He’s Still Alive!!! He’s Still Alive!!!
Donnie Dunagan, Co-Star in Universal’s 1939 movie “Son Of Frankenstein”, is coming to a Theatre near you!
Born in 1934 to Irish parents fleeing for their lives to America, Donnie Dunagan has had a tremendous impact on his adopted country. Arriving in Houston, then San Antonio, after being born at Sea on a tramp steamer, the little child grew to be a fascinating man.
During the Great Depression in our country, a common entertainment was a talent contest in a small town. Entered in such a contest (Donnie was all of 4 years old!) to win a grand prize of $100, Donnie was spotted by a talent scout for RKO Studios, and his movie career began.
Donnie has many films to his credit, and was a popular child star of the Golden Era of Hollywood. Universal’s “Son of Frankenstein,” “Tower of London”, and Walt Disney’s “Bambi” (Donnie was the face model for Bambi, and the voice actor for the young deer) are some of his films.
Tragedy struck Donnie’s home life, and Donnie was eventually placed in an orphanage for his young life. Truly, from Rags to Riches to Rags!
Academics and Football were his Savior.
Leaving the orphanage at age 14, Donnie worked and supported himself in a boarding house while attending High School. Determined to be a doctor, but with no funds or adults to help him attend college, he became a star athlete in order to hopefully obtain a scholarship. Donnie’s plan worked, and although he was awarded a scholarship, he was too young at 16 to attend college until the following year.
Our country was still involved in the Korean War at that time, and when it was his turn to report for a draft physical, Donnie’s career with the United States Marine Corps began, with a question from a tall Marine recruiter, who asked “…Son, haven’t I seen you play football? You know, the Marines have a football team…..”, and so, 25 years later, from private to Major, Donnie loved the Corps as home. A Medal of Honor Nominee, with the Navy Cross, 3 Purple Hearts, Two Silver Stars, Three Bronze Stars, Navy Commendation Medal, are among his acheivements for Valor.
Other chapters were included in Donnie’s life as well.
OSS trained Cold War Counter Intellligence Agent, DOD, DIA CIA.
Business Owner.
Rancher.
Between these times, Donnie Graduated from Oxford University in England with a PhD in Mathematical Physics.
Today Donnie is retired and travels to share his adventures with Fans Everywhere.
— Official Press Release for Donnie Dunagan
Basil Rathbone, Boris Karloff, and Donnie Dunagan during the making of Son of Frankenstein.
