NEATH FILM STAR
A family connection with the Empire
RAY MILLAND
(1905-1986)
We mention this film star, not just because he was born in Neath, but for the fact that his father always came to the Empire to see his films. Mr Jones had a complimentary seat, always the same one, and had VIP treatment from the management with a cup of tea brought to him by one of the usherettes. It goes without saying that he was very proud of his son and never missed any of the films that he appeared in.
Born in Cimla, he swopped his real name "Reginald Alfred John Truscott-Jones" for "Ray Milland", taking his new surname from the Millands area of Neath.
In 1929 he entered the film industry after spending three years as a guardsman with the Royal Household Cavalry in London.
Many of his early acting parts were in light romantic films, but in 1945 he won an Oscar for his portrayal of an alcoholic writer trying to kick the booze in 'The Long Weekend'.
Appearances in other classic films include 'Beau Geste', 'The Man with X-Ray Eyes', 'Escape to Witch Mountain' and Hitchcock's 'Dial M For Murder', in which he played opposite Grace Kelly.
In later years he had a substantial television career, which included appearances on 'Battlestar Galactica', 'Hart to Hart', 'Rich Man, Poor Man', 'Ellery Queen', 'Columbo' and 'Markham'.
Married Muriel (Mar) Weber (a showgirl) in 1932 and had one son. Muriel died in 1981 after being married for 54 years. Ray died in California of lung cancer in 1986.
Read more: Ray Milland Biography (1905-1986) http://www.filmreference.com/film/15/Ray-Milland.html#ixzz1LOws3SQB
A flash from the past.....
