Bobby Driscoll
Biography
Bobby Driscoll was a prominent American actor known for his remarkable contributions to film, television, stage, and radio during his youth. Born on March 3, 1937, Driscoll gained fame as a child star in the late 1940s, most notably for his roles in the Disney classics "So Dear to My Heart" and "The Window." His outstanding performances earned him an Academy Award in 1949, recognizing him as that year's exceptional juvenile actor.
Despite his early success, Driscoll's life took a tragic turn as he struggled with addiction, which began at the age of 17. His personal challenges contributed to a decline in his career, leading to a prison sentence in late 1961 for drug-related offenses. Following his release in 1965, he moved to New York City in hopes of revitalizing his career. Unfortunately, he faced ongoing difficulties in re-establishing himself in the entertainment industry.
Bobby Driscoll's life came to a somber end when he was discovered deceased in an abandoned tenement in New York's East Village in March 1968, at the young age of 31. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the pressures faced by child stars and the impact of personal struggles on their lives and careers.
Filmography
View all
Lilies of the Field
1963 • Mexican Holding Chapel Door (uncredited)
Song of the South
1946 • Johnny
Melody Time
1948 • Bobby Driscoll
The Window
1949 • Tommy Woodry
Peter Pan (1953)
1953 • Peter Pan (voice)
So Dear to My Heart
1948 • Jeremiah 'Jerry' Kincaid
The Scarlet Coat
1955 • Ben Potter
Treasure Island (1950)
1950 • Jim Hawkins
So Goes My Love
1946 • Percy Maxim
O.S.S.
1946
Disney's Halloween Treat
1982 • Peter Pan (voice) (archive footage)