Jeff Chandler

Chandler was born Ira Grossel in Brooklyn, New York City, the only child of Jewish parents Anna (née Herman) and Phillip Grossel.{{cite book |last=Wells |first=Jeff |title= Jeff Chandler: film, record, radio, television and theater performances |publisher=McFarland & Co. |year=2005 |pages=5 |isbn=0-7864-2001-4}} He was raised by his mother after his parents separated when he was a child.

He attended Erasmus Hall High School, where he acted in school plays; his schoolmates included Susan Hayward. Chandler's father was connected with the restaurant business and got his son a job as a restaurant cashier. Chandler said he always wanted to act, but courses for commercial art were cheaper, so he studied art for a year and worked as a layout artist for a mail-order catalogue at $18 a week."Fame Has Its Fee For Jeff Chandler" by Richard L. Coe. The Washington Post and Times-Herald, March 31, 1954: 22."Jeff Chandler Is Dead; Blame Blood Poison: JEFF CHANDLER" Los Angeles Times June 18, 1961: f1.

Eventually, he saved up enough money to take a drama course at the Feagin School of Dramatic Art in New York. He worked briefly in radio, then got a job in a stock company on Long Island as an actor and stage manager. He worked for two years in stock companies, including a performance of The Trojan Horse opposite famous singers and actors Gordon MacRae and his wife Sheila MacRae, who became his good friends."Troy on Long Island" New York Times October 31, 1940: 28."Big Chief!: As an Indian, Jeff Chandler caused countless feminine hearts to flutter; now, in straight dramatic roles, he's a box office smash". Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune November 9, 1952: i9.

Chandler formed his own company, the Shady Lane Playhouse, in Illinois in the summer of 1941. The company toured the Midwest with some success, presenting such plays as The Bad Man, Seventh Heaven, The New Minister, and Pigs."TOWER TICKER" Leonard, William. Chicago Daily Tribune August 8, 1951: a6. When America entered World War II, Chandler enlisted in the army. He served for four years, mostly in the Aleutians, finishing with the rank of lieutenant.

After being discharged from the army, Chandler moved to Los Angeles in December 1945 with $3,000 he had saved. Shortly after his arrival, he was involved in a serious car accident on the way to a screen test, which resulted in a large scar on his forehead.{{cite web |title=Overview for Jeff Chandler |url=https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/813872%7c81275/Jeff-Chandler/ |work=Turner Classic Movies}}

Chandler initially struggled to find work in Hollywood, and had spent all his savings when he got his first job as a radio actor in May 1946."Jeff Chandler Man of Many Faces: He Can Play Any Kind of Character Role, and Is a Glamor Guy, Too Hedda Hopper Writes of Jeff Chandler", Hopper, Hedda, Chicago Daily Tribune, May 6, 1951: c8. He went on to appear in episodes of anthology drama series such as Escape and Academy Award Theater, and became well known for playing the lead in Michael Shayne. Chandler was the first actor to portray Chad Remington in Frontier Town.

Chandler had appeared on air in Rogue's Gallery with Dick Powell, who was impressed by the actor, and put pressure on Columbia to give Chandler his first film role, a small part as a gangster in Johnny O'Clock (1947).Jeff Wells. Jeff Chandler: Film, Record, Radio, Television and Theater Performances. McFarland, 2005. He tested for Columbia's The Loves of Carmen"Looking at Hollywood", Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune November 29, 1947: 16. but did not get the part. He went on to play small roles as gangsters in Roses are Red and The Invisible Wall, and a policeman in Mr Belvedere Goes to College. Chandler received more attention playing Eve Arden's love interest on radio in Our Miss Brooks, which debuted in July 1948 and became a massive hit."The News of Radio: John Kieran Will Perform for Television in Series of Films on Natural History", The New York Times, July 12, 1948: 32.

His performance in Our Miss Brooks brought him to the attention of executives at Universal, who were looking for someone to play an Israeli leader in Sword in the Desert (1949). He was cast in February 1949."WELLMAN DIRECTOR OF 'BATTLEGROUND': METRO NAMES HIM TO HANDLE FILM OF BATTLE OF THE BULGE – CRAIG IN 'SIDE STREET'" by Thomas F. Brady, The New York Times, February 25, 1949: 28. Chandler impressed studio executives so much with his work that shortly into filming, Universal signed him to a seven-year contract. His first film under the arrangement was a supporting role in Abandoned (1949)."THEDA BARA MOVIE GOES TO COLUMBIA: De Sylva's 'The Great Vampire' Will Be Distributed by Studio – 'Champion' Suit Ruling" by Thomas F. Brady, The New York Times, May 7, 1949: 10.

