Full Name: George Orson Welles (Orson Welles)
Date of Birth: May 6, 1915
Place of Birth: Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA
Date of Death: October 10, 1985 (aged 70)
Occupation: Actor, Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Years Active: 1931–1985
Spouse(s): Virginia Nicolson (1934–1940), Rita Hayworth (1943–1947), Paola Mori (1955–1985)
Children: 1 (Beatrice Welles)
Early Life & Education
Orson Welles was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, but grew up in Chicago. His father was an inventor, and his mother was a concert pianist. After his parents’ early deaths, he traveled widely and showed exceptional artistic talent in theater, music, and painting.
Instead of formal education, Welles studied independently and pursued theater. He gained early recognition at the Todd School for Boys, where he directed and acted in plays.
Radio & Theater Career (1930s–1940s)
Welles became famous for his innovative radio work. He co-founded the Mercury Theatre, which produced groundbreaking radio dramas, including:
- The War of the Worlds (1938) – A radio adaptation that caused panic, as listeners believed it was a real alien invasion.
In theater, he directed and starred in an all-Black production of Macbeth (1936), setting him apart as a visionary director.
Hollywood Breakthrough & Citizen Kane (1941)
At 25, Welles was given an unprecedented contract by RKO Pictures, granting him full creative control. His debut film, Citizen Kane (1941), which he co-wrote, directed, and starred in, is considered one of the greatest films ever made. It introduced:
- Deep focus cinematography
- Nonlinear storytelling
- Dynamic camera movements
Despite its revolutionary techniques, the film was controversial due to its portrayal of media mogul William Randolph Hearst and underperformed at the box office. However, it later became a cinematic masterpiece.
Later Films & Career Struggles (1942–1970s)
Welles faced studio interference and financial struggles, leading to difficulties in completing projects. Notable films include:
- The Magnificent Ambersons (1942) – Brilliant but re-edited by the studio.
- The Stranger (1946) – His most commercially successful film.
- Macbeth (1948) – A low-budget but bold Shakespeare adaptation.
- Othello (1951) – Won the Palme d’Or at Cannes.
- Touch of Evil (1958) – A film noir classic.
He often had to take acting roles in other films (The Third Man, Casino Royale) to fund his projects.
Later Years & Final Works (1970s–1985)
Welles continued directing independent films and working in television. His unfinished projects include The Other Side of the Wind, which was finally completed and released in 2018.
Personal Life
He was married three times, including to Rita Hayworth, and had one daughter. He was known for his larger-than-life personality, deep voice, and love of magic and storytelling.
Legacy & Influence
- Citizen Kane is consistently ranked as the greatest film of all time.
- Influenced directors like Stanley Kubrick, Steven Spielberg, and Christopher Nolan.
- Honored with an Academy Honorary Award (1971) and an AFI Life Achievement Award (1975).
