Full Name: Humphrey DeForest Bogart
Birthdate: December 25, 1899
Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
Death: January 14, 1957
Profession: Actor
Early Life
Humphrey Bogart was born to Belmont DeForest Bogart, a surgeon, and Maud Humphrey, a successful commercial illustrator and suffragist. Raised in a privileged household, Bogart attended private schools but was expelled from the prestigious Phillips Academy and did not complete his college education.
After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War I, Bogart found work as a stage manager and actor in theater, gradually transitioning to film in the early 1930s.
Acting Career
Bogart’s early roles were often as gangsters and tough guys in B-movies. His breakthrough came in The Petrified Forest (1936), where his portrayal of escaped convict Duke Mantee drew critical acclaim.
Iconic Films
- High Sierra (1941)
- The Maltese Falcon (1941)
- Casablanca (1942)
- To Have and Have Not (1944)
- The Big Sleep (1946)
- Key Largo (1948)
- In a Lonely Place (1950)
- The African Queen (1951) — Academy Award for Best Actor
- Sabrina (1954)
- The Caine Mutiny (1954)
Personal Life
Bogart married actress Lauren Bacall in 1945 after meeting during the filming of To Have and Have Not. Despite a 25-year age difference, they became one of Hollywood’s most iconic couples, often referred to as “Bogie and Bacall.” They had two children: Stephen and Leslie Bogart. Bogart was previously married three times before his union with Bacall.
Signature Style
Bogart became synonymous with the hard-boiled detective and anti-hero roles, known for his gruff voice, wry wit, and tough-guy demeanor. His portrayal of morally complex characters established him as a quintessential film noir star and cultural icon.
Legacy and Influence
- Ranked as the greatest male star in American film history by the American Film Institute in 1999
- Remembered as one of the most enduring and revered figures of classic Hollywood cinema
- Famous for lines like “Here’s looking at you, kid” from Casablanca
Awards and Achievements
- Academy Award for Best Actor (The African Queen, 1951)
- Multiple nominations for his performances in critically acclaimed films
Death and Posthumous Recognition
Bogart died of esophageal cancer on January 14, 1957, at the age of 57. His contribution to cinema remains unmatched, and his performances continue to be celebrated as timeless masterpieces in film history.