File:Jeff Chandler visiting Israel 1959.jpg during a visit to Israel in 1959]]

{{quote box|width=32%|align=right|quote=In February 1953, I was making a second picture with Jeff Chandler, one called War Arrow. Jeff was a real sweetheart, but acting with him was like acting with a broomstick|source=- Maureen O'Hara on acting with Chandler in War Arrow (2004)}}

Writer-director Delmer Daves was looking for an actor to play Cochise in Broken Arrow (1950) at 20th Century Fox. The part was proving tricky to cast; in Chandler's words, "Fox was looking for a guy big enough physically to play the role and unfamiliar enough to moviegoers to lend authenticity." Chandler's performance as a similar resistance leader-type in Sword of the Desert brought him to the studio's attention, and he was borrowed from Universal for the role in May 1949."Steigers Act Out Breakup of a Marriage: Breakup Acted Out by Steigers Loynd, Ray". Los Angeles Times June 27, 1969: d1. As part of the arrangement, Chandler signed a deal with Fox to make a film a year with them for six years. He also had to be written out of his radio shows Michael Shayne and Our Miss Brooks for several weeks."Jeff Chandler Finally Gets to 'Act His Age': Rising Young (31) Screens Player Considers Himself 'a Lucky Kid'" SCHEUER, PHILIP K. Los Angeles Times October 29, 1950: D3."Big Chief Cochise Set; Sidney to Direct 'Keys;' Trevor 'Package' Looms" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times May 18, 1949: A7.

Broken Arrow turned out to be a considerable hit, earning Chandler an Oscar nomination and establishing him as a star. He was the first actor nominated for an Academy Award for portraying an American Indian.

Even before Broken Arrow was released, Chandler was upped to leading-man status back at Universal. He was meant to make Death on a Sidestreet"BETTE DAVIS SEEKS TO LEAVE WARNERS: Negotiations Are Under Way to Cancel Contract, Making Actress a Free Agent" by THOMAS F. BRADY New York Times July 26, 1949: 31. and The Lady Count"LANCASTER, HECHT BUY MAILER NOVEL: Actor to Play Lieut. Hearn Role in 'The Naked and the Dead' for Norma Productions" by THOMAS F. BRADY New York Times August 17, 1949: 18. but neither ended up being made. Instead, he took over a role originally meant for Dana Andrews, a Lucky Luciano-style gangster in Deported, for producer Robert Buckner, who cast him in Sword in the Desert. "I don't know why I got it," Chandler joked at the time, "maybe it's because I'm saving them money.""BY WAY OF REPORT" by A. H. WEILER. New York Times August 21, 1949: X3. The movie was shot on location in Italy, although Chandler's radio commitments meant some of it had to be filmed in Hollywood.

He went back to Fox for his second film for them, as an embittered Union cavalryman in Two Flags West for director Robert Wise. Chandler replaced Lee J. Cobb, and it was one of his least-typical roles, a character part rather than a leading man. Once again, location work required him to regularly commute back and forth to Hollywood throughout the shoot."Drama: Hayward Slates Picture; 20th Casts Chandler; 'Chaplains' Activated" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times March 1, 1950: A7

Returning to Universal, Chandler played an adventurer in Smuggler's Island, a role he liked because he said it was close to his real personality. Hollywood tended to cast him, though, in different nationalities. According to one profile, "he has unusual face, with taut, bony features, which seem to fit neatly into any sort of role"."Jeff Chandler Among Movie Visitors Here" Tinee, Mae. Chicago Daily Tribune August 19, 1951: f3.

He was reunited with Fox and Delmer Daves to play a Polynesian chief in Bird of Paradise (1951), which Chandler admitted was a variation of his performance as Cochise. It was the last film he made outside Universal for a number of years.

Back at Universal, he played a boxer in Iron Man (1951), a remake of an old Lew Ayres movie. He was announced for another film with Buckner, The Wild Bunch,"Foy, 'Breen Shape 'Tanks Are Coming' for Screen; Bushman Acts King Saul" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times November 27, 1950: C9. which was not made; instead, he played an Arab chief in Flame of Araby (1951), opposite Maureen O'Hara.

