William Bendix was a popular American actor who starred in many films, radio shows, and television series in the 1940s and 1950s. He is best remembered for his role as Chester A. Riley in The Life of Riley, a comedy show that aired on both radio and TV. He also played Babe Ruth in The Babe Ruth Story, a biopic of the legendary baseball player. Bendix was known for his distinctive Brooklyn accent and his ability to portray both comedic and dramatic characters.
Early Life and Career
William Bendix was born on January 14, 1906, in Manhattan, New York. He was the only child of Oscar and Hilda Bendix, who were both musicians. His uncle was Max Bendix, a famous violinist and conductor. Bendix grew up in a musical environment and learned to play several instruments, including the piano and the drums.
Bendix had a brief stint as a batboy for the New York Yankees in the early 1920s. He claimed that he saw Babe Ruth hit more than 100 home runs at Yankee Stadium. However, he was fired after he fulfilled Ruth’s request for a large order of hot dogs and soda before a game, which resulted in Ruth being unable to play that day.
Bendix worked as a grocer until the Great Depression hit. He then turned to acting as a way to make a living. He started his career in nightclubs and on Broadway, where he appeared in several plays, mostly as a taxi driver or a cop. He made his film debut in 1942, in a comedy called Brooklyn Orchid.
Rise to Fame
Bendix soon gained attention for his supporting roles in various Hollywood films. He often played tough but good-hearted characters, such as gangsters, detectives, or servicemen. He appeared in several film noirs, such as The Glass Key and The Blue Dahlia, opposite Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake. He also worked with Alfred Hitchcock in Lifeboat, where he played Gus, a wounded and dying sailor.
Bendix received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Wake Island, a war film based on a true story of American marines defending an island against Japanese invaders. He also starred in The Hairy Ape, an adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s play, where he played a brutish stoker who falls in love with a socialite.
Bendix also showed his comedic talents in films such as A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, where he played Sir Sagramore opposite Bing Crosby. He also played Nick the bartender in The Time of Your Life, based on William Saroyan’s play.
The Life of Riley
Bendix’s most famous role was that of Chester A. Riley, a bumbling factory worker who always got into trouble with his family and friends. The character was created by Irving Brecher for a radio show called The Life of Riley, which debuted in 1944. Bendix was not the original choice for the role, but he replaced Lionel Stander after the first episode.
The show was a huge success and ran for eight years on radio. It also spawned two film versions, one in 1949 and one in 1958, both starring Bendix as Riley. In 1953, the show moved to television, where it ran for six seasons until 1958. The show was one of the first sitcoms to feature a working-class family and to use a live audience.
Bendix became synonymous with the character of Riley and his catchphrase “What a revoltin’ development this is!” He also recorded several songs based on the show, such as “The Life of Riley” and “Riley’s Theme”.
Later Years and Death
Bendix continued to act in films and television after The Life of Riley ended. He appeared in films such as Crashout, Johnny Nobody, Boys’ Night Out, and For Love or Money. He also guest-starred on shows such as Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Wagon Train, Route 66, and The Untouchables.
Bendix suffered from chronic stomach problems throughout his life. He also developed diabetes and high blood pressure. In 1964, he contracted lobar pneumonia caused by malnutrition due to his stomach ailment. He died on December 14, 1964, at the age of 58.
Bendix was survived by his wife Theresa Stefanotti, whom he married in 1927, and their two children Lorraine and Stephanie. He was buried at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Los Angeles.
William Bendix was one of the most versatile and beloved actors of his generation. He left behind a legacy of memorable performances that entertained millions of fans around the world.
