Written by: Carlos Hernandez

Macdonald Carey: The Prolific Actor and Iconic Face of Daytime Television

Macdonald Carey was an American actor, best known for his iconic role as Dr. Tom Horton on NBC's soap opera Days of Our Lives, a character he played for nearly three decades. With a career spanning over four decades, Carey established himself as a talented and beloved figure in film, radio, and television.

Early Life and Education

Born on March 15, 1913, in Sioux City, Iowa, Carey graduated from the University of Iowa in Iowa City with a bachelor's degree in 1935. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a year, where he was a member of Alpha Delta Phi. During his time at the University of Iowa, he became involved with the drama school and decided to pursue a career in acting.

Career Highlights

Carey's career began in radio, where he worked steadily, including playing Dick Grosvenor on the soap opera Stella Dallas and Ridgeway Tearle in Johns Other Wife, both in the early 1940s. He also appeared in the popular radio show Lights Out. His breakthrough role came when he toured with the Globe Players and later made his Broadway debut in Lady in the Dark (1941) opposite Gertrude Lawrence, Danny Kaye, and Victor Mature.

Film Appearances and World War II Service

Carey made his film debut in Star Spangled Rhythm (1942). He went on to appear in several films, including Take a Letter, Darling (1942), Dr. Broadway (1942), and Wake Island (1942), which became a big hit. During World War II, Carey served in the United States Marine Corps, an experience that had a profound impact on his life and career.

Television and Days of Our Lives

In the 1950s and 1960s, Carey transitioned to television, appearing in various shows and series. However, it was his role as Dr. Tom Horton on Days of Our Lives that cemented his status as a household name. He played the character from 1965 until his death in 1994, becoming the show's central cast member and a beloved figure in American television.

Awards and Honors

Carey received several awards and nominations for his work, including two Daytime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Actor in a Daytime Drama Series for his role on Days of Our Lives.

Personal Life and Legacy

Despite struggling with alcoholism, Carey remained a dedicated and talented actor until his passing on March 21, 1994. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and fans, who remember him fondly as the patriarch of the Horton family on Days of Our Lives.

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Carey was known in Hollywood circles as the "King of the Bs," sharing the title with Lucille Ball.
• He was a talented singer and released an album, Macdonald Carey Sings, in 1962.
• Carey was a member of the United States Marine Corps during World War II.

Macdonald Carey's remarkable career and enduring legacy continue to inspire and entertain audiences to this day, solidifying his place as a true icon of American entertainment.