Around this time, Chandler expressed his dissatisfaction with acting in film as opposed to radio:

[Radio actors] have to make their roles come alive, and they only have their voices with which to do it, but in pictures, the technique is quite different. The actor is only a small part of the performance. He lends his intelligence and personality to the role, but the greatest part of the performance belongs to the producer, who puts him in a certain type of part; the director, who tells him how to play it; and the cutter, who edits what's done. That's why I find being a movie actor not particularly gratifying. I want to eventually branch off into writing and directing.

Chandler reprised his role as Cochise in another Western, The Battle at Apache Pass, for Universal. He then went on to make a war film, Red Ball Express, and a swashbuckler, Yankee Buccaneer. He made a cameo in Meet Danny Wilson"LADD, PARAMOUNT DISCUSS CONTRACT: Actor Seeks Picture-a-Year Deal on Long-Term Basis After Current Pact Ends Youngster Gets Role" By THOMAS M. PRYOR New York Times September 14, 1951: 22. and had a change of pace when he supported Loretta Young in Because of You – which a few years later he called his favorite role. Young later said Chandler "was more of a personality than an actor... a charming man."{{cite book|last=Funk|first= Edward|title=Eavesdropping: Loretta Young Talks about her Movie Years|publisher= Bear Manor Media|year=2015|page=339}}

In 1952, exhibitors voted Chandler the 22nd-most popular star in the US.{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18296500 |title=Martin And Lewis Top U.S. Film Poll. |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=December 27, 1952 |access-date=April 24, 2012 |page=3 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} 20th Century-Fox was keen to use Chandler again and offered him roles in The Day the Earth Stood Still, Lydia Bailey, Les Misérables, and The Secret of Convict Lake. Universal refused to lend him, though, as he was now one of their biggest stars.

Our Miss Brooks transferred to television, but Chandler was not permitted to do TV under his contract; his part was taken by Robert Rockwell."Drama: Cyd Charisse Costar in 'Strategy of Love'" Los Angeles Times June 26, 1952: A6. On Peggy Lee's radio show, he had demonstrated a talent for singing, and he pursued this through the decade."Looking at Hollywood: Jean Simmons, Vic Mature Will Co-Star in 'Breakup'", Hedda Hopper's Staff, Chicago Daily Tribune, July 11, 1952: a6.

In July 1952, Chandler signed a fresh contract with Universal that doubled his salary."Film Unit Opposes Foreign Ventures: A.F.L. Council Opens Campaign to Halt Cheaper Production Abroad by U. S. Studios", The New York Times, July 10, 1952: 27."FILM UNIT OPPOSES FOREIGN VENTURES: A.F.L. Council Opens Campaign to Halt Cheaper Production Abroad by U. S. Studios", The New York Times, July 10, 1952: 27. His first movie under this was a Western, The Great Sioux Uprising. It was followed by more adventure fare: East of Sumatra and War Arrow with Maureen O'Hara.

This meant Chandler missed the part of Demetrius in The Robe (1953) at Fox, for which he had been considered and which eventually went to Victor Mature."Jeff Chandler Likely for Demetrius; 'Highest Mountain' New Purchase", Schallert, Edwin, Los Angeles Times, August 1, 1952: B7. He also missed out on the lead in the remake of Magnificent Obsession, for which he had been mooted; the part was taken by Rock Hudson, who had supported Chandler in Iron Man."Looking at Hollywood: Movie Studio Plans Remake of 'The Magnificent Obsession'" Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune February 3, 1953: a2. Both The Robe and Magnificent Obsession became big hits. Chandler played Cochise for the third time, a cameo in Taza, Son of Cochise, starring Hudson, who soon overtook Chandler as Universal's biggest male star.

Universal announced him for Chief Crazy Horse,"Chief Crazyhorse' Held Right for Jeff Chandler; Slate Signs Term Deal" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times March 21, 1953: 11. but the role ended up being played by Victor Mature. Instead, he appeared in Yankee Pasha, and started singing in nightclubs.{{cite news|title=Drama: Dietrich's Las Vegas Fee $30,000 Weekly|newspaper= Los Angeles Times|date=September 21, 1953|page= B8}} He left the radio show Our Miss Brooks after five years "to get a rest," he said, "Although it didn't take long to do the show, it tied up all my Sundays.""Tony Curtis Trains for Role in Musical" Los Angeles Times October 24, 1953: 10.

