The famous American actor of the XX century, John Derek lived a bright and eventful life. He was engaged in directorial work, professional photography and was the producer of several paintings. The actor’s personal life also deserves attention - 4 marriages and 2 children. Beautiful, funny, talented and sociable - this is what John Derek's fans remembered.
Biography
Derek was born in the very heart of the film industry - Hollywood. It happened in August 1926. The family of Derek John (full name Derek Dellevan Harris) was directly related to the cinema. The boy’s father, William Lawson Harris, was a well-known director in America. For many years he worked on making films in Australia. Dolores Johnson, the mother of Derek, was also a movie actress, known in the 30s of the last century.
Since childhood, a boy dreamed of a career in the cinema. This was facilitated by both appearance and acting data. Years later, John Derek repeatedly became convinced of the correctness of his choice.
Youth
At 18, the young man was drafted into the ranks of the US Army. He served in the Philippines in 1944 and managed to take part in several battles of World War II.
John Derek's biography in art began with photography. He perfectly felt the moment when it was worth taking a picture. His talent is confirmed by a large number of photos. All depict the wives of the actor. Pictures often appeared on the pages of Playboy and other well-known publications.
Movie
Derek's acting career began in 1943 with a role in a short film. A young and handsome young man was immediately noticed. His most famous works were the paintings "The entire royal army", "Revenge of Robin Hood", "Exile". The complete filmography of John Derek has about 40 films. And this is only as an actor. In addition, our hero played in the theater.
In 1956, the movie The Ten Commandments was released. John Derek played Jesus great. This work was the most successful in the career of an actor. A year after his death, the picture was included in the National Register of Films of the United States.
Since 1965, John began acting as a director. All 8 films of Derek were the result of well-coordinated work of the team and a good idea of the director. In 4 paintings, Derek shot his last wife, Bo. Critics of this work received mixed reviews and caused a lot of controversy.
In the production field, John Derek did not work long. But he always felt in which particular project it was worth investing. Many of his investments were profitable.
The last directorial work was the picture "Ghosts can't do it." She was released in 1990. After nominating the film for the Golden Raspberry Award, as the director’s worst work, John Derek stopped doing cinema and left Hollywood.
Personal life
Hollywood handsome Derek John has always been a favorite of women. From here 4 actor marriages follow.
The first wife was special among all. Patricia Erestova was a close relative of Tolstoy. Her family emigrated from the Soviet Union to the United States. The wedding with Party Beers took place in 1951. For 6 years of marriage, two boys were born to the spouses. The eldest son, Russell, aged 19, had an accident on a motorcycle and was paralyzed for life. The younger - Sean, subsequently became a famous film producer.
In 1957, the couple divorced. Party - the only wife of Derek, who did not take part in the filming of her husband’s films and did not appear on the pages of Playboy.
Immediately after the divorce, John Derek marries Swiss actress Ursula Andress. She is known for filming the first part of the James Bond films.
The girl was very beautiful, and her husband often published her photo in half-naked form. Family life lasted 9 years.
The next "Mrs. John Derek" was Linda Evans. She is known for her role in the Dynasty series, for which she received the Golden Globe.
The last marriage of Derek John took place in 1976 and lasted until the death of the actor. Young model Mary Collins (Bo Derek) won the heart of a middle-aged womanizer. It was because of her that John divorced Linda. And he had to leave for Germany with Bo, since the girl was not yet an adult.
The couple lived together for 22 years. The last few years the couple spent in the San Inez valley, where they indulged in admiring nature and horseback riding.
John Derek passed away on May 22, 1998 in Santa Monica. The cause of death was heart problems. The body of the actor at his request was cremated.