ACTOR · BORN 1899 · DIED 1973
George Macready
- Born
- 29 August 1899, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Died
- 3 July 1973
- Known for
- Paths of Glory (1957), The Human Duplicators (1964), Seven Days in May (1964)
27 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
George Macready (29 August 1899 – 3 July 1973) was an actor best known for Paths of Glory, The Human Duplicators and Seven Days in May.
27 Interesting Facts About George Macready
Interesting Facts (6)
- #001
In the spring of 1943, George Macready and Vincent Price opened an art gallery called Little Gallery in Beverly Hills. According to the memoirs of Vincent's daughter Victoria Price, the gallery's regulars included such famous names of the era as Charles Laughton, Tallulah Bankhead, Barbara Hutton, Fanny Brice, Katharine Hepburn and Greta Garbo. Vincent described Garbo's visits: "She'd drop in to look, and if someone else was looking, she'd leave immediately." The actress Jane Wyatt called the gallery "a wonderful, fun place unlike any other around, where people met and mingled." The gallery quickly became a haunt for art lovers.
- #002
Among the hobbies with which Macready filled his spare time were pursuits that challenged his mental skills. Solving cryptograms and devising his own crossword puzzles were activities that fed his analytical intelligence. He was also greatly interested in collecting paintings. His taste in art was highly selective; he counted pioneers of modern art such as Henri Matisse, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Vincent van Gogh among his favorites. These hobbies showed that he was not only an actor but also an intellectual with a deep cultural background.
- #003
Macready was an avid reader with a particular fondness for mystery novels. His interest was so intense that he was known to read a mystery novel and listen to a mystery program on the radio at the same time. This habit laid bare his devotion to storytelling and mysterious plots. Macready's use of multiple media at once shows that he made the most of the technological possibilities of his time.
- #004
At his 1934 wedding, Orson Welles wore a frock coat and trousers borrowed from George Macready. Welles's mother-in-law wanted him to wear formal attire, but Welles had no suitable clothes and could not afford to buy any. He therefore asked Macready, with whom he had worked on stage, for help. The trousers look a little short in the wedding photograph because Welles was heavier than Macready. The episode went down in history as a warm example of the friendship and solidarity between the two artists.
- #005
George Macready began his education at Classical High School in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island. He then went on to Brown University, also in Providence, graduating in 1921. Brown University played an important role in his academic and social development; the experiences he gained there also laid the foundation for his later acting career. Macready's being an educated individual shaped his intellectual background and his outlook on art.
- #006
In a 1960 interview, George Macready named his two favorite roles from his television career. The first was the character he played in the "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz" (1955) episode of the series Kraft Mystery Theatre (1947). The second was his role in the "Thunder in the Night" (1960) episode of the series Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (1958).
Characters & Cast (10)
- #007
Among the hobbies with which Macready occupied his free time, pursuits that challenged his mental faculties stood out. Solving cryptograms and creating his own crossword puzzles were activities that fed his analytical intelligence. He was also greatly interested in collecting paintings. His taste in art was highly selective; he counted pioneers of modern art such as Henri Matisse, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Vincent van Gogh among his favorites.
- #008
George Macready claimed to be descended from the famous 19th-century Shakespearean actor William Macready. This claim was most likely true and may explain the origins of Macready's interest in the theater. William Macready was one of the most respected stage artists of his time, and this lineage made George's place in the art world all the more meaningful. This connection also added depth to his acting career and nourished his passion for the stage.
- #009
When George Macready died of emphysema in July 1973, his body was donated to science in accordance with his will. His body was given to the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. This donation showed his desire to contribute to medical education even after his death. Macready's gesture reveals that he was not only an artist but also an individual who cared about being of service to society.
- #010
George Macready was a name in whose family art and sport were intertwined. He was the grandfather of the American gymnast John Macready and of the actor Oliver Macready, whose full name is Oliver George Macready.
- #011
George Macready began his education at Classical High School in his hometown of Providence, Rhode Island. He then went on to Brown University, also in Providence, and graduated from there in 1921. Brown University played an important role in his academic and social development; the experiences he gained there also laid the foundation for his later acting career. Macready's being an educated individual shaped his intellectual background and his perspective on art.
- #012
George Macready had the honour of appearing in two films regarded as among the most important productions in American cinema history. The first of these was the 1946 masterpiece "Gilda" and the other was the 1957 anti-war classic "Paths of Glory". Both films were selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically" significant. Macready's roles in these productions cemented his lasting place in cinema history.
- #013
In a 1960 interview, George Macready named his two favourite roles from his television career. The first was the character he played in the "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz" (1955) episode of the series Kraft Mystery Theatre (1947). The second was his role in the "Thunder in the Night" (1960) episode of the series Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (1958).
