Walter Reed

Walter Reed, the son of a military officer, was born in the nation's capital and spent his formative years in Honolulu and Los Angeles, where he had the unique experience of attending school alongside the children of prominent movie stars. However, his life took a significant turn following his parents' divorce, which occurred during the depths of the Great Depression. As a 17-year-old, Reed was compelled to reassess his future and decided to pursue a career in acting, embarking on a two-week journey to New York City. His odyssey was marked by a series of unconventional means, including hitchhiking on railroad freight cars amidst a group of hobos and tramps. Despite the challenges he faced, Reed persevered and eventually found work in the theater, both in stock and on Broadway. His big break in the film industry came in the early 1940s, thanks in part to the guidance and support of actor Joel McCrea.