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Fred MacMurray biography

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Comedic actor Fred MacMurray starred in films from the ‘30s through the ‘60s, but was known for his role as the father in the 1960s TV show My Three Sons.

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Fred MacMurray was born on August 30, 1908, in Kankakee, Illinois. He began performing on vaudeville at age 18. In 1930, he appeared in his first Broadway production. In 1935, he starred in his first film. His third film, The Gilded Lady, was his big break. He had dramatic roles during his career, but excelled in comedic ones. He starred in the 1960s TV show My Three Sons from 1960 to 1972.

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Actor. Born in August 30, 1908 in Kankakee, Illinois.MacMurray began his career at the age of 18, performing in dance bands andvaudeville shows as a singer, saxophonist, and comedian. In 1930, he debuted on Broadway in Three's A Crowd, and on the silver screen in GrandOld Girl (1935). It was his third film, however, The Gilded Lily (1935), with Claudette Colbert that brought him to the forefront of stardom and led to leading roles in dozens of films. With his quick wit and excellent delivery, MacMurray found great success in comedies, such as The Lady is Willing (1942), Take a Letter, Darling (1943), No Time for Love (1943), and The Egg and I (1947).

He was just as successful in dramatic roles, including Billy Wilder's film noir classic Double Indemnity (1943), with Barbara Stanwyck, and The Caine Mutiny(1954), with Humphrey Bogart. The 1960s saw him excel in comedic roles, with notable performances in The Shaggy Dog (1959), The Absent-Minded Professor (1961), and Son of Flubber(1963). The popularity of his lovable character on television's My Three Sons helped the show to a twelve year run, from 1960 to 1972.

Following complications from pneumonia, MacMurray died on November 5, 1991, in Santa Monica, California.

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