# Don Ameche

> American actor (1908–1993)

**Wikidata**: [Q310413](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q310413)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Ameche)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/don-ameche

## Summary
Don Ameche was an American actor renowned for his work in film, television, and theater, spanning a career from 1928 until his death in 1993. He is best known for winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in *The Mask of Zorro* (1993) and for his iconic performances in films like *Things to Come* (1936) and *Midnight* (1939). Ameche's versatility and longevity made him a celebrated figure in Hollywood.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 31, 1908, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**: University of Wisconsin–Madison
- **Known for**: Academy Award-winning actor with a career spanning over six decades
- **Employer(s)**: Worked with major Hollywood studios and television networks
- **Field(s)**: Film, television, theater

## Contributions
- **Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (1993)**: Won for his role in *The Mask of Zorro*.
- **Volpi Cup for Best Actor (1938)**: Received for his performance in *The Story of Louis Pasteur*.
- **Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame**: Honored for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
- **Notable Films**: *Things to Come* (1936), *Midnight* (1939), *The Magnificent Ambersons* (1942), *The St. Valentine's Day Massacre* (1967), and *Trading Places* (1983).
- **Television Work**: Appeared in series such as *The Twilight Zone* and *Fantasy Island*.

## FAQs
**What were Don Ameche's most notable awards?**  
Ameche won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1993 for *The Mask of Zorro* and the Volpi Cup for Best Actor in 1938 for *The Story of Louis Pasteur*. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

**Where did Don Ameche study?**  
He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

**What genres did Don Ameche work in?**  
Ameche performed in a wide range of genres, including drama, comedy, and science fiction, across film, television, and theater.

**How long was Don Ameche's career?**  
His career spanned over 60 years, from 1928 until his death in 1993.

## Why They Matter
Don Ameche's enduring career and award-winning performances solidified his status as a Hollywood legend. His ability to adapt to evolving film and television landscapes influenced generations of actors. Without his contributions, the golden age of Hollywood and the transition to modern cinema would lack a key figure known for both dramatic depth and comedic timing.

## Notable For
- **Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (1993)**  
- **Volpi Cup for Best Actor (1938)**  
- **Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame**  
- **Versatility in Film and Television**: Spanning silent films, talkies, and modern cinema.  
- **Iconic Roles**: Performances in *The Magnificent Ambersons* and *Trading Places*.  
- **Longevity**: A career lasting over six decades.  

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Don Ameche was born Dominic Felix Amici on May 31, 1908, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He studied at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, laying the foundation for his future career in the arts.

### Career Beginnings
Ameche began his acting career in the late 1920s, transitioning from stage to film. His early work included roles in *The Public Enemy* (1931) and *Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde* (1931), showcasing his range.

### Film Career
- **1930s-1940s**: Ameche rose to prominence with films like *Things to Come* (1936) and *Midnight* (1939). His performance in *The Story of Louis Pasteur* (1936) earned him critical acclaim and the Volpi Cup.
- **1950s-1960s**: He continued to appear in notable films such as *The St. Valentine's Day Massacre* (1967) and expanded into television.
- **1980s-1990s**: Later career highlights included *Trading Places* (1983) and his Oscar-winning role in *The Mask of Zorro* (1993).

### Television and Theater
Ameche was a regular on television, appearing in *The Twilight Zone* and *Fantasy Island*. He also maintained a presence in theater, reflecting his roots in live performance.

### Awards and Legacy
Ameche's Academy Award win in 1993 capped a career marked by consistent excellence. His star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Volpi Cup underscored his international recognition. Ameche's legacy endures through his diverse filmography and influence on acting techniques.

### Personal Life
Ameche passed away on December 6, 1993, leaving behind a legacy as a consummate professional who thrived across multiple eras of entertainment. His contributions remain a testament to his adaptability and talent.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. Find a Grave
5. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1986)
6. [Source](https://walkoffame.com/don-ameche/)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. MusicBrainz
10. SNAC
11. Internet Broadway Database
12. Proleksis Encyclopedia
13. IMDb
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. CONOR.SI
16. Golden
17. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
18. The Movie Database