During Hollywood’s golden age, Victor Mature was a well-known and influential figure. His powerful on-screen presence and ability to play diverse roles made him a highly respected actor for more than forty years, shaping the film industry in a lasting way.
Victor Mature Profile Summary
Full name: Victor Mature
Date of birth: January 29, 1913
Age: 86 years old (at the time of death)
Place of birth: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Gender: Male
Zodiac sign: Aquarius
Height: 1.8m
Kids: Victoria Mature
Profession: Actor
Early Life & Education
Hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, Victor Mature’s upbringing was enriched by his culturally varied family. His formative years were influenced by a mix of Italian and Swiss ancestry, shaping his distinct character. Mature’s path from a budding artist to a renowned Hollywood figure was defined by his determination and love for the craft of acting.
Mature’s academic journey involved enrolling in renowned schools such as St. Xavier High School and the Kentucky Military Institute, before embarking on business studies. Nevertheless, he opted to pursue acting at the Pasadena Community Playhouse, which paved the way for his highly successful career.
Career
After growing up in Louisville, Ky., Victor Mature dropped out of school as a teenager and found success as a candy distributor. Using his earnings, he opened a restaurant in 1935 but eventually sold it to pursue his goal of becoming an actor in California.
After attending drama school at the Pasadena Playhouse, he made his first appearance in “Paths of Glory” there in 1936. He worked various part-time jobs for a few years until he received a scholarship to the Playhouse and was cast as the main character in “Autumn Crocus.”
After a year, he was cast in the play “To Quito and Back” by Ben Hecht, where he caught the attention of producer Hal Roach. Roach then offered him a minor part in “The Housekeeper’s Daughter” alongside Joan Bennett.
This small role led to an overwhelming amount of fan letters, and he was quickly promoted to a leading role in the lackluster film “One Million B.C.”
After a poorly reviewed film, he became known as a muscular man. In 1940, he signed a contract with RKO. He starred in the film “No, No Nanette” and later moved to Broadway in the play “Lady in the Dark.” It was here he earned the nickname “hunk.”
One of his greatest accomplishments came from his portrayal of Samson in DeMille’s 1950 rendition of “Samson and Delilah,” earning him a salary of $50,000. Although he and his co-star Hedy Lamarr were not the most suitable choices for the roles, DeMille’s signature unintentionally cheesy style added a unique charm to the film.
Victor Mature Death
Victor Mature, the well-built leading actor from the ’40s and ’50s known for his roles in “Kiss of Death” and “Samson and Delilah,” passed away on August 4, 1999, in Rancho Santa Fe after fighting cancer for three years. He was 86 years old at the time of his death.
According to Joe Reynolds, a spokesman for Encinitas Mortuary, the announcement of his passing, details about his funeral, and other relevant information were postponed at the request of his widow. He was married five times during his lifetime.
Net Worth
Upon his passing, Victor Mature’s net worth served as a testament to his prosperous tenure in the film industry and his shrewd financial decisions. Renowned for his business savvy, Mature’s wealth has only continued to flourish, reaching an estimated $22 million in 2024.
