John Ogden Greenstreet was a furniture buyer born in1920 in New York City. He was mostly known for being the son of actor Sydney Greenstreet and Dorothy Ogden. John’s father began his acting career when he was aged 61 and had a run of numerous motion pictures in Hollywood. His works at Warner Bros. alongside Peter Lorre and Humphrey Bogart earned him worldwide recognition. He appeared in films such as The Maltese Falcon (1941), Casablanca (1942), and Passage to Marseille (1944). Sydney Greenstreet played Nero Wolfe on the radio program The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe from 1950 to 1951.
Was John his parents’ only child? Did he have a family of his own? Keep reading to get a clearer picture of the life of John Ogden.
John Ogden Greenstreet Bio
John was born on 30 September 1920 in New York City to actor Sydney Greenstreet and Dorothy Marie Ogden. He was the couple’s only child. John attended Connecticut and New York schools, including Berkshire School and Hamilton College. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, after which he joined his father in Hollywood.
John Ogden Greenstreet Career
After moving to Hollywood, John began his career as a furniture buyer; he relocated to Tucson, Arizona, in 1969, where he worked for Levy’s department store until he retired in 1984.
John was a tennis player in his younger years. He later became a golf enthusiast and won numerous trophies for his achievements on the fairway.
John Ogden Greenstreet’s Personal Life
John was married to Mary Cochran until he died on 4 March 2005. He died in Tucson aged 84. John was the father of a daughter named Gail H. Greenstreet and a son named James O. Greenstreet. Three grandchildren and three stepsons also survive him.
John Ogden Greenstreet Parents
John’s parents were Dorothy Marie Ogden and Sydney Greenstreet. The couple married in 1918 and stuck together until Sydney died in 1954. Dorothy lived a low-key life, and little is known about her life. She died in 1972. On the other hand, her husband became a Hollywood star and shone the spotlight upon his family at an advanced age.
Sidney was born on 27 December 1879 in Sandwich, Kent. He was one of the eight children born to Ann and John Jarvis Greenstreet. At 18, John left home to try his hand as a Ceylon tea planter, but drought led to his downfall. He later managed a brewery and took acting lessons to escape boredom.
John’s father had his first stage role in a 1902 production at the Marina Theatre, Ramsgate, Kent. he made his New York City debut in Everyman and appeared in a revival of As You Like It in 1914. He appeared in numerous plays in America and Britain with roles ranging from musical comedy to Shakespeare. He made a debut in film in 1941 when he joined the Warner Bros. team. he appeared in films such as The Maltese Falcon, Casablanca, Background to Danger, Passage to Marseille, and The Verdict. His career ended with Flamingo Road and Malaya, both released in 1949.
John’s father died due to complications from diabetes and Bright’s disease.
Wrapping Up
John Ogden Greenstreet chose a different career path from his father, and he was successful at it.
