March 30 - Warren Beatty

Happy 83rd Birthday, Warren Beatty! Born today in 1937 as Henry Warren Beatty, this American actor, screenwriter, producer and director is best known for his politically charged portrayals of somewhat outcast but charming heroes. 

 At the start of his career, Beatty co-starred in an episode of the CBS American black and white television sitcom The Many Loves of Dobie Gills (1959–1963). The episode was entitled The Best-Dressed Man (S01E02), where Beatty co-starred as a wealthy, well-dressed hunk named Milton Armitage. 

On TV Guide's 100 Greatest Episodes of All-Time of June 1997, the episode was ranked at number 64. 

As an actor, Beatty is best known for starring in the 1961 American Technicolor period drama/romacne film 'Splendor in the Grass', the 1967 American biographical drama/true crime film 'Bonnie and Clyde' and the 1971 American revisionist Western drama film 'McCabe & Mrs. Miller'. 

As a filmmaker, Beatty is best known for co-writing, producing, directing and starring in the 1981 American epic historical romance/drama film 'Reds'. 

With a runtime of almost three and a half hours, the film follows American journalist John 'Jack' Reed (Beatty) who journeys to Russia to document the Boleshevik Revolution. Upon doing so, he returns as a revolutionary.  

However, his fervor for left-wing politics leads him to Louise Bryant (Diane Keaton), then married, who will become a feminist icon and activist. Politics at home become more complicated as the rift grows between reality and Reed's ideals. 

Bryant later takes up with cynical playwright Eugene O'Neill (Jack Nicholson), and Reed returns to Russia, where his health declines. 

For 'Reds', the film won three Oscars, including Best Director. This occurred at the 54th Academy Awards in late March 1982. 

Throughout his career, Beatty had been nominated for fifteen Academy Awards, including four for Best Actor, four for Best Picture, two for Best Director, three for Original Screenplay, and one for Adapted Screenplay. 

Director and collaborator Arthur Penn described Beatty as "the perfect producer", adding, "He makes everyone demand the best of themselves. Warren stays with a picture through editing, mixing and scoring. He plain works harder than anyone else I have ever seen."

Beatty is the younger brother of American film, television, and theater actress, singer, dancer, activist, and author Shirley MacLaine.  

Beatty has been active from 1956–present. 

#borntoact 

#borntodirect 

@Crtierion 

@tcm 

@Kanopy 

@Britannica