| Jimmy Lydon | |
|---|---|
in Twice Blessed (1945) |
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| Born | May 30, 1923 Harrington Park, New Jersey, U.S |
| Other names | James Lydon |
Jimmy Lydon (born May 30, 1923) is an American movie actor and television producer, whose career in the entertainment industry began as a teenage actor in the 1930s.[1]
Lydon grew up in Bergenfield, New Jersey.[2] He initially appeared on the Broadway stage in 1937, before making movies beginning as a teenager. One of his first starring roles was the title character in the 1940 movie, Tom Brown's School Days, which also starred Cedric Hardwicke and Freddie Bartholomew. It was well received by critics, with Variety praising it in a January 1940 review as "sympathetically and skillfully made, with many touching moments and an excellent cast". Lydon was called "believable and moving in the early portions, but too young for the final moments".[3]
Lydon then starred as the screechy-voiced, adolescent Henry Aldrich in the movie series of that title, between 1941–1944. After completing the Henry Aldrich series, the 21-year-old Lydon signed a contract in 1944 with Republic Pictures.[4] He appeared with William Powell, Irene Dunne, and Elizabeth Taylor in the acclaimed 1947 film Life with Father, in the role of college-bound Clarence. Variety called Jimmy Lydon's portrayal "effective as the potential Yale man".[5] He then appeared opposite James Cagney in the 1948 movie, The Time of Your Life. In the 1950s, he had a number of television acting roles, including appearances on Wagon Train and The Twilight Zone. After working increasingly in television in the 1950s, Lydon turned to production roles, helping to create M*A*S*H (1972) and 77 Sunset Strip (1958).
Lydon resides in Bonita, California with his wife, Betty Lou Nedell, whom he married in 1952. They have two daughters.