Orson Welles was born on May 6, 1915, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was the second son of Beatrice Ives and Richard Head Welles, who was a wealthy inventor and businessman. Welles' parents separated when he was very young, and he was raised by his mother in Chicago.
Welles attended the Todd School for Boys in Woodstock, Illinois, where he developed a love for the arts. He received a scholarship to attend Harvard University but decided to travel through Europe instead. It was during this time that Welles began to cultivate his passion for storytelling and performance.
In 1938, Welles gained recognition for his narration of classic literary works on the CBS Radio series The Mercury Theatre on the Air. This led to his infamous broadcast of H.G. Wells' "War of the Worlds," which caused mass panic among listeners who believed it to be a real news bulletin.
Welles' most famous work is the 1941 film Citizen Kane, which he co-wrote, directed, produced, and starred in. The film is considered a landmark in cinema history and is often cited as one of the greatest films ever made.
He went on to direct other notable films such as The Magnificent Ambersons, The Lady from Shanghai, and Touch of Evil, co-starring with Charlton Heston. Welles was known for his innovative techniques and creative vision, pushing the boundaries of filmmaking.
Welles was married three times, first to Virginia Nicolson, then to Rita Hayworth, and finally to Paola Mori. He also had relationships with Dolores del Rio and Oja Kodar. Welles had four children: Michael, Beatrice, Rebecca, and Christopher.
Orson Welles was a true visionary in the world of cinema, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking films and innovative storytelling techniques. His work continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike, solidifying his place in film history as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.
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