- #014
While a student at Brown University, George Macready earned a varsity letter in football in 1920. This achievement, however, was won not by playing on the field but as the team's manager. The role demonstrated his organisational skills and his aptitude for teamwork. This experience laid the foundation for his disciplined and orderly approach to work in his later career.
- #015
In the 1934 issue of the Brown University alumni bulletin, there was an interesting note about George Macready's life at the time. The report stated that Macready was still touring the provinces with Katharine Cornell in the plays "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Barretts of Wimpole Street". His wife, Elizabeth Dana, was also part of the company, and the couple's child was staying in New York under the care of George's aunt, Mary Macready. The report shows Macready's intense theatre life at the time and how his family kept up with that pace.
- #016
In 1918, while a student at Brown University, George Macready was accepted into the Beta chapter of the Delta Phi fraternity. The fraternity was an important part of his social circle during his university years. Delta Phi was known as an organisation that valued academic achievement and character development. Macready's joining the fraternity strengthened his leadership qualities and his standing within the community.
Career & Awards (4)
- #017
Though Macready was known for his memorable villains on screen, in real life he was a devoted collector of art and culture. He shared this passion with his close friend Vincent Price, himself a well-known art collector. The two ran an art gallery together in Los Angeles, an venture that reinforced not only their acting careers but also their influence in the art world. In this respect Macready was, contrary to his screen image, part of an elegant and intellectual circle.
- #018
In George Macready's home there was a housekeeper who embroidered the titles of all his films into a knitted blanket. This meticulous and patient work amounted to a kind of visual archive of Macready's career. The housekeeper's gesture was an expression of respect for and devotion to his acting life. The blanket presumably remained a personal memento proudly displayed in Macready's home.
- #019
George Macready's film career began and ended with a strange coincidence. In his first film, "Commandos Strike at Dawn" (1942), he played a teacher, and among his first lines were the words "I'm writing a novel too." In his last film, "The Return of Count Yorga" (1971), he played a professor, and his final line was "You didn't read my book!" These two roles reinforced his intellectual image on screen and created an intriguing parallel between the start and the end of his career.
- #020
George Macready had the honor of appearing in two films regarded among the most important productions in American cinema history. The first of these was the 1946 masterpiece "Gilda," and the other was the 1957 anti-war classic "Paths of Glory." Both films were selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant. Macready's roles in these productions cemented his lasting place in cinema history.
Life & Family (7)
- #021
The prominent scar on George Macready's right cheek dates from a car accident during his college years. According to his son Michael Macready, George and fellow fraternity members were traveling in a Model T Ford when they hit an icy patch; the car struck a telephone pole and George was thrown through the windshield, injuring his face. The only doctor available nearby was a veterinarian, and the cheek became infected while being stitched, resulting in scarlet fever. The scar remained with Macready for life and added depth to his character roles.
- #022
George Macready claimed descent from the famous 19th-century Shakespearean actor William Macready. The claim was most likely true and may explain the origins of Macready's interest in the theater. William Macready was one of the most respected stage artists of his day, and this lineage made George's place in the art world all the more meaningful. The connection also lent depth to his acting career and fed his passion for the stage.
- #023
The friendship between George Macready and Vincent Price took root when the two appeared on stage together with Helen Hayes in the play "Victoria Regina." In a letter home, Price spoke of George with praise: "The boy who plays my brother and takes my place is a wonderful person; I thank God for him." These warm words were a sign of the strong bond and mutual respect between the two actors. The friendship continued to deepen over the years, both personally and professionally.
- #024
When George Macready died of emphysema in July 1973, his body was donated to science at his request. It was given to the University of California, Los Angeles School of Medicine. The donation showed his wish to contribute to medical education even after his death. Macready's gesture revealed that he was not only an artist but also a person who cared about being of service to society.
- #025
While a student at Brown University, George Macready earned a varsity letter in football in 1920. The achievement, however, was won not by playing on the field but as the team's manager. The role demonstrated his organizational skills and his aptitude for teamwork. This experience laid the foundation for the disciplined and orderly approach to work he would show later in his career.
- #026
The 1934 issue of the Brown University alumni bulletin carried an interesting note about George Macready's life at the time. The item stated that Macready was still touring the provinces with Katharine Cornell in "Romeo and Juliet" and "The Barretts of Wimpole Street." His wife, Elizabeth Dana, was also with the company, and the couple's child was staying in New York under the care of George's aunt Mary Macready. The item shows Macready's busy theater life at the time and how his family kept up with that pace.
- #027
In 1918, while a student at Brown University, George Macready was accepted into the Beta chapter of the Delta Phi fraternity. The fraternity was an important part of his social circle during his college years. Delta Phi was known as an organization that valued academic achievement and character development. Macready's joining the fraternity strengthened his leadership qualities and his standing within the group.
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