Melchor Gaston Ferrer, known professionally as Mel Ferrer, was born on August 25, 1917, in the charming town of Elberon, New Jersey. As the son of a Cuban-born surgeon and a Manhattan socialite, Ferrer was raised with a unique blend of cultural influences. He attended prestigious prep school and went on to study at Princeton University, where he developed a passion for the performing arts.
From the age of 15, Ferrer began working in summer stock productions, which helped him hone his craft and gain valuable experience. After completing his studies at Princeton, he pursued a career in journalism, serving as an editor for a small Vermont newspaper. During this time, he also wrote a children's book, "Tito's Hats," showcasing his creative talent.
Ferrer's early foray into the entertainment industry began with a stint as a chorus dancer on Broadway in 1938, where he appeared in two musicals. Two years later, he made his New York debut as an actor, marking the beginning of his successful stage career. However, his journey was not without its challenges, as he was struck with polio, which forced him to reassess his priorities.
Undeterred, Ferrer transitioned to radio, where he worked as a disc jockey in Texas and Arkansas. His hard work and dedication eventually earned him a promotion to producer-director of top-rated shows for NBC in New York.
Ferrer's directorial debut came in 1945 with the low-budget film "The Girl of the Limberlost" for Columbia Pictures. He then returned to his acting roots, starring in the Broadway production of Lillian Smith's "Strange Fruit." His collaboration with renowned director John Ford on "The Fugitive" (1947) further solidified his reputation in the industry.
Ferrer made his screen acting debut in "Lost Boundaries" (1949),which was followed by his iconic roles in "Lili" (1953) and "War and Peace" (1956). He also directed Claudette Colbert in "The Secret Fury" (1950) and Audrey Hepburn in "Green Mansions" (1959),with whom he was married at the time.
Ferrer's personal and professional life took a dramatic turn in the late 1960s. He produced the hit film "Wait Until Dark" (1967),which starred his then-wife Audrey Hepburn. However, the couple separated and eventually divorced in the following year. Since 1960, Ferrer had been producing and acting mainly in Europe, where he continued to work on various projects throughout his career.
