| Cause of death lung cancer Role Actor Name Dick Haymes | Years active 1935–1978 Occupation Actor, singer | |
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| Full Name Richard Benjamin Haymes Born September 13, 1918 (1918-09-13) Buenos Aires, Argentina Children Stephanie (w/Fran Jeffries) (b. 1959) Dick Haymes Jr. (w/Joanne Dru) (b. 1942) Sean Patrick (w/Wendy Smith) (b. 1966) Samantha (w/Wendy Smith) (b. 1968} Died March 28, 1980, Los Angeles, California, United States Spouse Wendy Smith (m. 1966–1980) Albums Moondreams, Rain or Shine Movies State Fair, One Touch of Venus, Diamond Horseshoe, The Shocking Miss Pilgr, Do You Love Me | ||
Dick Haymes: I'm Glad there is you.
Richard Benjamin "Dick" Haymes (September 13, 1918 – March 28, 1980) was an American actor and singer. Born in Argentina (in which he was a naturalised citizen), to British parents, he was one of the most popular male vocalists of the 1940s and early 1950s. He was the older brother of Bob Haymes, an actor, television host, and songwriter.
Contents
- Dick Haymes Im Glad there is you
- Irish eyes are smiling 1944 90 minutes dick haymes june haver musical
- Background
- Career
- World War II
- Later years
- Marriages
- Death
- 78rpm albums
- Original LPs
- LP compilations
- Live LP albums
- Selected CD compilations
- Filmography
- Musical theatre
- References
Irish eyes are smiling 1944 90 minutes dick haymes june haver musical
Background
Haymes was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1918. His mother, whom Haymes predeceased, was Irish-born Marguerite Haymes (1894–1987), a well-known vocal coach and instructor. His father worked as a rancher and was of English descent. The Haymes' traveled extensively before settling in the United States when Haymes was an infant.
Career
At the age of 17, Haymes moved to Los Angeles where he initially worked as a stunt man and film double. At the age of 19, he moved to New York City where he worked as a vocalist in a number of big bands. On September 3, 1942, Frank Sinatra introduced Haymes on radio as Sinatra's replacement in the Tommy Dorsey band. Prior to joining Dorsey's group, Haymes sang with the Harry James orchestra.
In 1945 Haymes co-starred with Jeanne Crain, Dana Andrews and Vivian Blaine in the musical State Fair. He teamed with female vocalist Helen Forrest for many hit duets during World War Two, including "Together," "I'll Buy That Dream," and "Long Ago and Far Away"; he sang with Judy Garland on two Decca recordings of songs from the film The Shocking Miss Pilgrim, in which he appeared with Betty Grable.
From 1944 to 1948, he had his own radio program, The Dick Haymes Show, first on NBC and later on CBS.
He paired repeatedly with the Andrews Sisters (Patty, Maxene, and LaVerne) on a dozen or so Decca collaborations, including the Billboard hit "Teresa," "Great Day," "My Sin," and a 1952 rendering of the dramatic ballad "Here in My Heart," backed by the sisters and Nelson Riddle's lush strings. His duets with Patty Andrews were also well received, both on Decca vinyl and on radio's Club Fifteen with the sisters, which he hosted in 1949 and 1950. He also joined Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters for 1947 session that produced the Billboard hit "There's No Business Like Show Business," as well as "Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)." His popular renditions of tender ballads such as "Little White Lies" and "Maybe It's Because" were recorded with celebrated arranger Gordon Jenkins and his orchestra and chorus.
World War II
Haymes's birth in Argentina to non-U.S. citizens meant he was not an American citizen. In order to avoid military service during World War II, Haymes asserted his nonbelligerent status as a citizen of Argentina, which was neutral at that time. Hollywood-based columnists Louella Parsons and Hedda Hopper questioned Haymes' patriotism, but the story had little effect on his career. About that time, he was classified 4-F by the draft board because of hypertension. As part of his draft examination, he was confined for a short period to a hospital on Ellis Island, which confirmed his hypertension.
In 1953, Haymes went to Hawaii (then a territory and, technically, not part of the United States) without first notifying immigration authorities. On returning to the mainland United States, he was nearly deported to Argentina, but won his battle to remain in the United States.
Later years
He experienced serious financial problems later in life, by the early 1960s declaring bankruptcy with $500,000 in debts.
He appeared as unscrupulous doctor Elroy Gantman in a 1974 episode of the TV show Adam-12.
Marriages
Haymes was married six times, including to film actresses Joanne Dru (1941–1949), Rita Hayworth (1953–1955), and Fran Jeffries (1958–1964). He was also married to Nora Eddington (1949–1953), a former wife of Errol Flynn. Haymes had a total of six children—three with Joanne Dru, one with Fran Jeffries, and two with his sixth and final wife, British model Wendy Smith.
Death
On March 28, 1980, Haymes died from lung cancer in at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 61 years old.
78rpm albums
Dick Haymes Sings – Carmen Cavallaro at the Piano – Irving Berlin Songs (1948 Decca Record)