Biography

John DeCuir was born on June 4, 1918 in San Francisco, California, USA. He was an art director and production designer, known for The King and I (1956), Cleopatra (1963) and Hello, Dolly! (1969). He died on October 29, 1991 in Santa Monica, California, USA.

Distinguished Hollywood art director and production designer, painter, illustrator and draftsman. Began in films as a sketch artist in the 1930's. Had his longest spells at Universal (1938-49) and 20th Century Fox (1949-62. Nominated for eleven Academy Awards, winner of three. Inducted into the Art Director's Hall of Fame in 2004. Accaimed for his elaborate, lavish sets on big budget extravaganzas, such as The King and I (1956), Cleopatra (1963) and Hello, Dolly! (1969). Among the first in his field to work with CinemaScope. Also active in theatrical design, on operas and designing theme parks.

Father of John DeCuir Jr.; grandfather of John III and Cassandra DeCuir.

His parents wanted him to become a concert violinist.

A John DeCuir Production Design Studies Center is located at Asbury University; it honors John Senior and Junior.

[on Joseph L. Mankiewicz and his return to Rome to direct "The Honey Pot", three years after making "Cleopatra" there]: Coming back to Rome reawakened all his memories of "Cleopatra" - all the heartaches and problems.