Wissenswertes

Was honored by the Vom Winde verweht (1939) cast and crew for his 69th year in show business with an actor's chair.

Harry Davenport was a co-founder along with Eddie Foy of what would later become known as Actors Equity Association. The original organization, which Mr. Davenport spearheaded, was known as The White Rats. It was this group of actors who finally, after a nine month effort, united in their opposition to the treatment of actors by the likes of the Shubert brothers, David Belasco and others, and refused to appear on stage by striking. Their actions resulted in the closing of all of the Broadway theaters, with the exception of George M. Cohan and his company. In answer to the actors strike, the Broadway producers were forced to give in to such demands as plumbing in the dressing rooms, a six-day work week, and other such necessities that were considered outrageous by the theatrical owners and producers.

Ex-brother-in-law of Lionel Barrymore, John Barrymore and Ethel Barrymore.

Along with Wallis Clark, he is one of only two actors to appear in three consecutive Best Picture Academy Award winners: Das Leben des Emile Zola (1937), Lebenskünstler (1938) and Vom Winde verweht (1939). Clark appeared in Es geschah in einer Nacht (1934), Meuterei auf der Bounty (1935) and Der große Ziegfeld (1936).

In an in-depth article on Harry by Ken Dennis in the Fall 2009 issue of Films of the Golden Age, it was revealed that Harry's second wife, Phyllis Rankin, also came from a family of actors, as did Harry. Her parents were McKee Rankin and Kitty Blanchard. Her sisters Doris and Gladys both married into the Barrymore family (Lionel Barrymore and Sidney Drew, respectively). Phyllis' son Arthur Rankin was raised by Harry and later acted.

Besides his appearances in three consecutive Academy Award Best Picture winners in 1937-39, he also appeared in five other Best Picture nominees: Hölle, wo ist dein Sieg? (1940), Der Auslandskorrespondent (1940), Mit einem Fuß im Himmel (1941), Kings Row (1942) and Ritt zum Ox-Bow (1943).

Entered films in 1913.

An avid antique collector.

Son of Edward Loomis (E.L.) Davenport & Fanny Elizabeth Vining. Brother of Blanche, Flo, May, Fannie, Lillie & Edgar. Father of Dorothy Davenport and actress Kate Davenport. Father-in-law of Wallace Reid. Grandfather of Wallace Reid Jr.. Grandfather of actor/producer/director Dirk Wayne Summers. Great-great-grandfather of Thomas Grant and Tyler Grant.

Father-in-law of Wallace Reid.

Grandfather of actor/producer/director Dirk Wayne Summers, Wallace Reid Jr. and Arthur Rankin Jr..

Father of actress Kate Davenport.

Great Great Grandfather of Dustin and Brandon O'Brien.

Great Grandfather of Lisa O'Brien and Mark Adcock.

Brother-in-law of Doris Rankin and Mrs. Sidney Drew.

Grandfather of Carol Vining Davenport Ortner.

Great great grandfather of Thomas Grant and Tyler Grant.