Eddie Bracken

Description

Edward Vincent "Eddie" Bracken (February 7 1915 - November 14 2002) was an American actor.<p>Born in Astoria, New York, he performed in vaudeville at the age of nine, and gained fame on Broadway in the musical Too Many Girls in a role he reprised in the film version in 1940. He had performed in a short film series called The Kiddie Troupers (one of many Our Gang-like series) prior to that, but this film was his big break.<p>In 1936, Bracken pursued success on Broadway with his starring run in the Joseph Viertel play So Proudly We Hail. The military drama co-starred Richard Cromwell and opened to much fanfare, but closed after 14 performances at the 46th Street Theater.<p>In the 1940s, director Preston Sturges cast Bracken in two of his best-loved films, The Miracle of Morgan's Creek, opposite Betty Hutton, and Hail the Conquering Hero. Based on the popularity of these films, Eddie Bracken was a household name during World War II. Bracken also made numerous radio broadcasts during this era.<p>In...