Troy Donahue, born Merle Johnson Jr., was a well-known actor back in the 1950s and 1960s. With his good looks and charming personality, he ruled both television and films. Donahue’s fame grew even further for his role in the film “A Summer Place. He was a sex symbol in Hollywood’s golden era.
Donahue stepped into the film industry in 1957, and spent several decades, working on various projects. As a talented actor, he performed a wide range of roles, establishing himself as a prominent name in the industry.
Donahue passed away in 2001, but even after so many years, people are curious to read about his life and career journey. If you are one of those fans, you are in the right place.
Early Life
Troy Donahue was born on 27th January 1936, in New York City to parents Edith Johnson and Frederick Merle Johnson. His father was a corporate executive, while his mother had a background in stage acting.
Growing up in a privileged household, Donahue attended private schools and had a stable upbringing. He developed an interest in acting during his teenage years, which was inspired by his mother’s love for the theatre.
After completing high school, Donahue pursued journalism at Columbia University. However, he quit the course to build a career in acting. After moving to Hollywood, he changed his name to Troy Donahue.
Career
Donahue’s big moment came in the late 1950s when he was offered a contract by Warner Bros. During his early career days, he appeared in small roles. But he soon gained attention because of his handsome looks and positive charisma. He got his big break in 1959 when he appeared in the film A Summer Place. The film turned out to be a massive hit, which catapulted Donahue to overnight fame.
After the success of the movie, Donahue became a sought-after actor in the industry. He started getting more opportunities and appeared in films like Rome Adventure, Parrish, and Susan Slade.
Besides films, Donahue also tried his luck on television, where he appeared on the show Surfside 6. With his boy-next-door appeal, he captured the attention of the audience, especially young girls.
However, by the end of the decade, his career had slowed down as new actors started to emerge in Hollywood. As a result, Donahue had to struggle to get prominent roles in the industry. Thereafter, he worked in smaller roles and that also sporadically.
Personal Life
Troy Donahue’s had a series of relationships and marriages in his life. As per reports, he got married four times, but all of them ended in divorce. His most notable relationship was with actress Suzanne Pleshette.
In August 2001, Donahue suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away a month later on 2nd September. He was only 64 years old at the time of death.
Net Worth
Troy Donahue’s net worth fluctuated significantly throughout his life. At the time of his demise, his net worth was estimated at around $1 million. The actor enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle but also struggled with career setbacks and multiple divorces. His income was generated through his acting career.
