Sterling Hayden(1916-1986)
- Actor
- Writer
- Soundtrack
Born to George & Frances Simonson Walter, and named Sterling Relyea
Walter. Father died in 1925. Adopted by stepfather 'James Hayden'
renamed Sterling Walter Hayden. Grew up in New Hampshire,
Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., and Maine. Though very
poor, attended prep school at Wassookeag School in Dexter, Maine. Ran
away to sea at 17, first as ship's boy, then as doryman on the Grand
Banks, as a seaman and fireman on numerous vessels before getting his
first command at 19. He sailed around the world a number of times,
becoming a well-known and highly respected ship's captain. At urging of
friends, met with producer
Edward H. Griffith who signs him to a
Paramount contract. Fell for his first leading lady,
Madeleine Carroll, and married her.
Prior to Pearl Harbor, abandoned Hollywood to become a commando with
the COI (later the OSS). Joined Marines under pseudonym "John Hamilton"
(a name he never acts under), eventually running guns and supplies to
Yugoslav partisans through the German blockade of the Adriatic, as well
as parachuting into Croatia for guerrilla activities. Won Silver Star
and citation from Tito of Yugoslavia. Briefly flirted with Communist
Party membership due to friendship with Yugoslav Communists. Returned
to film work, which he despised, in order to pay for a succession of
sailing vessels. As Red Scare deepens in U.S., he cooperated with the
House Un-American Activities Committee, confessing his brief Communist
ties. Ever after regretted this action, holding himself in enormous
contempt for what he considered "ratting". Offered role of Tarzan as
replacement for Lex Barker, but
refused. Made headlines defying court order not to sail to Tahiti with
his children following divorce decree. Published autobiography
"Wanderer" in 1963, and novel "Voyage" in 1976, both to great acclaim.
Cast as Quint in Jaws (1975) but unable to
play due to tax problems. Died of cancer in 1986.