Hurd Hatfield

Hurd Hatfield rose to fame for his iconic portrayal of Dorian Gray, embodying the epitome of hedonism and moral decay in the 1945 film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's classic novel.

Movie Actor

December 7, 1917

December 26, 1998

81

Hurd Hatfield, born on December 16, 1917, in New York City, was an American actor, painter, and art collector. He rose to fame for his portrayal of Dorian Gray in the 1945 film adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” for which he received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination.

Hatfield’s acting career spanned several decades, with notable performances in films such as “The Strange Affair of Uncle Harry” (1945), “Joan of Arc” (1948), and “The Left Hand of God” (1955). He also graced the stage, making his Broadway debut in 1938 and earning a Tony Award nomination for his role in “The Heiress” (1948).

Beyond his acting prowess, Hatfield was an accomplished painter. He studied art in his youth and held exhibitions in New York City and Rome during the 1950s and 1960s. His passion for art remained a constant throughout his life.

Hatfield’s personal life was marked by his openness about his homosexuality, which impacted his career during the restrictive era of Hollywood’s Hays Code. He had a long-term relationship with actor William Bowers until Bowers’ passing in 1987.

Hurd Hatfield passed away on December 26, 1998, in Palm Springs, California, leaving behind a legacy as a talented actor, artist, and art collector. His contributions to the entertainment industry and his unique blend of artistic pursuits continue to inspire and captivate audiences to this day.