Heroes Come in Many Shapes and Sizes

There is one actor that needs to be recognized for his contribution to so many wonderful films. Despite his short life, any person who is lucky enough to see a movie with this actor in it would never forget him, and when an actor is that unforgettable, he should be acknowledged.

Looking at the poster for "This Gun for Hire", one is caught up in the exquisite beauty of Veronica Lake, gone before her time. But there is another actor who was in that movie that left even earlier than Veronica. And this is Laird Cregar.

Laird had a great deal of talent and parleyed it into some of the great films of the '40s like "Blood and Sand" with Tyrone Power and Rita Hayworth. "I Wake Up Screaming" with Ginger Rogers, "The Lodger", "The Black Swan" and "Hangover Square".

Because of Laird's girth, he was never a focal point for movie posters, but for the movies themselves, he was an unforgettable icon who gave every performance a certain mystery and compelling force. Laird died at 31-years of age. I've often lamented that, even though I was of the next generation. I so wished he could've lived to play more parts and embellish more movies. When I think of people I'd love to talk to, he's right at the top of my list. In a Hollywood that worships youth and beauty, he gave us talent, nuance and multi-dimensional performances.