Van Heflin
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Emmett Evan Heflin Jnr., better known as Van Heflin (December 13, 1910 – July 23, 1971) was an American film and theater actor.
Born in Walters, Oklahoma, Heflin began his acting career on Broadway in the early 1930 before being signed to a contract by RKO Studios. His first film A Woman Rebels (1936) featured him opposite Katharine Hepburn, and although he received good reviews, RKO did not try to build his potential. Signed by MGM Studios in 1940 he was cast in Santa Fe Trail (1940), and Johnny Eager (1941), winning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the latter performance.
MGM began to groom him as a leading man in "B Pictures", and provided him with strong supporting roles in more prestigious productions. Among his film credits are Presenting Lily Mars (1943), The Strange Love of Martha Ivers (1946), Possessed (1947) and Shane (1953).
He also returned to perform on stage throughout his acting career. His stage credits include The Philadelphia Story on Broadway opposite Katharine Hepburn.
His last major role was in the film Airport (1970).
He suffered a heart attack while swimming in his pool at his home in Hollywood, California, and died several days later.
Van Heflin has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to motion pictures at 6309 Hollywood Boulevard, and for television at 6125 Hollywood Boulevard.
He was the brother of Daytime Emmy nominated actress Frances Heflin.de:Van Heflin