Quick Facts
Born:
1900-08-22
Birthplace:
Pitman, New Jersey, USA
Credits:
118 Total Roles
Preston Foster
Acting
The MovieWise Take
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Biography
Preston Foster (August 24, 1900 β July 14, 1970) was an American stage and film actor, and singer. Foster entered films in 1929 after appearing as a Broadway stage actor. He was appearing in Broadway plays as late as October 1931 when he acted in a play titled Two Seconds starring Edward J. Pawley. Some of his notable films include: Doctor X (1932), I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932), Annie Oakley (1935), The Last Days of Pompeii (also 1935), The Informer (1935) (as the head of the organization), and My Friend Flicka (1943).
He starred on the television drama, Waterfront (1954β1955), playing the role of Captain John Herrick. Foster has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was sometimes credited in movies as Preston S. Foster. His first wife was stage actress Gertrude Warren (1926β1945; divorced). He had one daughter, Stephanie. He was married to his second wife, actress Sheila Darcy, from 1946 until his death.
During World War II while serving with the United States Coast Guard, he rose to the rank of Captain, Temporary Reserve. He eventually held the honorary rank of Commodore in the U.S. Coast Guard.
After the war and before his productive movie career, Foster became a singer of some note. In 1948 Foster created a trio with himself, Gene Leis and Fosterβs wife, actress Sheila Darcy. Gene arranged the songs, and they played on radio and in clubs, appearing with Orrin Tucker, Peggy Ann Garner and Rita Hayworth.
Description above from the Wikipedia article Preston Foster, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia
He starred on the television drama, Waterfront (1954β1955), playing the role of Captain John Herrick. Foster has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was sometimes credited in movies as Preston S. Foster. His first wife was stage actress Gertrude Warren (1926β1945; divorced). He had one daughter, Stephanie. He was married to his second wife, actress Sheila Darcy, from 1946 until his death.
During World War II while serving with the United States Coast Guard, he rose to the rank of Captain, Temporary Reserve. He eventually held the honorary rank of Commodore in the U.S. Coast Guard.
After the war and before his productive movie career, Foster became a singer of some note. In 1948 Foster created a trio with himself, Gene Leis and Fosterβs wife, actress Sheila Darcy. Gene arranged the songs, and they played on radio and in clubs, appearing with Orrin Tucker, Peggy Ann Garner and Rita Hayworth.
Description above from the Wikipedia article Preston Foster, licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia
Known For
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
Pete
Kansas City Confidential
Tim Foster
The Informer
Dan Gallagher
Doctor X
Dr. Wells
The Time Travelers
Dr. Erik von Steiner
I Shot Jesse James
John Kelley
The Harvey Girls
Judge Sam Purvis
Ramrod
Frank Ivey
Full Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Lucy and Desi MOVIE | Self (archive footage) |
| 1997 | Barbara Stanwyck: Straight Down the Line MOVIE | Self (archive footage) |
| 1975 | Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? MOVIE | Self (archive footage) |
| 1968 | Chubasco MOVIE | Nick |
| 1967 | You've Got To Be Smart MOVIE | D. O. Griggs |
| 1964 | The Time Travelers MOVIE | Dr. Erik von Steiner |
| 1964 | Advance to the Rear MOVIE | Gen. Bateman (uncredited) |
| 1963 | The Man from Galveston MOVIE | Judge Homer Black |
| 1962 | Going My Way TV | Self |
| 1961 | Target: The Corruptors! TV | Self |