Jackie Moran, a talented child actor, was born in 1923 and began his career as a teen model before transitioning to films. He was often cast as a feisty street orphan, showcasing his versatility and range. David O. Selznick took notice of the gangly, fair-haired youngster and cast him in several notable roles.
Moran's early breakthrough came as Huckleberry Finn in the 1938 film "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," followed by a memorable performance in "Since You Went Away" (1944). He also made a brief appearance in the epic classic "Gone with the Wind" (1939). In the 1939 serial "Buck Rogers," Moran played young Buddy, co-piloting the giant dirigible alongside Buster Crabbe's iconic hero.
The 1940s saw Moran appear in a string of youth-oriented programmers, although none were particularly memorable. However, he did create the role of teenager Jimmy Forrest in a mildly popular series of be-bop musical comedy romps, including "Junior Prom" (1946),"Freddie Steps Out" (1946),and "High School Hero" (1946).
After retiring from acting in 1947, Moran shifted his focus to screenwriting and public relations work. He spent the remainder of his life pursuing these passions before passing away at the age of 67 in 1990, due to complications from cancer.
