Don Amache Young’s life captured in photos that highlight his acting journey

If you’ve ever been charmed by the classic Hollywood movies, you might have come across Don Ameche, a name synonymous with grace and talent from the golden era of cinema. When we rewind the tape to when Don Ameche was a dashing young actor, we uncover the story of a man whose sparkling charisma and versatility made him a darling of the silver screen.

Born Dominic Felix Amici on May 31, 1908, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Don Ameche was the epitome of the American dream. He grew up in a hardworking family of Italian immigrants, and early on, he showed an aptitude for performance. He cut his teeth in theater, honing his craft with vigor and passion, which later paved his way to Hollywood’s grand stages.

In the 1930s, a young Ameche stepped into the limelight and quickly made his mark. He had the classic good looks with a voice that could only be described as radio gold – a rich, warm tone that could equally comfort and command attention. This was a time when actors were the epitome of sophistication, and Don, with his slicked-back hair and sharp suits, fit the bill perfectly.

Ameche’s breakout role came in the 1936 film “The Story of Alexander Graham Bell,” where he played the legendary inventor. This movie not only cemented his status as a leading man but also gave us a new term. Ever wondered why some folks call the telephone an “Ameche”? Well, it’s a playful homage to Don’s portrayal of Bell.

But it wasn’t just his on-screen presence that captivated audiences; his work ethic was something to admire. Don was known to be a relentless professional, always prepared and endlessly charming. He continued to work steadily through the ’30s and ’40s, showcasing his range in comedies, dramas, and musicals. Films like “Heaven Can Wait” (1943) and “Cocoon” (1985) spanned decades and genres, showing that young Ameche could evolve with times and tastes.

Behind that magnetic smile was a man deeply dedicated to his family and craft. Despite the heady fame, Don managed to stay grounded. Those who knew him often spoke of his kindness and humility, traits not always associated with Hollywood’s finest.

#1 Don Ameche eating with Tyrone Power and Sophie Tucker in the background at a charity party at the Clover Club.

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#2 Don Ameche, 1930s.

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#3 Don Ameche, 1938

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#4 Myrna Loy and Don Ameche in a scene from “So Goes My Love.”

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#5 Don Ameche, wearing a double-breasted pinstriped suit, circa 1935.

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#6 Don Ameche, circa 1935.

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#7 Actors Don Ameche and Sonja Henie in the film “One In A Million,” circa 1936.

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#8 Don Ameche, prominent in the 1930s and 1940s, playing a dapper leading man, 1936.

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#9 Don Ameche, circa 1936.

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#10 Don Ameche, 1937.

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#11 Tyrone Power and Don Ameche in “Love is News,” directed by Tay Garnett, 1937.

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#12 Alice Faye and Don Ameche in the film “You Can’t Have Everything,” circa 1937.

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#13 Tyrone Power, Alice Faye, and Don Ameche in the 1937 film “In Old Chicago.”

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#14 Ann Sothern and Don Ameche in a scene from “Fifty Roads to Town.”

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#15 Don Ameche, Alice Brady, Andy Devine, and Tyrone Power in the 1937 film “In Old Chicago.”

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#16 Don Ameche, circa 1937.

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#17 Don Ameche and Dorothy Lamour with an NBC microphone for the radio show, “The Chase and Sanborn Hour,” 1937.

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#18 Don Ameche and Tyrone Power in a publicity still from “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” 1938.

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#19 Don Ameche and Alice Faye in “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” 1938.

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#20 Sonja Henie and Don Ameche in a scene from “Happy Landing,” 1938.

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#21 Simone Simon, Don Ameche, and Robert Young in a scene from “Josette.”

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#22 Don Ameche in a restaurant, 1938.

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#23 Sonja Henie and Don Ameche in “Happy Landing,” 1938.

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#24 Don Ameche, American actor, in Southampton, July 1938.

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#25 Don Ameche, Loretta Young, and Sonja Henie for “Love Under Fire,” March 1938, San Francisco.

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#26 Don Ameche, 1938

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#27 Don Ameche, 1938

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#28 Don Ameche, 1939.

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#29 Don Ameche with Bobs Watson in “The Modern Miracle,” 1939.

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#30 Don Ameche and Andrea Leeds with Al Jolson in “Swanee River,” 1939.

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#31 Loretta Young and Don Ameche in “The Story Of Alexander Graham Bell,” 1939.

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#32 Pauline Moore and Don Ameche in “The Three Musketeers,” 1939.

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#33 Don Ameche and Loretta Young in “The Story of Alexander Graham Bell,” 1939.

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#34 Don Ameche and Betty Grable in “Down Argentine Way,” 1940.

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#35 Promotional studio portrait of American actor Don Ameche, 1940s.

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#36 Don Ameche and Betty Grable in “Down Argentine Way,” performing the Rumconga, 1940.

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#37 Don Ameche serenading Betty Grable in “Down Argentine Way,” 1940.

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#38 Don Ameche wearing a grey suit jacket, white shirt, and red, white, and blue tie, circa 1940.

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#39 Don Ameche and Betty Grable star in the 20th Century Fox musical romance ‘Down Argentine Way’, 1940.

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#40 Director Irving Cummings holds a match for Don Ameche on the set of ‘Down Argentine Way’, March 17, 1940.

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#41 Don Ameche and Joan Bennett star in ‘Confirm Or Deny’, a romantic wartime drama directed by Archie Mayo, 1941.

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#42 Don Ameche and Joan Bennett in a scene from ‘Confirm Or Deny’, directed by Archie Mayo, 1941.

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#43 Don Ameche and Rosalind Russell in ‘The Feminine Touch’, 1941.

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#44 Don Ameche in ‘The Feminine Touch’, attempting to tutor a student, 1941.

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#45 Don Ameche and Gene Tierney on the set of ‘Heaven Can Wait’, directed by Ernst Lubitsch.

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#46 Don Ameche and Lauritz Melchior in the CBS Radio special ‘Two Hours of Stars’, the Elgin Christmas Show, December 25, 1947, Los Angeles.

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#47 Don Ameche and Kyle MacDonnell at The Stork Club, New York, early 1950.

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#48 Don Ameche with Gene Tierney rehearsing for their appearance on the CBS program “LUX RADIO THEATER”, March 21, 1949, Los Angeles.

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#49 Don Ameche examining a script for ‘The Frances Langford-Don Ameche Show’, circa 1951.

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#50 Don Ameche reading the newspaper in formalwear, May 1955.

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