John Emery
Encyclopedia
John Emery was an American
stage, film, radio and television actor. Born on May 20, 1905 in New York City
, he was the son of stage actors Edward Emery (? - 1938) and Isabel Waldron
(1871 - 1950). He was educated at Long Island's La Salle Military Academy
.
Through the late thirties to the early sixties, he appeared in small roles in many Hollywood films, beginning with James Whale
's The Road Back
(1937). He was also known for his television work, appearing on programs like I Love Lucy
and Have Gun Will Travel. In 1946 he starred in a radio program, playing the title character, detective Philo Vance
.
The only husband of Tallulah Bankhead
, the two married on August 31, 1937 in Jasper, Alabama
and were divorced on June 13, 1941 in Reno, Nevada
. The two remained friendly after their marriage, with Emery later marrying dancer Tamara Geva
. Due to their resemblance, Emery was often rumored to be the illegitimate child of John Barrymore
. Emery died on November 16, 1964 in New York City, aged 59.
From 1961-1964, Emery was romantically involved with actress Joan Bennett
who cared for him during his final illness.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
stage, film, radio and television actor. Born on May 20, 1905 in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, he was the son of stage actors Edward Emery (? - 1938) and Isabel Waldron
(1871 - 1950). He was educated at Long Island's La Salle Military Academy
La Salle Military Academy
La Salle Military Academy was a Catholic school with middle school/junior high school and high school divisions located in Oakdale, New York. It closed in 2001, and the school's extensive campus is now owned by St...
.
Through the late thirties to the early sixties, he appeared in small roles in many Hollywood films, beginning with James Whale
James Whale
James Whale was an English film director, theatre director and actor. He is best remembered for his work in the horror film genre, having directed such classics as Frankenstein , The Old Dark House , The Invisible Man and Bride of Frankenstein...
's The Road Back
The Road Back (film)
The Road Back is a 1937 drama film made by Universal Pictures, directed by James Whale. The screenplay is by Charles Kenyon and R.C. Sherriff from the eponymous novel by Erich Maria Remarque.The novel on which the film is based was banned during Nazi rule...
(1937). He was also known for his television work, appearing on programs like I Love Lucy
I Love Lucy
I Love Lucy is an American television sitcom starring Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Vivian Vance, and William Frawley. The black-and-white series originally ran from October 15, 1951, to May 6, 1957, on the Columbia Broadcasting System...
and Have Gun Will Travel. In 1946 he starred in a radio program, playing the title character, detective Philo Vance
Philo Vance
Philo Vance featured in 12 crime novels written by S. S. Van Dine , published in the 1920s and 1930s. During that time, Vance was immensely popular in books, movies, and on the radio. He was portrayed as a stylish, even foppish dandy, a New York bon vivant possessing a highly intellectual bent...
.
The only husband of Tallulah Bankhead
Tallulah Bankhead
Tallulah Brockman Bankhead was an award-winning American actress of the stage and screen, talk-show host, and bonne vivante...
, the two married on August 31, 1937 in Jasper, Alabama
Jasper, Alabama
Jasper is a city in Walker County, Alabama, United States. At the 2000 census the population was 14,659. As of 2011 the population had was 13,857. The city is the county seat of Walker County, and once ranked among the world's leading producers of coal....
and were divorced on June 13, 1941 in Reno, Nevada
Reno, Nevada
Reno is the county seat of Washoe County, Nevada, United States. The city has a population of about 220,500 and is the most populous Nevada city outside of the Las Vegas metropolitan area...
. The two remained friendly after their marriage, with Emery later marrying dancer Tamara Geva
Tamara Geva
Tamara Geva was a Russian actress, ballet dancer and choreographer. She was the first wife of dancer/choreographer George Balanchine.-Biography:...
. Due to their resemblance, Emery was often rumored to be the illegitimate child of John Barrymore
John Barrymore
John Sidney Blyth , better known as John Barrymore, was an acclaimed American actor. He first gained fame as a handsome stage actor in light comedy, then high drama and culminating in groundbreaking portrayals in Shakespearean plays Hamlet and Richard III...
. Emery died on November 16, 1964 in New York City, aged 59.
From 1961-1964, Emery was romantically involved with actress Joan Bennett
Joan Bennett
Joan Geraldine Bennett was an American stage, film and television actress. Besides acting on the stage, Bennett appeared in more than 70 motion pictures from the era of silent movies well into the sound era...
who cared for him during his final illness.