Now Reading: Versatile Mid‑Century Performer: Warde Donovan
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Versatile Mid‑Century Performer: Warde Donovan
Early Life and Military Service
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Warde F. Tatum (credited as Warde Donovan) |
| Birthdate | February 25, 1916 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles County, California |
| Military Service | U.S. Navy Officer, 1941–1945 |
| Death | April 16, 1988, Los Angeles, California |
Warde Donovan was born in Los Angeles County in early 1916. He stopped acting to join the Navy during World War II (1941–1945) and then went back to acting after the war.
Broadway and Stage Career
| Year | Production | Role/Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1946 | Toplitzky of Notre Dame | Performer |
| 1954 | By the Beautiful Sea | Understudy/Performer |
| 1954 | Wonderful Town | Understudy |
| 1959 | Saratoga | Ensemble |
| 1960 | Destry Rides Again | Cast Member |
Between 1946 and 1960, Donovan appeared in at least five Broadway musicals, showcasing versatility as both performer and understudy in mid‑20th‑century American theatre.
Film and Television Appearances
| Year | Title | Medium |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | The Web | Film |
| 1955 | The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp | Television |
| 1965 | Get Smart | Television |
| 1968 | Did You Hear the One About the Traveling Saleslady? | Film |
From 1950 through 1968, he held character and supporting roles in four major film and television productions, maintaining a steady on‑screen presence for nearly two decades.
Family and Personal Life
| Relation | Name | Dates/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Spouse | Margery Belle Todd | Married 1947; widowed 1964 |
| Second Spouse | Phyllis Diller | Married October 7, 1965; divorced 1975 |
| Children | None jointly | Diller had six children from prior marriage |
Donovan’s first marriage lasted 17 years until 1964; his 10‑year union with comedian Phyllis Diller (1965–1975) drew public attention due to reports of marital challenges.
Financial Background
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Personal Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed; modest actor’s earnings |
| Spousal Wealth Influence | Phyllis Diller’s substantial comedy earnings did not directly affect his estate |
| Memorabilia Value | Signed photographs currently trade for ~$200 each |
No official fortune is recorded for Donovan; collectible memorabilia such as signed photos command secondary‑market prices near two‑hundred dollars apiece.
Legacy and Collectibles
| Item Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Archival Photographs | Frequently auctioned, value ~$200 |
| Stage & Screen Records | Documented in IBDB and IMDb archives |
| Historical Interest | Renewed by WWII service and high‑profile marriage |
His combination of wartime service and mid‑century entertainment roles sustains niche historical interest, particularly among memorabilia collectors and theatre historians.
FAQ
When was Warde Donovan born and when did he die?
He was born on February 25, 1916, and died on April 16, 1988.
What major productions did he appear in on Broadway?
He appeared in five Broadway musicals between 1946 and 1960, including Toplitzky of Notre Dame and Destry Rides Again.
Did he serve in the military?
Yes, he served as a U.S. Navy officer from 1941 to 1945 during World War II.
Who were his spouses and when were they married?
He married Margery Belle Todd in 1947 (widowed 1964) and Phyllis Diller on October 7, 1965 (divorced 1975).
Are any of his memorabilia items valuable today?
Signed photographs of Warde Donovan currently sell for around $200 each.
