Ray Bidwell Collins was a distinguished American actor who had a profound impact on the film, stage, radio, and television industries. Born in Sacramento, California, to Lillie Bidwell and William C. Collins, a newspaper drama editor, he began his acting career on stage at the tender age of 14. By the mid-1930s, he had established himself as a talented stage and radio actor, and it was during this period that he began working with the renowned Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre.
Collins' association with Welles led to some of his most memorable roles, including appearances on the radio show "The Shadow" and in Welles' serial adaptation of "Les Miserables" in 1937. He became a regular on "The Mercury Theatre on the Air" program, playing a wide range of roles in literary adaptations, from Squire Livesey in "Treasure Island" to Dr. Watson in "Sherlock Holmes". His notable work on this series included his uncredited roles in the infamous "The War of the Worlds" broadcast, where he played three characters, including Mr. Wilmuth and the newscaster who described the destruction of New York.
Collins' film career was equally impressive, with notable appearances in over 90 movies, including "Citizen Kane" (1941),"The Magnificent Ambersons" (1942),and "Touch of Evil" (1958). He also appeared in a range of other films, such as "Leave Her to Heaven" (1945),"The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946),"Crack-Up" (1946),"A Double Life" (1947),and "The Desert Song" (1953). In addition to his dramatic roles, Collins displayed his comedic abilities in films like "The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer" (1947) and "The Man from Colorado" (1948).
Collins' television career was equally successful, with notable roles in shows such as "Perry Mason" (1957),where he played the iconic role of Lt. Arthur Tragg, and "The Halls of Ivy" (1954),starring Ronald Colman. Throughout his long and distinguished career, Collins was recognized for his exceptional talent and versatility, and he remains one of the most beloved and respected actors of his generation.
