Lew Ayres was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and raised in San Diego, California. A college dropout, he was found by a talent scout in the Coconut Grove nightclub in Los Angeles and entered Hollywood as a bit player. He was leading man to 'Greta Garbo' , while not a box-office success, won critical acclaim and a Golden Globe Award. Lew Ayres died in Los Angeles, California on December 30, 1996, just two days after his 88th birthday.
Died in his sleep after being in a coma for several days.
Born at 12:15am-CST
Following his death, he was interred next to Frank Zappa at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.
Had portrayed the title character for the syndicated radio show "The Story of Dr. Kildare" (1950-1951).
Big Band musician before becoming an actor. His instruments were tenor banjo, long-neck banjo and guitar.
Had one son with Diana Hall: Justin Ayres.
As a child, he wanted to be a doctor.
His wife, Diana Hall, is a former flight attendant.
Biography in: "American National Biography". Supplement 1, pp. 22-23. New York: Oxford University Press, 2002.
He was awarded 2 Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Motion Pictures at 6385 Hollywood Boulevard; and for Radio at 1724 Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
He was a conscientious objector during World War II, which made him rather unpopular at the studio.
Had played the Vice-President of the United States twice (in Advise & Consent and The Man ), the President twice (in Advise & Consent and Earth II ), and the Galactic President (in "Battlestar Galactica" ).
