John Payne, a name often synonymous with classic Hollywood charm, was more than just a handsome face. While he is lovingly remembered for his role in the perennial Christmas favorite, Miracle on 34th Street (1947), Payne, the actor, carved out a significant career across musicals, dramas, and westerns. This biography delves into the life and work of John Payne, showcasing his versatility and enduring appeal as a leading man in the golden age of cinema.
Born John Howard Payne on May 28, 1912, in Roanoke, Virginia, Payne’s upbringing was far from the typical struggling actor’s narrative. His family was affluent, with roots tracing back to the composer of “Home, Sweet, Home,” from whom he was named. Growing up on a Virginia estate, complete with equestrian facilities and swimming pools, Payne enjoyed a privileged childhood. To overcome his shyness, his mother encouraged him to take singing lessons, a decision that would unknowingly pave the way for his future career. He attended Mercersburg Academy and later Roanoke College. The untimely death of his father compelled him to abandon his studies and seek employment to support his family. He worked various jobs, including as a male nurse and a radio singer, before returning to education at the Pulitzer School of Journalism at Columbia University, continuing to supplement his income through singing and even boxing and wrestling.
Standing tall at 6’2″ with striking dark features, John Payne’s foray into acting began on stage in his mid-twenties. While understudying in the musical “At Home Abroad,” fate intervened when he caught the eye of legendary producer Samuel Goldwyn. This pivotal moment led to a film contract. Initially billed as John Howard Payne, his first foray into film was a minor role in Dodsworth (1936). However, this initial contract didn’t lead to immediate stardom. He freelanced in smaller musical and comedy productions, eventually landing a starring role, now billed as John Payne, opposite Stella Adler in Love on Toast (1937). During this period, he also collaborated with Betty Grable on radio, showcasing his vocal talents. Romance blossomed when Payne met actress Anne Shirley, and they married in 1937, welcoming their daughter, Julie Payne, in 1940, who also became an actress. Sadly, their marriage ended in divorce in 1943.
Image: A still from “Miracle on 34th Street” featuring John Payne and Maureen O’Hara, highlighting their on-screen chemistry in this classic Christmas film.
1937 marked another turning point when Paramount Pictures took notice, casting him in a featured role in Bob Hope’s College Swing (1938). A brief stint at Warner Bros. followed, leading to a role in the Busby Berkeley musical Garden of the Moon (1938), where he showcased his singing talents with the title song and “Love Is Where You Find It.” However, it was his move to 20th Century-Fox in 1940 that truly ignited his career. He secured co-starring roles alongside Alice Faye in musicals like Tin Pan Alley (1940) and Week-End in Havana (1941), and with Sonja Henie in skating musicals such as Sun Valley Serenade (1941) and Iceland (1942). These roles solidified his presence in Hollywood. Yet, it was the dramatic war film Remember the Day (1941), where he starred opposite Claudette Colbert, that demonstrated his dramatic range and cemented his position as a versatile leading actor.
Following his musical and dramatic successes, Payne served in the Army from 1942 to 1944. Upon his return, he reunited with Betty Grable in The Dolly Sisters (1945). During this film, he met Gloria DeHaven, and they married in 1945. They had two children, but their marriage faced challenges due to DeHaven’s career aspirations, leading to divorce in 1950 after periods of separation. The post-war era brought some of Payne’s most memorable roles. He starred in Sentimental Journey (1946) with Maureen O’Hara, a film he personally acquired, the critically acclaimed The Razor’s Edge (1946) with Gene Tierney, Miracle on 34th Street (1947) again with O’Hara, and Larceny (1948) with Joan Caulfield. These roles showcased his maturity and depth as an actor beyond the song-and-dance persona.
After departing 20th Century-Fox, Payne’s career shifted towards more action-oriented genres. He starred in crime dramas, war films, and westerns. A shrewd business move involved a lucrative seven-picture deal with Pine-Thomas Productions, known for action films. This partnership resulted in films like El Paso (1949), Tripoli (1950), The Eagle and the Hawk (1950), Kansas City Confidential (1952), 99 River Street (1953), Rails Into Laramie (1954), and Hidden Guns (1956). Payne’s business acumen extended beyond acting; he cleverly secured the rights to these films, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. In 1953, he married Alexandra (“Sandy”) Crowell Curtis, marking his third and final marriage. He also revisited his singing roots with engagements in Las Vegas showrooms and starred in his own western television series, The Restless Gun (1957-1959), which ran for two seasons and featured his daughter Julie in one episode.
Image: John Payne in a promotional shot for “The Restless Gun,” highlighting his role as Vint Bonner in the popular western television series.
A severe car accident in 1961 in New York City significantly impacted Payne’s life and career. It took over two years for him to recover from leg fractures and facial injuries. He made a comeback in 1964 on Broadway, co-starring with Lisa Kirk in the musical “Here’s Love.” A decade later, he reunited with Alice Faye in a Broadway revival of “Good News,” but unfortunately had to leave the show due to leg pain aggravated by the dancing demands. His final acting roles in the 1970s were in television series such as “Gunsmoke,” “Cade’s County,” and “Columbo.”
John Payne retired from acting in 1975, dedicating his time to reading, writing, flying, and cooking. Beyond his acting legacy, his family continued in the entertainment industry, with two of his grandchildren, Katharine Towne and Holly Payne, becoming actresses. John Payne passed away on December 6, 1989, at the age of 77 at his Malibu home due to congestive heart failure. While he may not have been perceived as a screen icon in the most dramatic sense, John Payne, the actor, delivered consistent and enjoyable performances across a diverse range of genres for four decades, leaving behind a rich filmography and a lasting impression on Hollywood’s golden era.
