Luther Raymond Vestergard, a man of many talents and passions, was born on December 2, 1902, in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, to Christian Vestergard and Maytha Heckel. Growing up in the Windy City, Luther attended local schools, laying the foundation for his future academic pursuits.
Upon graduating, Luther made the bold decision to relocate to Los Angeles, California, where he enrolled at the University of Southern California. To support himself financially, he simultaneously worked as an assistant deputy probation officer. His dedication to his studies and his passion for acting were evident even at this early stage in his life.
In 1924, Luther's academic journey took him to Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he pursued a law degree. Unfortunately, his financial constraints forced him to discontinue his studies after just two years.
Returning to Los Angeles in 1926, Luther embarked on a new chapter in his life, adopting the stage name Paul Power. He began his acting career in a series of 2-reel silent comedies inspired by the popular "Winnie Winkle, the Bread Winner" comic strip. Throughout his illustrious career, which spanned over 40 years, Luther appeared in numerous supporting and minor roles, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the film industry.
One of his most notable roles was in the Christian film "Oil Town U.S.A.," where he collaborated with his friend Billy Graham. Luther's dedication to his craft and his faith were evident in his extensive filmography, which spanned from the silent film era to the golden age of movies and television.
In his personal life, Luther was married twice and divorced twice, with no record of having any children. He also devoted himself to caring for his mother, who was bedridden after a traffic accident, during the last four years of her life.
In addition to his acting career, Luther was a lay minister who served at various times as an assistant pastor and interim pastor at Saint Matthews Lutheran Church. He also occasionally conducted services at local movie studios and funeral services for the Motion Pictures Home in Calabasas, California. Luther was an active member of the Hollywood Christian Group, which he joined in 1949.
Tragically, Luther Raymond Vestergard passed away on April 5, 1968, at the Hollywood West Hospital, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, perseverance, and faith.
