Rudy Vallee

Rudy Vallee Headshot

Singer • Musician • Songwriter • Bandleader • Actor

Birth Date: July 28, 1901

Death Date: July 3, 1986 — 84 years old

Birth Place: Island Pond, Vermont

An enormously popular singer and bandleader in the 1920s and 1930s, Rudy Vallee went on to have a successful acting career that continued long after his days as a crooner had passed. Vallee began his career as a clarinetist and saxophone player, instruments that would later influence his vocal style. After becoming a singing sensation and host of a popular radio show, Vallee starred in the 1929 film "The Vagabond Lover" in an attempt to cash in on his fame. He appeared in several musicals in the '30s and early '40s, usually playing thinly veiled versions of himself in films like "Sweet Music" or "Time Out for Rhythm" in 1941. Gradually, as his acting improved and his popular persona as a singer began to fade, he was given more challenging roles.

He co-starred with Adolphe Menjou and Pat O'Brien in the comedy "Man Alive" in 1945, and had a supporting role in the classic romantic comedy "The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer." Vallee, who was especially adept at comedic roles, also performed on Broadway, reprising his stage role in the 1967 musical film "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." He also appeared in the TV series "Batman," and played a supporting part in the 1968 Elvis Presley film "Live a Little, Love a Little." Vallee's music can be heard on the soundtrack of countless films, including "Bonnie and Clyde," the Coen Brothers' period thriller "Miller's Crossing," and the Oliver Stone biography "Nixon," with Anthony Hopkins.

Credits

Night GalleryStream

Actor
Series
1970

Live a Little, Love a LittleStream

Actor
Penlow
Movie
1968

Gentlemen Marry Brunettes

Actor
Rudy Vallee
Movie
1955

Death Valley DaysStream

Actor
Joe Flannigan
Series
1952

The Beautiful Blonde From Bashful BendStream

Actor
Charles Hingleman
Movie
1949
56%

My Dear SecretaryStream

Actor
Charles Harris
Movie
1948

I Remember MamaStream

Actor
Dr. Johnson
Movie
1948
100%

Unfaithfully YoursStream

Actor
August Henshler
Movie
1948
100%

The Bachelor and the Bobby-SoxerStream

Actor
Tommy
Movie
1947
78%

Sweet Music

Actor
Skip Houston
Movie
1935