Biography

Born in Young America, MN a town of 230 people. His family moved to Saint Paul, MN. In the early 30's John worked as an usher in West St.Paul's Twin's theater. Early in 37' he helped a man drive to CA, with the goal of working in Hollywood. He had a letter of introduction from his work to visit MGM Studios. He quickly went to the studio and having lunch in the commissary saw Clark Gable, Jean Harlow, Greta Garbo, Louise Rainer, Robert Taylor, and all the Barrymores. He was overwhelmed and decided he had to work there. He got a job as a busboy, later being advanced to tray service to the stars. It was at then that decided that he wanted to work with the actors, and be a make-up artist. He got no where until one day, on his rounds, he asked Norma Shearer if she might assist him. She did and the rest was history. He was an apprentice under Jack Dawn and later worked for William Tuttle. He was the first one at MGM to volunteer for the selective service in 1940 and served as a medical servant. January of 46 he returned to complete his apprenticeship. He worked on almost all the major musicals, and many films and with just about every MGM actor. Later in his career he worked on several TV shows, including Combat and Medical Center. He passed away on 5.19.81 after having a series of heart attacks.
- IMDb mini biography by: wilson webb