William Alland, a renowned figure in the entertainment industry, embarked on his journey as an actor with a semi-professional troupe in Baltimore. With a mere $25 in his pocket, a paper suitcase, and an unwavering ambition to make it big on Broadway, he arrived in Manhattan, ready to take on the world.
He enrolled in courses and honed his craft at the Henry Street Settlement House, where he crossed paths with the enigmatic and talented Orson Welles, who was on the cusp of forming his Mercury Theatre group. Alland seized the opportunity, joining the Mercury Players on the New York stage and in radio, including the infamous Halloween 1938 "War of the Worlds" broadcast.
As his career flourished, Alland landed the role of Thompson, a camera-shy reporter, in Welles' iconic film, Citizen Kane (1941). However, his trajectory took a dramatic turn when he traded in his acting boots for a pilot's uniform, serving as a combat pilot during World War II, completing an impressive 50 missions over the South Pacific.
Following the war, Alland transitioned to radio production, earning a Peabody Award for his groundbreaking show, "Doorway to Life." He eventually segued into film production, churning out a series of features, predominantly science fiction films and Westerns, at Universal-International in the 1950s.
This remarkable individual's life was a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to his craft, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
