One of Hollywood's most iconic child actors of the 1930s and 1940s, Mickey Kuhn's career spanned a remarkable era, with appearances alongside some of the most renowned stars of the time, including Leslie Howard, Conrad Nagel, and Bette Davis.
Born Theodore Matthew Michael Kuhn Jr. on September 21, 1932, in Waukegan, Illinois, Mickey was the younger of two children born to Theodore Sr. and Pearl Hicks. The family relocated to Hollywood during the Great Depression, where his father found stable employment as a meat cutter. Mickey began his acting career at just two years old, landing a role in the 1934 film Change of Heart, starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell.
Throughout his early years, Mickey's devoted mother oversaw his career, ensuring his safety and well-being. He attended the Mark-Ken School for professional children and returned to films at the age of five in A Doctor's Diary (1937). His breakthrough year came in 1939, with appearances in the prestigious films Juarez, starring Paul Muni and Bette Davis, and Gone with the Wind, alongside Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable.
Mickey continued to work steadily throughout the 1940s, appearing in notable films such as One Foot in Heaven (1941),A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (1945),and Red River (1948). He particularly enjoyed action-packed roles, like S.O.S. Tidal Wave (1939),Roaring Rangers (1946),and Broken Arrow (1950).
As he entered his teenage years, Mickey's attention turned to the stage, performing at the Pasadena Playhouse and other Los Angeles-based theaters. Although he continued to work in film and television, his roles became fewer and farther between. In 1951, he decided to enlist in the Navy, serving for four years before returning to the entertainment industry.
After his military service, Mickey married and had two children. He attended L.A. Valley College and Cal State Northridge, majoring in Theater Arts and holding various odd jobs. In 1965, he was hired by American Airlines, eventually becoming a supervisor to flight attendants. He later transitioned to an administrative role at a Boston airport.
Mickey has since spent his time conducting historical tours around Boston and appearing at film festivals. He received the Golden Boot Award for his work in westerns in 2005.
