Van Johnson

Van Johnson (August 25, 1916 – December 12, 2008) was an American actor known for his work in film, television, theatre, and radio. He gained popularity as a major star at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer during and after World War II. Johnson was recognized for his portrayal of the 'boy-next-door' persona, which made him a beloved Hollywood figure in the 1940s and 1950s. He appeared in notable films such as Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, A Guy Named Joe, and The Human Comedy, playing red-haired, freckle-faced military characters. Johnson continued to make occasional World War II films until the late 1960s and also played a military officer in his final feature film in 1992. He was considered one of the last surviving matinee idols of Hollywood's 'golden age' at the time of his death.More