William A. Wellman

About

Pioneering movie director and actor known for his work on both silent films and "talkies." His 1927 movie, Wings, received the first-ever Academy Award for Best Picture.

Before Fame

He was expelled from Newton High School after dropping a stink bomb on the principal.

Trivia

Many of his action and adventure films focused on the theme of aviation.

Family Life

He was married several times. His first wife was Helene Chadwick, and he later married Margery Chapin, Marjorie Crawford, and Dorothy Coonan Wellman.

Associated With

He and Cecil B. DeMille were both natives of Massachusetts.