Hollywood Legends Lew Ayres: Hollywood's Conscientious Objector, (Paperback)

Lew Ayres (1908-1996) became known to the public when he portrayed the leading character in the epic war film <i>All Quiet on the Western Front</i>. The role made him a household name, introduced him to his closest friends, brought him to the attention of his first two wives, and would overshadow the rest of his career. To be a movie star was his first and only ambition as a child, but once he found success, he was never fully satisfied in his choice of profession. Although lacking a formal education, Ayres spent the rest of his life pursuing dozens of intellectual studies, interests, and hobbies. He even considered ending his acting career after just a few years to pursue a more "respectable and fulfilling" path as a director. <p> Ayres was given not one but two comeback opportunities in his acting career, in 1938 and 1945. He was cast in the film series <i>Dr. Kildare</i> where he showed his abilities in comedy and his unique strength at bringing a level of sincerity to even the most outlandish or idealist character. But he was willing to give up his star status to follow his moral compass, first as a conscientious objector and ultimately as a noncombat medic during World War II. To everyone's surprise, he was welcomed back to Hollywood with open arms and new opportunities despite his objector status. </p><p> Biographer Lesley L. Coffin presents the story of a man of quiet dignity, constantly searching for the right way to live his life and torn between the public world of Hollywood and secluded life of spiritual introspection.</p>

• Hollywood Legends Lew Ayres: Hollywood's Conscientious Objector, (Paperback)
• Author: University Press of Mississippi
• ISBN: 9781496863614
• Format: Paperback
• Publication Date: 2026-09-15
• Page Count: 224