ActorAmericanFilm actorDeceased

Gordon Westcott

Gordon Westcott was an American film actor who, after prolific work as a Warner Bros. contract player in the early 1930s, died at age 31 from a polo accident.

1. Overview

Gordon Westcott, born Myrthus Hansen Hickman on November 6, 1903, was an American film actor known for his prolific work during the early 1930s. He began his career on the stage before becoming a contract player for Warner Bros., appearing in dozens of films. His promising career was tragically cut short when he died suddenly on October 30, 1935, from injuries sustained in a polo accident, just a week before his 32nd birthday.

2. Biography

Gordon Westcott's life was characterized by an early interest in both academia and athletics before his transition into a notable acting career.

2.1. Early life and education

Born Myrthus Hansen Hickman on November 6, 1903, in St. George, Utah, Westcott pursued higher education at the University of Chicago. During his time at the university, he studied architecture and demonstrated considerable athletic prowess, achieving the title of the university's lightweight boxing champion.

2.2. Early stage career

Before making his mark in the motion picture industry, Westcott honed his acting skills on the theatrical stage. He performed in various productions in major cultural centers such as New York City, his home state of Utah, and California, gaining experience that would later prove valuable in his film roles.

2.3. Religious affiliation

Gordon Westcott was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a religious affiliation he maintained throughout his life.

3. Film career

Westcott's primary professional focus was his work as a film actor, which saw him contribute to numerous productions during a relatively short but active period.

3.1. Warner Bros. contract player

Westcott secured a contract with Warner Bros. studios, a significant step in his film career. As a contract player, he was a regular presence in the studio's productions, appearing in a remarkable 37 films between 1928 and 1935. During this period, he had the opportunity to work alongside rising stars such as Bette Davis, Loretta Young, and James Cagney. He also collaborated with esteemed directors including William A. Wellman, Busby Berkeley, and William Dieterle. Many of his early appearances were in Pre-Code productions, reflecting the era's less restrictive cinematic standards. His role in the film Murder in the Clouds (1934) is one notable example from this time.

Gordon Westcott in the film Murder in the Clouds (1934)
Gordon Westcott in the film Murder in the Clouds (1934)

3.2. Filmography

Gordon Westcott's film career included the following appearances:

YearTitleRoleNotes
1928Our Dancing DaughtersDiana's Party FriendUncredited
1929Queen KellyLackeyUncredited
1931Enemies of the LawBlackie
1932Merrily We Go to HellParty BoyUncredited
1932Guilty as HellDr. GoodmanUncredited
1932Devil and the DeepLt. Toll
1932Love Me TonightCredit Manager of the Association of Retail MerchantsUncredited
1932Heritage of the DesertSnap Naab
1933The Crime of the CenturyGilbert Reid
1933He Learned About WomenEddie Clifford
1933The Working ManFred Pettison
1933Lilly TurnerRex Durkee
1933Private Detective 62Bandor
1933Heroes for SaleRoger
1933VoltaireThe Captain
1933Footlight ParadeThompson
1933The World ChangesJohn Nordholm
1933Convention CityPhil Lorraine / Frank Wilson
1934Dark HazardJoe
1934I've Got Your NumberNicky
1934Fashions of 1934Harry Brent
1934Registered NurseJim Benton
1934Fog Over FriscoJoe Bello
1934The Circus ClownFrank
1934Call It Luck'Lucky' Luke Bartlett
1934Kansas City PrincessJimmy the Dude aka Frankie Smith
1934The Case of the Howling DogArthur Cartwright
19346 Day Bike RiderHarry St. Clair
1934Murder in the CloudsGeorge Wexley
1935The White CockatooDr. Roberts
1935A Night at the RitzJoe Scurvin
1935Go into Your DanceFred
1935Going HighbrowSam Long
1935Front Page WomanMaitland Coulter
1935Bright LightsWellington
1935Two-FistedGeorge Parker
1935This Is the LifeEd Revier(final film role)

4. Death

Gordon Westcott's life was tragically cut short by an accident in 1935.

4.1. Circumstances of death

Gordon Westcott died on October 30, 1935, in Hollywood, California. His death occurred one week before his 32nd birthday. The cause of death was a skull fracture he sustained in a polo accident. The accident itself had taken place three days prior to his passing.

4.2. Burial place

Following his death, Gordon Westcott was interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.