Chandler appeared in an expensive (for Universal) epic, playing the Emperor Marcian in Sign of the Pagan and co-starred with Jane Russell in Foxfire (1955), which he enjoyed because, "I don't have to be so darned monosyllabic in this one."'Indian' Chandler Changes Pace; He's Now Half Indian" Los Angeles Times June 27, 1955: 23. He then made Female on the Beach with Joan Crawford and began releasing records.

In 1954, Chandler was starting to recognize how heavy his workload was:

You just can't call your time your own. When you're trekking the country – as I am now for my Decca records "I Should Care" and "More Than Anyone" and for Universal International, my home studio – every hour of the day, from the morning disc jockeys to the midnight program is filled. And in Hollywood, if you're not working on a picture or getting ready for one, you have to keep studying. I make a point of answering all my mail, and when anyone asks me for an autograph, I'm not just flattered. I see that as the least I can do for the people who have given me the fruits of this world.

In May, Chandler refused to play the lead in Six Bridges to Cross and Universal put him on suspension."Jeff Chandler Suspended at U-I" Los Angeles Times May 21, 1954: A6. He was replaced in the role by George Nader. Chandler spoke of making Young Moses and a Western with friends Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, but neither film was made. He said that "being a movie star isn't worth it":

I can't go anywhere as an ordinary individual. There was a time I could walk around Times Square in New York (my home town) and look into shop windows or go into a cafe and eat in peace. But no more. I can't go anywhere unnoticed. Movie fans seem to think that actors belong to them, but we like to feel we belong to ourselves. Don't get me wrong – I wanted fame and money when I decided to take up acting. I like being recognized – it's flattering. But there's always one character who spoils anything... I walk into a restaurant and get a ringside table- but you remember I also have to leave the biggest tip. If I don't, I'm labeled the tightest guy in town. And let's face it, acting is the easiest way I know to make a buck. But I think I'm a fairly bright boy – I figure I could have made as much in some other business... Anyone in the world with imagination and initiative can become a success. Me? I like to push buttons. I was born to be an executive – an idea man. An executive is a guy who thinks things up and has other people execute them. I'd quit work immediately if I had the money, and travel for a while. I'd like to do some writing. I marked two radio scripts and have finished synopses and five movie stories.{{cite news|title=FAME ISN'T ENOUGH!: Outspoken Star Would Like to Forsake the Films and Become an Executive|last= Hopper|first= Hedda|newspaper= Chicago Daily Tribune |date=December 26, 1954|page= e11}}

Chandler made up with Universal,"ALLIED ARTISTS SIGNS PRODUCER: John Huston to Make 3 Films – Wyler and Wilder Also Completing Similar Deals" by THOMAS M. PRYOR New York Times May 26, 1954: 35. which cast him in Lady Godiva of Coventry. Chandler refused the role and was replaced again by George Nader, but this time, the dispute was not over money, but due to Chandler's overwork."NADER TO REPLACE CHANDLER 2D TIME: Actor Will Be Co-Star With Maureen O'Hara in 'Lady Godiva' Film at U.-I." by THOMAS M. PRYOR New York Times August 26, 1954: 24

Universal cast Chandler in an expensive remake of The Spoilers, then was given the lead in one of the studio's most prestigious films of the year, Away All Boats."ACTOR TO RELIVE INCIDENT OF WAR: Philip Carey Again Will Be Aboard Carrier 'Bombed' for 'Battle Stations'" by THOMAS M. PRYOR . New York Times February 21, 1955: 17.

In May, Chandler performed at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas. The Los Angeles Times wrote that Chandler "is proving remarkable in performing singing duty, even though he is not exactly a singing type".

"Pine-Thomas Tradition Lives On; Jeff Chandler Makes Debut in Vegas" Schallert, Edwin. Los Angeles Times May 13, 1955: B7.

He made a Western, Pillars of the Sky, then had a change of pace with the comedy The Toy Tiger, the fourth movie he made that year. Louella Parsons called Chandler "the busiest actor in town... Jeff is so happy in his private life these days that he's doing everything the studio wants."Louella Parsons: "Jeff Chandler? He's The Busiest, Now" The Washington Post and Times-Herald [Washington, D.C.], November 1, 1955: 35.

