The Academy Award for Best Actor in 1936 was awarded to Victor McLaglen for his portrayal of a treacherous Irish Republican in The Informer. Beyond his acclaim on the screen, his career began in the boxing ring, where he achieved recognition as a heavyweight before transitioning to film in the 1920s.
Early Life and Military Service
Born on 10 December 1886, Victor Andrew de Bier Everleigh McLaglen identified Royal Tunbridge Wells as his birthplace, though his birth certificate cites 505 Commercial Road, Stepney, in London. His father, Andrew Charles Albert Mclaglen, served as a bishop in the Free Protestant Episcopal Church of England. At age 14, McLaglen joined the British Army to serve in the Second Boer War, stationed at Windsor Castle in the Life Guards before his discharge upon the discovery of his true age. During the First World War, he received a commission as a second lieutenant in the 10th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, in 1915, and later served as an assistant provost marshal in Mesopotamia.
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McLaglen established himself as a heavyweight boxer in Winnipeg, Manitoba, after moving to Canada. He faced heavyweight champion Jack Johnson in a six-round exhibition match on 10 March 1909 at the Vancouver Athletic Club. In 1918, he secured the title of heavyweight champion of the British Army. His professional record concluded with 16 wins, eight losses, and one draw, following a final knockout defeat against Arthur Townley in October 1920.
Transition to Cinema
While visiting a sporting club, a producer recruited McLaglen for the lead role in the 1920 film The Call of the Road. He appeared in various British productions throughout the early 1920s, including Corinthian Jack and The Passionate Adventure. In 1925, he moved to Hollywood, where he became a regular character actor. His performance in Raoul Walsh's 1926 war film, What Price Glory?, led to a long-term contract with Fox. He frequently collaborated with director John Ford, appearing in 12 of his films, seven of which featured John Wayne.
Fast facts
- Born: 1886, Royal Tunbridge Wells
- Died: 1959, Newport Beach
- Academy Award for Best Actor: 1936
- Final fight record: 16 wins, 8 losses, 1 draw
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star awarded: 1960
- Burial place: Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Questions readers ask
Was Victor McLaglen Irish?
No, he was British-American. He frequently portrayed Irish characters, which led many audience members to assume he was Irish.
How many films did he make with director John Ford?
He appeared in 12 films directed by John Ford.
