Wendell Corey

Biography

Wendell Reid Corey (March 20, 1914 – November 8, 1968) was a multifaceted American actor and politician who left a significant mark in both the entertainment industry and local governance. Corey initiated his theatrical journey in summer stock before making his Broadway debut in the 1942 production of *Comes the Revelation*. His breakthrough came in 1945 when he portrayed a jaded newspaper reporter in Elmer Rice's comedy *Dream Girl*, which garnered him attention from Hollywood producer Hal Wallis. This led to a contract with Paramount Pictures and his film debut as a gangster in *Desert Fury* (1947).

In television, Corey co-starred in the crime drama *Harbor Command* (1957-1958) alongside Casey Walters, appeared in *The Nanette Fabray Show* (1961), and played a leading role in the medical series *The Eleventh Hour* (1962-1963). He also guest-starred in numerous popular shows including *Alfred Hitchcock Presents*, *The Untouchables*, and *Perry Mason*.

Beyond acting, Corey was active in the film industry’s governance, serving as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1961 to 1963 and holding a position on the board of directors of the Screen Actors Guild. Politically inclined, he was a Republican advocate since 1956 and was elected to the Santa Monica City Council in 1965. Although he ran for a congressional seat in 1966, he lost in the primaries but continued his role as councilman until his passing.