Frank Fenton Moran[1] (April 9, 1906 – July 24, 1957), known as Frank Fenton, was an American stage, film and television actor.
Early years
Fenton[2] graduated from Georgetown University, where he lettered as a tackle on the school's football team. He also was active in Georgetown's undergraduate dramatic club, for which he directed and wrote plays.[3]
Career
Fenton started his career on stage in New York, acting on Broadway in An American Tragedy (1926) billed as Frank Moran.[4] As Frank Fenton, he starred in the Broadway versions of Susan and God with Gertrude Lawrence and as George Kittredge in The Philadelphia Story (1939) alongside Katharine Hepburn. His other Broadway credits include Stork Mad, O Evening Star, Dead End, and The O'Flynn.[5] He also appeared on stage in London, and toured with Katherine Cornell in Romeo & Juliet and other plays.
Fenton was married from 1934 to 1948[9] to the former Aqueena Bilotti, daughter of sculptor Salvadore Bilotti. The couple had two daughters, Alicia and Honoree.[10][11] They divorced in 1948.[12]
He is often confused—in print and online—with screenwriter and novelist Frank Fenton (1903 – August 23, 1971). The actor dropped his last name early in his career to avoid confusion with other well-known Morans in New York City, including prizefighter Frank Moran, drama reporter Frank Moran, and George Moran of the popular comedy team Moran and Mack.[2]
Death
Fenton died at UCLA Medical Center on July 24, 1957, at age 51.[12][13] He is buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Culver City, California.[1]
