Person biography:
Emmett Evan Heflin, known professionally as Van Heflin, was a dependable star character actor born in Oklahoma in December 1908. He was the son of Fanny Bleecker (Shippey) and Emmett Evan Heflin, a dental surgeon. After his parents separated, Van was farmed out to his grandmother in California, where he was never quite settled. He developed a restless spirit, which led him to ship out on a tramp steamer after graduating from school. He later studied for a law degree at the University of Oklahoma, but decided to pursue acting instead.
Heflin's early career was marked by a series of stage performances, including "Mister Moneypenny" (1928) and "The Bride of Torozko" (1934). His big break came in 1936 with the play "End of Summer" at the Guild Theatre, which earned him critical acclaim. He was soon cast in his first film, "A Woman Rebels" (1936),alongside Katharine Hepburn.
Heflin's film career spanned several decades, during which he appeared in a wide range of roles, from westerns to film noirs. Some of his notable performances include "Johnny Eager" (1941),"The Strange Love of Martha Ivers" (1946),"Act of Violence" (1948),and "The Prowler" (1951). He also had a successful radio career, playing Philip Marlowe on NBC radio from 1947 to 1948.
In the 1950s, Heflin transitioned from leading man to star character actor, appearing in films such as "Shane" (1953),"3:10 to Yuma" (1957),and "Gunman's Walk" (1958). He continued to work in film and television throughout the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in films such as "Under Ten Flags" (1960) and "Airport" (1970).
Heflin was a well-liked and talented performer who shunned the limelight and was never part of the Hollywood glamour set. He died of a heart attack in July 1971, at the age of 62.
