Roman Bohnen, affectionately known to his loved ones as "Bud", was a multifaceted thespian, exceling in both film and stage performances. As a member of the esteemed Group Theatre from 1934 to 1940, he had the privilege of appearing in iconic productions such as "Waiting for Lefty", "Golden Boy", "Awake and Sing", and "The Gentle People". His decision to leave for Hollywood in the late 1930s was largely driven by a desire to provide financially for his family and ailing wife, Hilda.
Bohnen's filmography is perhaps most notable for his memorable roles in "Of Mice and Men" (1939),where he played Candy alongside Burgess Meredith and Lon Chaney Jr., "The Song of Bernadette" (1943),in which he portrayed Francois Soubirous, and "The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946),starring as Pat Derry under the direction of William Wyler. Although his role in the latter was relatively small, he brought a depth and nuance to the character, particularly in the poignant scene where he reads the citations awarded to his son, Fred Derry, played by Dana Andrews. The scene is imbued with a sense of paternal pride and helplessness, beautifully supported by Gladys George's portrayal of Hortense.
In addition to his work in film, Bohnen was an integral part of the "Actor's Laboratory Theatre" in Hollywood. Tragically, he suffered a heart attack while performing onstage for the Lab Theatre and passed away at the age of 47, leaving behind a legacy of underrated yet remarkable performances.
