John Howard (American actor)

John Howard (April 14, 1913 – February 19, 1995) was an American actor noted for his work in both film and television.

Early life

Born John Richard Cox, Jr. in Cleveland, Ohio, he was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of what is now Case Western Reserve University. At college he discovered a love for the theater, and took part in student productions.

Career

Eventually, Howard became a contract player for Paramount, working in a dozen pictures before getting his first big role as Ronald Colman's younger brother in Lost Horizon. He soon took over for Colman in the Bulldog Drummond series of films, starring in seven of the features (1937–39), and maintaining the film version of the detective. Howard's next major assignment was as Katharine Hepburn's fiancé in The Philadelphia Story (1940), competing for her attention with both Cary Grant and James Stewart.

Military service

He served in the Navy during World War II, eventually as Executive Officer aboard a minesweeper USS YMS-24 where he participated in landing operations at Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, and deception operations against Sardinia and Southern France. When his vessel struck a mine off the French coast in August, 1944, killing the captain and severely damaging the ship, Howard took over command and fought to save his ship and crew, even jumping into the sea to save several wounded sailors. For his actions he was awarded both the US Navy Cross and the French Croix de Guerre.