John Derek is a forgotten idol

The famous American actor of the 20th century John Derek lived a bright and rich life. He was engaged in directorial work, professional photography and was the producer of several paintings. The personal life of the actor also deserves attention - 4 marriages and 2 children. Handsome, funny, talented and sociable - this is what John Derek loved to remember.

Biography

Derek was born in the heart of the film industry - Hollywood. It happened in August 1926. The family of Derek John (full name Derek Dellewan Harris), was directly related to the cinema. The boy's father - William Lawson Harris - was known in America as a director. For many years he worked on creating films in Australia. Dolores Johnson, Derek's mother, was also a film actress, known in the 1930s.

The boy dreamed of a career in cinema since childhood. This was facilitated by both appearance and actor's data. Years later John Derek repeatedly convinced himself of the correctness of his choice.

Youth

At the age of 18, the young man was drafted into the ranks of the US Army. He served in the Philippine Islands 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 is worth capturing a shot. His talent is confirmed by a large number of photographs. At all the wives of the actor are depicted. Pictures often appeared on the pages of "Playboy" and other famous publications.

Cinema

Derek's acting career began in 1943 with a role in a short film. A young and handsome young man was immediately noticed. The most famous of his works were paintings "The whole royal army", "Revenge of Robin Hood", "The 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 screenshots of the movie "The Ten Commandments." John Derek played Jesus beautifully. This work has become the most successful in the career of the actor. A year after his death, the picture was included in the National Register of US Films.

Since 1965, the activity of John begins as a director. All 8 Derek films were the result of teamwork and the director's good idea. In 4 scenes Derek took off his last wife Bo. At the critics this work received an ambiguous evaluation and caused a lot of controversy.

In the production sphere John Derek did not work long. But he always felt in which particular project it is worth investing. Many of his investments turned out to be profitable.

The last director's work was the picture "Ghosts can not do this". It was released in 1990. After the film's nomination for the Golden Raspberry Award, as the director's worst work, John Derek stopped doing movies and left Hollywood.

Personal life

Hollywood handsome Derek John has always been a favorite of women. Hence the four marriages of the actor.

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 Pati Bers took place in 1951. During 6 years of marriage, two boys were born to their spouses. The eldest son of Russell at the age of 19 years had an accident on a motorcycle and was paralyzed for life. Younger - Sean, later became a famous film producer.

In 1957, the couple divorced. Pati is Derek's only wife, who did not take part in filming her husband's films and did not appear on the pages of Playboy.

Immediately after the divorce, John Derek marries the 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 a semi-nude. Family life lasted 9 years.

The next "Mrs. John Derek" was Linda Evans. She is known for her role in the TV series "Dynasty", 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. A young model of Mary Collins (Bo Derek) won the heart of an elderly ladies' man. It was because of her that John divorced Linda. And he had to go to Germany with Bo, since the girl was not yet adult.

The couple lived together for 22 years. The last few years the couple spent in the San Inez Valley, where she indulged in nature and horse riding.

John Derek died on May 22, 1998 in Santa Monica. The cause of death was heart problems. The body of the actor at his request was cremated.