Wissenswertes

His widow, Suzanne Kaaren, became entangled in a battle with Donald Trump during the 1980s. Trump wanted to sell the apartment she rented under New York City's Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Program. Trump wanted more than the $1000 a month restriction and wanted her to sell the apartment. In 1998 he was allowed to turn the apartment into condos--subject, however, to her tenancy. Mrs. Blackmer did not receive any money as a result of the legal battle with Trump. he was enjoined from all attempts to evict her from the 100 Central Park South apartment, where she remained until her death in August 2004. The Blackmers rented the apartment in 1948 and maintained a residence throughout their lives.

He has appeared in three films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: Der kleine Cäsar (1931), Dance, Girl, Dance (1940) and Rosemaries Baby (1968).

Usually wore a toupee on screen.

Had two sons: Jonathan Blackmer and Brewster Blackmer.

Awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1625 Vine St. on 2/8/60.

Won Broadway's 1950 Tony Award as Best Actor (Dramatic) for his role in "Come Back, Little Sheba".

Interred at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in his hometown of Salisbury, NC.

While he portrayed Republican President Theodore Roosevelt more times than any actor on screen (eight in all), he himself noted that he was, ironically, a Democrat.