have felt sick and in pain, as he had physical and mental health problems. He may have felt trapped and hopeless, as he had no way out of his situation.
Whatever the reasons, Johnny Mitchell’s suicide was a tragic loss for the film industry and for his fans. He was a talented and charismatic actor, who had a bright future ahead of him. He was a brave and heroic soldier, who had served his country with honor. He was a human being, who deserved happiness and peace. He was Johnny Mitchell, the actor who could have been, but never was.
