Profile of the Day: Orson Welles

Legendary filmmaker Orson Welles was born on May 6, 1915. Welles was known as one of the greatest radio and cinema artists of the era. 

Image: Orson Welles / Wikimedia Commons, Library of Congress

Early in his career, Welles juggled work in the theater with his extensive work as a radio actor, writer, director and producer. His famous live broadcast of H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds caused widespread panic after many listeners mistakenly believed the show to be real. The media attention after the broadcast skyrocketed Welles’ notoriety.

Before the age of 30, Welles had conquered theater, radio and film. In 1941, Welles released his first film, Citizen Kane, which he co-wrote, produced, directed and starred. The film garnered nine Academy Award nominations. Today, the film is consistently considered one of the greatest films of all time.

Welles died in 1985, only hours after his final interview on The Merv Griffin Show.

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