Biography
Ames, who early in his career used the surname of "Waycoff", made his screen debut as the romantic hero in Robert Florey's striking horror film, "Murders in the Rue Morgue" (1932). Shortly afterward, Ames played a role as important as any he played onscreen when, in 1933, he was one of 19 actors who met to form the Screen Actors Guild. In an organization whose ranks eventually swelled to well over 80,000, Ames, card number 15, served long and …
Latest Tv Credits
1 - 4 of 4
Career Milestones
| Became businessman on the side as owner and vice president of Studio City Ford Company | ||
| Served as first vice president of SAG | ||
| Served as president of SAG | ||
| Toured with stock companies | ||
1925 | Joined Charles K Champlin Company in Lansford, Pennsylvania; first as general business manager, then as actor in small parts | |
1932 | First film as actor, "Murders in the Rue Morgue" | |
1933 | Broadway debut in "It Pays to Sin" | |
1933 | Was one of the founding members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) | |
1934 | Gave up his membership on SAG's board of directors because he was too busy with acting roles (date approximate) | |
1935 | Changed name to Ames, with film "Strangers All" | |
1943 | Signed to seven-year contract with MGM; first film under contract, "Meet Me in St. Louis" | |
1945 | Rejoined board of directors of SAG, replacing actor Charles Boyer | |
1947 | Served as recording secretary of SAG | |
1979 | Named a president emeritus of SAG | |
1986 | Last feature credit, "Peggy Sue Got Married" | |
Awards
1980 | Screen Actors Guild Award for Life Achievement |