Dan Duryea

<p>Crime dramas and Westerns have produced many villains but few have been as effective and memorable as Dan Duryea. The bulk of his villains were mean-spirited sadists who made life rough for anyone who got in their way. They could be cold-blooded crime bosses or psychotic Western gunslingers. It didn’t matter whether the terrain was urban or country the dead-panned expressions clipped threats and hyena laughs often resulted in death for someone.</p><p> </p><p>The menacing heel screen persona became so pervasive that Dan Duryea changed character-type to broaden his range. Despite his excellent acting ability audiences still wanted him to be the man they loved to hate. Suffice to say even his good characters had a touch of larceny to them; if they didn’t they wouldn’t have the Duryea touch. </p><p> </p><p>Dan Duryea was a durable actor who was able to carry a solid supporting role or hold down the lead in a boisterous Western or pulp melodrama. He’s held his own with many leading actors and actresses besides working for many notable directors. Whether or not he was working in a classic film or a low budget pot boiler he always gave an engaging performance. That is especially true of his expansive television credits.</p><p> </p><p>His unique style is highlighted in classic dramas crime noirs pulp Westerns soap opera romances and low budget independents from the 40’s to the late 60’s. He also has a television resume that covers all of the dramatic comedy and Western genres of the 50’s and 60’s including his own adventure show in the 50’s and a recurring role in a 60’s prime time soap opera.</p><p> </p><p>The irony of Dan Duryea’s career is that the man who created a roster of scoundrels connivers murderers and thieves was actually a mild mannered man who enjoyed a fulfilling home life and a marriage that lasted 36 years and produced two sons.</p>