They worked on a radio program The American School of the Air. In 1934, he met Orson Welles, who would play a large role in his life and film career. He, at first, did not have all that much success and would try other venues such as radio and modeling. He did some civil theater in Miami before moving to New York to try his luck on Broadway. During this time, he would play football professionally for $25 a quarter and later worked as a lifeguard as well.

Accordingly, he was sent off to the Hickman School of Expression in 1923 at age 18. Even as a child he was a gifted storyteller and showed great acting potential. was born on May 15, 1905, in Petersburg, Virginia. But as a star, I think you well might hit the jackpot.” But these are fringe assets, and I’m afraid you’ll never make it as an actor. You can also move about the stage without running into the furniture. Or as Orson Welles once summed up (erroneously to my mind): “You’re very lucky to be tall and thin and have curly hair. Perhaps this may explain that fact that, not only has he never won an Oscar, he has never even been nominated. Indistinguishable from his characters, he is almost an actor without his own identity, therefore, possibly forgettable. The everyman – not flashy – but, nevertheless, starring in some of the greatest films ever made.

Is there a more underrated actor than Joseph Cotten? His extreme versatility allowed him to play any genre with ease and naturalness.

Joseph cotten shadow of a doubt