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Biography

Norman Bel Geddes

Overview

  • Born
    April 27, 1893 · Adrian, Michigan, USA
  • Died
    May 8, 1958 · New York City, New York, USA (heart attack)
  • Birth name
    Norman Malanthen Geddes

Biography

  • Influential American theater, film and industrial designer, Mr. Geddes added "Bel" to his surname as a theatrical flourish. "Bel" was in fact his wife's given name. He was the father of stage, screen and television actress Barbara Bel Geddes. A stage designer in early years in the theater, he designed over 200 Broadway productions. Also one of our leading industrial designers during the 1920s through the 1940s, he influenced the design of major automobiles, railroads, furniture, and hotels. A most notable design was his famous "Futurama" exhibit for this country's memorable New York World's Fair of 1939.
    - IMDb mini biography by: (Douglas E. Sand) sanddoug@aol.com

Family

  • Spouses
      Edith Lutyens(June 7, 1953 - May 8, 1958) (his death)
      Anne Howe Hilliard(December 20, 1944 - November 7, 1951) (divorced)
      Frances Resor Waite(March 3, 1933 - January 17, 1943) (her death)
      Helen Belle Sneider(March 18, 1916 - 1932) (divorced, 2 children)
  • Children
      Barbara Bel Geddes

Trivia

  • Father of actress Barbara Bel Geddes.
  • His first child Joan, elder sister of Barbara Bel Geddes, was born on 2 December 1916. She later worked as researcher in her father's company.
  • His revolutionary vision as a set designer let to a collaboration with Max Reinhardt in the theatrical production of "The Miracle".

Quotes

  • [on Cecil B. DeMille] Never have I seen a man with so pre-eminent a position splash so fondly about in mediocrity, and, like a child building a sand castle, so serenely convinced that he was producing works of art.

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