Orson Welles

George Orson Welles was a legendary American director, actor, screenwriter, and producer known for his groundbreaking work in radio, theater, and cinema. He is regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers of all time. Welles directed high-profile theatrical performances for the Federal Theatre Project while still in his twenties, including an all-African-American cast interpretation of Macbeth and the political musical The Cradle Will Rock. He and John Houseman formed the Mercury Theatrical in 1937, an independent repertory theatre company that staged a number of Broadway shows.

Citizen Kane (1941), which he co-wrote, produced, directed, and acted in as the titular character, Charles Foster Kane, is routinely recognized as one of the finest films ever made. His particular directing approach included layered and nonlinear narrative structures, chiaroscuro lighting, strange camera angles, radio-inspired sound methods, deep focus views, and extended takes. "The supreme auteur" has been spoken about him.

Born: May 6, 1915, Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States

Died: October 10, 1985, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States