Lawrence Gray (July 27, 1898 – February 2, 1970) was an American actor of the 1920s and 1930s.

Lawrence Gray
Gray in 1933
Born(1898-07-27)July 27, 1898
DiedFebruary 2, 1970(1970-02-02) (aged 71)
OccupationActor
Years active1925–1936
Spouse(s)Maria Luisa Figueroa
(m. 1935)

Early life and career

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Born on July 27, 1898, in San Francisco, Gray attended schools there and worked in Standard Oil Company's export department. He served during World War I in the U.S. Navy and became an ensign. After the war, he was production manager at the Lasky Studios, but later became an extra in crowd scenes and such, and liking the work, decided on a film career.[1] He appeared in over 40 films between 1925 and 1936, although many were B movies.[citation needed]

In 1930, he starred in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film musical Children of Pleasure, alongside Wynne Gibson, and was also involved with the film score. That same year he also starred in the Vitaphone film musicals Sunny and Spring is Here.

Personal life and death

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On August 7, 1935, with the Associated Press crediting actress Dolores Del Rio as matchmaker, Gray married Mexican former actress Maria Luisa Figueroa;[2][3] shortly thereafter, they relocated permanently to Mexico City. The marriage produced no children.[4]

Gray died in Mexico City on February 2, 1970, at the age of 71,[5] survived by his wife.[4]

Selected filmography

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Lobby card with Olive Borden and Gray in Pajamas (1927)

References

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  1. ^ "New actor plays 2 roles opposite Gloria Swanson". The Sunday Oregonian. Oregon, Portland. May 2, 1926. p. 61. Retrieved October 26, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
  2. ^ Associated Press (August 8, 1935). "Lawrence Gray and Bride Honeymooning". Pomona Progress-Bulletin. p. 2. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  3. ^ "Film Actor Takes Mexican Bride; Mexican Girl Weds Film Actor". Hollister Free lance. August 20, 1935. p. 6. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Obituaries: Lawrence Gray". Variety. February 11, 1970. p. 63. ProQuest 1032454462. Lawrence Gray, 71, onetime Hollywood leading man and for many years coordinator between Mexican film industry and Hollywood, died in Mexico City Feb. 2. He had lived in the Mexico capital for more than 35 years, and for that length of time had been married to former actress Mary Louise Figueroa [sic], who survives.
  5. ^ Films in Review. National Board of Review of Motion Pictures. 1971.
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