Lew Ayres

Biography

Lew Ayres, born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and raised in San Diego, California, embarked on his acting career after being discovered by a talent scout at the Coconut Grove nightclub in Los Angeles. Initially starting off in small roles, he gained prominence as Greta Garbo's leading man in the film *The Kiss* (1929). However, it was his portrayal of Paul Baumer in *All Quiet on the Western Front* (1930) that marked a significant turning point in his career, profoundly resonating with him due to its anti-war message.

When the U.S. entered World War II, Ayres, a popular star known for his role in *Young Dr. Kildare* (1938) and its sequels, chose to be a conscientious objector. This decision sparked outrage among fans, leading to a backlash against his films. Nevertheless, he served honorably as a medic in the Medical Corps, seeing action in the South Pacific and assisting chaplains in New Guinea and the Philippines.

After the war, Ayres faced challenges in reviving his film career until a powerful performance in *Johnny Belinda* (1948) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Despite a decline in film roles thereafter, he attempted to return to the character of Dr. Kildare on television, but this was thwarted by network restrictions regarding cigarette sponsorship.

In the 1970s, Ayres shifted his focus to explore Eastern philosophies, resulting in the film *Altars of the World* (1976), which, while not a commercial success, garnered critical acclaim and won a Golden Globe Award. Lew Ayres passed away in Los Angeles, California, on December 30, 1996, shortly after celebrating his 88th birthday.