Actor. He made a name for himself, initially as a second-lead man, prior to slipping to roles of substance as a supporting actor. Born Byron Elsworth Barr, he was raised in Washington, D.C. and while attending high school, he found his interest in acting, which led to his participation in school productions. Following graduation, he worked at a local automobile agency during the day, while performing in amateur groups during the night. After receiving a scholarship to attend the Pasadena Playhouse, he landed a contract with Warner Brothers, which led to his motion picture debut in the film "Misbehaving Husbands" (1940). Initially billed as Byron Barr, before changing his name to Gig Young. He had a bit role in the Gary Cooper picture "Sergeant York" (1941), and experienced his first leading part in the film "The Gay Sisters" (1942). During World War II, he served with the United States Coast Guard and following his discharge, he resumed his career with prime roles in the films "The Three Musketeers" (1947), "Wake of the Red Witch" (1948, costarred with John Wayne), and Come Fill the Cup" (1951, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor). He had a memorable role opposite Frank Sinatra in the picture "Young at Heart" (1955). By the 1960s, he appeared abundantly on television, in such programs as "The Twilight Zone," "Shirley Temple Storybook," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," and at the close of the decade, he had a memorable performance as 'Rocky,' the dance marathon promoter in the film "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" (1969). Young received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his effort. He remained active in motion pictures during the 1970s with "Lovers and Other Strangers" (1970), "Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia" (1974), "Killer Elite" (1975), "The Hindenburg" (1975), "Spectre" (1977) and his final film released after his death ironically titled "The Game of Death" (1979). He was married five times including his union to actress Elizabeth Montgomery (1956 to 1963). Young, who long-suffered from alcoholism and erratic behavior, shot and killed his fifth wife, German actress Kim Schmidt, after three weeks of marriage, then committed suicide in his Manhattan apartment. In 1960, Young was the recipient of a star on the Hollywood Walk of fame at 6821 Hollywood Boulevard, for his work in motion pictures.