Bernard Elliot Zanville, later known as Dane Clark, was born in Brooklyn, New York City, to Rose Korostoff and Samuel Zanville, Russian Jewish immigrants who had fled their homeland. Clark's early life was marked by a series of career attempts, including stints in boxing, baseball, construction, sales, and modeling, all of which ultimately failed to yield a sense of purpose or direction.
Undeterred, Clark turned to acting, making his debut on Broadway in the 1930s in productions such as "Dead End", "Stage Door", and "Of Mice and Men". It was during this period that he honed his craft, gradually building a reputation as a talented and versatile performer.
Clark's breakthrough came when he was cast in the 1943 film "Action in the North Atlantic", a wartime tribute to the Merchant Marine, under the direction of Warner Brothers. He adopted the stage name Dane Clark, reportedly at the suggestion of the legendary actor Humphrey Bogart.
As Dane Clark, he went on to appear in a string of films, many of which were set against the backdrop of World War II. These included "Destination Tokyo" (1943),in which he played a submariner, "God Is My Co-Pilot" (1945),in which he portrayed an airman, and "Pride of the Marines" (1945),in which he took on the role of a Marine.
Throughout his career, Clark worked alongside some of the most esteemed actors of his time, including Bogart, Cary Grant, Bette Davis, and Raymond Massey. However, it was his "everyman" image that ultimately proved to be his greatest asset, allowing him to bring a sense of authenticity and relatability to his performances.
In addition to his film work, Clark was also proud of his role in the 1954 film "Go Man Go", in which he portrayed Abe Saperstein, the founder of the Harlem Globetrotters, a black basketball team. Clark believed that this film helped to pave the way for greater racial understanding and tolerance, and he was deeply proud of his involvement in it.
Overall, Dane Clark's life and career were marked by a tireless dedication to his craft, a willingness to take risks, and a commitment to using his platform to promote positive social change.
