Lew Ayres

American actor and musician whose film and television career spanned 65 years. Born December 28, 1908 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Died December 30, 1996 (aged 88) in Los Angeles, California. He was married to singer/actress Lola Lane of the Lane sisters (1931-33, divorce) and Ginger Rogers (1934-40, divorce). Before pursing acting full-time, he played banjo and guitar for big bands, including the Henry Halstead Orchestra. His instruments were tenor banjo, long-neck banjo and guitar. His leading role in the original version of All Quiet on the Western Front (1930) that made him a star. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Johnny Belinda (1948). He also directed and produced a few films.