1. Overview
John Edward Powell Dunn, commonly known as Jack Dunn, was a notable British figure skater whose short but impactful life spanned from March 28, 1917, to July 16, 1938. He is remembered for his competitive achievements in the 1930s, including securing a silver medal at the 1935 World Figure Skating Championships and placing sixth at the 1936 Winter Olympics. Beyond his amateur career, Dunn transitioned into a professional role, most famously partnering with the legendary figure skater Sonja Henie in her popular touring ice show. He also ventured into an acting career, appearing in films, before his untimely death in Hollywood, Los Angeles due to tularemia.
2. Early life and amateur career
John Edward Powell Dunn's formative years and initial foray into the world of competitive figure skating laid the foundation for his later international recognition.
2.1. Early life and background
Born on March 28, 1917, in Royal Tunbridge Wells, England, John Edward Powell Dunn was a British national. Details of his early childhood beyond his birth location are limited, but his athletic talent soon became apparent.
2.2. Amateur figure skating career
Dunn began his competitive figure skating career in the 1930s, quickly establishing himself as a promising talent. His dedication led to significant achievements on the international stage. He competed at the 1934 European Figure Skating Championships, where he placed sixth, and the 1935 World Figure Skating Championships in Budapest, where he earned a silver medal in the men's singles event. The following year, he participated in the men's singles event at the 1936 Winter Olympics held in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, securing a respectable sixth place.
3. Professional career and personal life
After his amateur competitive career concluded, Dunn transitioned into professional endeavors, including a notable partnership with a renowned figure skater and a brief foray into acting. His personal relationships also became a subject of public interest.
3.1. Professional skating partnership
Following his performance at the 1936 Winter Olympics, John Edward Powell Dunn accompanied the family of Sonja Henie, a celebrated Norwegian figure skater and actress, to the United States. He subsequently became her professional skating partner in her highly successful touring ice show. This partnership endured for two years, during which Dunn performed alongside Henie in various productions and toured extensively.
3.2. Acting career
In addition to his professional skating, Dunn ventured into the film industry. He appeared in the movie Everybody's Girl. At the time of his death, his acting career was gaining momentum. Producer Edward Small had cast him in the lead role for the 1938 film The Duke of West Point. Furthermore, Dunn was also under consideration to portray the iconic silent film star Rudolph Valentino in a biographical film about the actor's life, indicating his potential for a significant career in Hollywood.
3.3. Personal relationships
Jack Dunn maintained a close personal relationship with Sonja Henie. The two were known to be close friends and lovers, with Dunn having trained in London towards the end of Henie's competitive career. Their romantic involvement concluded when Henie became involved with the American actor Tyrone Power.
4. Competitive results
Dunn's competitive career saw him participate in several major international figure skating championships.
| Event | 1934 | 1935 | 1936 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Olympic Games | 6th | ||
| World Championships | 2nd | 4th | |
| European Championships | 6th | 4th |
5. Death
John Edward Powell Dunn's life was cut tragically short on July 16, 1938, at the age of 21. He died in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. The cause of his death was identified as tularemia, a bacterial disease. Dunn contracted the illness from handling a rabbit while on a hunting trip in Texas.
6. Legacy
Despite his young age at the time of his death, John Edward Powell Dunn left a notable mark on the world of figure skating and entertainment. His silver medal at the World Championships and his Olympic participation showcased his talent as an amateur skater. His transition into a professional partnership with Sonja Henie solidified his presence in the burgeoning ice show industry, while his brief but promising acting career hinted at a versatile future. His sudden passing is often cited as a poignant event in the history of figure skating, cutting short a career with significant potential.