Lew Ayres

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Lew Ayres (December 28, 1908 – December 30, 1996) was an American actor best known for his role as Paul Bäumer in the film All Quiet on the Western Front. His career spanned over six decades, during which he appeared in numerous films and television series.

Early Life

Lew Ayres was born Lewis Frederick Ayres III in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was the son of Irma Bevernick and Louis Ayres, who divorced when he was four. Ayres moved with his mother to San Diego, California, where he attended high school. He later studied at the University of Arizona.

Career

Ayres began his career in the late 1920s as a musician, playing the banjo and guitar in various bands. He transitioned to acting with his first major role in the film The Kiss (1929), opposite Greta Garbo.

Breakthrough Role

Ayres' breakthrough role came in 1930 when he was cast as Paul Bäumer in All Quiet on the Western Front. The film, based on the novel by Erich Maria Remarque, was a critical and commercial success, earning Ayres widespread acclaim.

Later Career

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, Ayres appeared in a variety of films, including Holiday (1938) and Johnny Belinda (1948), for which he received an Academy Award nomination. He also starred in the Dr. Kildare film series, playing the titular role of Dr. James Kildare.

World War II and Pacifism

During World War II, Ayres declared himself a conscientious objector and served as a non-combatant medic. His stance on pacifism led to a temporary decline in his career, but he eventually returned to acting with roles in films such as The Dark Mirror (1946) and The Unfaithful (1947).

Television Career

In the 1950s and 1960s, Ayres transitioned to television, appearing in series such as The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, and Hawaii Five-O. He continued to act in both film and television until his retirement in the early 1990s.

Personal Life

Ayres was married three times, first to actress Lola Lane, then to actress Ginger Rogers, and finally to Diana Hall, with whom he remained until his death. He had one son, Justin Ayres.

Death

Lew Ayres passed away on December 30, 1996, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 88.

Legacy

Ayres is remembered for his versatile acting skills and his commitment to pacifism. His role in All Quiet on the Western Front remains one of the most iconic performances in film history.

Related Pages

• All Quiet on the Western Front (1930 film)
• Dr. Kildare
• Johnny Belinda (1948 film)
• Conscientious objector
• Academy Award for Best Actor