Who was Jeff Chandler? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Ira Grossel

Died At Age: 42

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Marjorie Hoshelle (m. 1946–1954)

father: Phillip Grossel

mother: Anna (née Herman)

Actors T V & Movie Producers

Height: 6'4" (193 cm), 6'4" Males

Died on: June 17, 1961

place of death: Culver City, California, United States

Cause of Death: Blood Infection

: Pneumonia

Diseases & Disabilities: Spinal Disc Herniation

City: Brooklyn, New York City

U.S. State: New Yorkers

Recommended For You

1

Is Jeff Chandler still alive?

No, Jeff Chandler passed away on June 17, 1961.
2

What was Jeff Chandler's most famous role?

One of Jeff Chandler's most famous roles was as Cochise in the film "Broken Arrow" (1950).
3

Did Jeff Chandler serve in the military?

Yes, Jeff Chandler served in the United States Army during World War II.
4

Did Jeff Chandler have any children?

Yes, Jeff Chandler had two daughters named Jamie Tucker and Dana Grossel.
5

What was Jeff Chandler's ethnicity?

Jeff Chandler was of Jewish descent.

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Childhood & Early Life

Jeff Chandler was born as Ira Grossel on December 15, 1918, in Brooklyn, New York, USA, to Phillip Grossel and Anna. His parents separated when he was a child.

He studied at Erasmus Hall High School where one of his schoolmates was Susan Hayward.

He worked as a restaurant cashier and studied art for a year. He then took up a job as a layout artist at $18 a week to save enough money to take a drama course.

Chandler eventually attended Feagin School of Dramatic Art. He initially worked in radio and then got employment in a stock agency as a stage manager and actor.

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Career

Jeff Chandler launched his own company called the Shady Lane Playhouse in 1941. The company enjoyed some success with plays including ‘The Bad Man’ and ‘Seventh Heaven.’ During the World War II, Chandler enlisted in the army and served for four years, finishing with the rank of lieutenant.

He got his first job as a radio actor in May 1946. He received much fame for appearing as the lead in the radio series ‘Michael Shayne’. He then became the first actor to play Chad Remington in the radio adventure drama ‘Frontier Town’.

His first film role was a one-line role as a criminal in ‘Johnny O'Clock’ which released in 1947. The actor then went on to play minor roles as a policeman in the comedy film ‘Mr Belvedere Goes to College’ and gangsters in ‘The Invisible Wall’ and ‘Roses are Red’.

He garnered more attention with the role of Eve Arden's boyfriend in the radio show ‘Our Miss Brooks’ which debuted on radio in 1948 and became a massive hit.

Chandler was cast as a Israeli leader in Universal studio’s ‘Sword in the Desert’, the first American movie based on the first phase of the Civil War in Mandatory Palestine.

He featured in the noir adventure ‘Smuggler's Island’ (1948) as an adventurer, a role he liked as it was close to his personality. In the year 1951, he played a Polynesian leader in ‘Bird of Paradise’ and a boxer in ‘Iron Man.’ Chandler then made a war movie titled ‘Red Ball Express.’

He signed a new contract with Universal in 1952 and appeared in a western titled ‘The Great Sioux Uprising’. He then went on to work in the adventure flicks ‘War Arrow’ and ‘East of Sumatra.’ The actor then made the crime drama film ‘Female on the Beach’ and began releasing musical records.

He was given the lead role in one of the Universal’s most prestigious movies of the year, ‘Away All Boats.’ He then formed his own production agency named Earlmar. His first Earlmar production was a western titled ‘Drango.’

Following his appearance in the popular biopic ‘Jeanne Eagels’ with Kim Novak, the actor appeared in ‘Ten Seconds to Hell,’ which was for a brand new company, Seven Arts.

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He then joined hands with Warner Bros to make his last film ‘Merrill's Marauders’ that was released posthumously in 1962.

Major Work

In 1950, Jeff Chandler played Cochise in Delmer Daves’ western ‘Broken Arrow,’ which turned out to be a hit, earning the actor an Oscar nomination, eventually establishing him as a star.

Family & Personal Life

Jeff Chandler married Marjorie Hoshelle, an actress, in 1946. The couple had two daughters, Jamie Tucker and Dana Grosse.

In 1957, he became involved with actress Esther Williams, causing his wife to divorce him. Their divorce was granted in 1959.

The actor also had affairs with actresses Gloria De Haven and Ann Sheridan.

While shooting for ‘Merrill's Marauders’ in April 1961, he injured his back during a baseball match with the soldiers of the U.S. Army Special Forces, who served as extras in the movie. The following month, he had surgery for a spinal disc herniation and suffered severe complications, eventually dying on June 17, 1961, due to a blood infection.

Facts About Jeff Chandler

Jeff Chandler was an accomplished singer and recorded several albums during his career, showcasing his musical talent beyond acting.

Despite being known for his rugged and tough-guy roles on screen, Chandler was actually a trained classical pianist and had a deep appreciation for music.

Chandler was a dedicated family man and was known to prioritize spending time with his children and supporting them in their endeavors.

In addition to his successful acting career, Chandler was also a skilled pilot and enjoyed flying in his spare time.

Chandler was known for his kindness and generosity, often volunteering his time for charitable causes and supporting various philanthropic efforts throughout his life.

Jeff Chandler Biography

You wanted to know

Is Jeff Chandler still alive?

What was Jeff Chandler's most famous role?

Did Jeff Chandler serve in the military?

Did Jeff Chandler have any children?

What was Jeff Chandler's ethnicity?