Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. entered the world on December 9th, 1909 the only son of Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. and Anna Beth Sully. Growing up proved difficult, as a result of having to stand under the limelight of his father's successful acting career. Battling obesity and self-esteem issues were common complications for him as a young boy. At the age of 9 his parents divorced and Douglas Jr. stayed on with his mother. However, he soon took an interest in acting, leading him to take on a role at the age of 13, in the movie "Stephen Steps Out." Though the film had little success Douglas Jr. continued
… More his studies and eventually made several more silent films, typically playing irresonsible, spoiled boys. During this period, his father gave little support for his son's acting endeavors, leaving their relationship slightly cordial. In 1929 at the age of 19, he starred in "Our Modern Maidens" with Joan Crawford. They married shortly after the completion of the film. As the 1930's came around, his career began to take off with a series of melodramas. In 1933, he ended his marriage with Joan Crawford but remained friendly with her until her death in 1977. However, it was "The Prisoner of Zenda" that personally affected him. His role as a pirate reminded audiences of his father. The two bonded over this and even discussed creating future films together but were unable to do so when Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. passed on in 1939. Yet, during that same year Douglas Jr. married Mary Lee Epling Hartford and had three daughters with her.
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