A tough-guy actor and stuntman, known for his rugged roles in Westerns and war films, often playing alongside iconic stars like Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando.
Brad Dexter, the rugged actor and film producer, is best known for his iconic roles in Westerns and tough-guy movies, including the 1960 classic The Magnificent Seven, as well as his work behind the scenes, producing films like Lady Sings the Blues for Sidney J. Furie.
Born Boris Michel Soso on April 9, 1917, in Goldfield, Nevada, to ethnic Serb immigrants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dexter grew up in Los Angeles, where he attended Belmont High School. Serbian was his first language, and he later honed his acting skills at the Pasadena Playhouse.
Before turning to acting, Dexter had a brief career as an amateur boxer. During World War II, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, where he befriended fellow Serbian-American Karl Malden and appeared in the Corps' play and film Winged Victory (1944).
After the war, Dexter began his acting career, taking on small roles in films like The Mortal Storm (1940) and Heldorado (1946). He changed his name to Brad Dexter and landed his breakthrough role as a villainous detective in The Asphalt Jungle (1950), followed by a role in Fourteen Hours (1951).
Dexter's portrayal of a villain in RKO's The Las Vegas Story (1951) earned him a contract with the studio. He went on to play similar roles in Macao (1952) and 99 River Street (1953), solidifying his reputation as a tough guy on screen.
In the 1960s, Dexter began producing films, including Lady Sings the Blues, which starred Diana Ross and Richard Pryor. He also worked with icons like Frank Sinatra, saving the legendary singer from drowning, and marrying the talented Peggy Lee, albeit briefly.
Dexter's friendship with Marilyn Monroe is a testament to his kind and easygoing personality, which contrasted with his tough-guy image on screen. Despite his rugged roles, Dexter left an indelible mark on Hollywood, both in front of and behind the camera.
Brad Dexter's tough-guy image and rugged roles have influenced generations of actors and filmmakers, cementing his place in the annals of Hollywood history.
Brad Dexter's remarkable career and life story serve as a testament to his enduring legacy in Hollywood, where he remains an icon of the tough-guy genre.
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