Towards the end of the year, Chandler formed his own production company, Earlmar, with his agent Meyer Mishkin. This was to take effect from August 1956 onwards, when Chandler's exclusive contract with Universal expired. However, Chandler intended to continue to make films for Universal under a multipicture contract."Drama: Indie Setups Announced by Cummings, Chandler; Hello, Barry Fitzgerald" Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times November 21, 1955: 41. He was voted the seventh-most popular star with British cinema goers."Dirk Bogarde favourite film actor" A Cinema Correspondent. The Irish Times [Dublin, Ireland] December 29, 1955: 9.

In 1956, Universal gave Chandler a leave of absence from his contract with them "for a period of several months" to enable him to make his own movie for Earlmar. In exchange for this, Chandler was to make two more films for Universal under his original contract with them, then enter into a new arrangement under which he would appear in two films a year over three years."NEW MOVIE DEAL FOR BILLY WILDER: Signed to Direct 'Witness for the Prosecution' After Completing 2 Other Films R.K.O. Buys Rose TV Play" by THOMAS M. PRYOR New York Times April 27, 1956: 22.

Earlmar signed a six-picture deal with United Artists, under which Chandler was to appear in at least three of the films."R.K.O. TO MAKE SPACE-TEST FILM: Feature to Depict Efforts of U.S. Scientists to Launch an Earth Satellite" by THOMAS M. PRYOR New York Times April 23, 1956: 23. He acted in and produced the first Earlmar production, a Western, Drango. "It's no Indian story," said Chandler, "let Cochise rest in peace."Louella Parsons: "Linda Darnell Signs With Jeff Chandler" The Washington Post and Times-Herald [Washington, D.C.], May 16, 1956: 37."Tuesday Proclaimed as L.A. Free Enterprise Day" Los Angeles Times April 26, 1956: 23. Chandler bought the rights to a novel, Lincoln McEever, but it was never made; Drango turned out to be Earlmar's sole production.

After Drango, Chandler made the final two films owed under his original contract with Universal: The Tattered Dress, playing a lawyer in a melodrama, and Man in the Shadow, co-starring opposite Orson Welles. He had commitments to make two films per year at Universal until 1959."SYMBOLIC DRAMA WILL BE A MOVIE: 'A Passenger to Bali,' Which Ran Here in 1940, Bought by Security Pictures" by THOMAS M. PRYOR The New York Times September 24, 1956: 23.

Chandler moved to Columbia Pictures and acted with Kim Novak in Jeanne Eagels.

He followed this with two films for Universal, The Lady Takes a Flyer with Lana Turner, and Raw Wind in Eden with Esther Williams."Looking at Hollywood: Orson Welles Will Star in and Direct 'Badge of Evil'", Hopper, Hedda, Chicago Daily Tribune, January 11, 1957: a6. A Motion Picture Exhibitor Poll listed him as the tenth-most popular male star in the US in 1957."Rock Hudson, Doris Day Top New Poll; U-I Gives Boost to Joanna Moore", Scheuer, Philip K., Los Angeles Times, August 28, 1957: 27.

Chandler made another for Universal, A Stranger in My Arms with June Allyson. He was to star opposite Tony Curtis in Operation Petticoat (1959), but fell ill and had to withdraw.{{cite magazine|magazine=Variety|url=https://archive.org/details/variety212-1958-10/page/n5/mode/2up/search/%22jeff+chandler%22?q=%22jeff+chandler%22|date=October 1, 1959|page=7|title=Briefs from the Lots}}

Chandler's next two movies were made for a brand new company, Seven Arts: Ten Seconds to Hell, a drama with Jack Palance for director Robert Aldrich, and Thunder in the Sun, a Western with Susan Hayward.

The last of those was distributed by Paramount, which released Chandler's next film, another Western, The Jayhawkers!"GOLDWYN NAMED FOR MOVIE HONOR: Producers Guild to Give Him Milestone Award – Jeff Chandler Gets Role" by THOMAS M. PRYOR The New York Times October 21, 1958: 38. In Ten Seconds to Hell and The Jayhawkers! Chandler played villains. He later reflected "I've tried heavies – but audiences didn't seem to take to that."

Chandler formed another production company, August, for which he made The Plunderers, a Western, distributed by Allied Artists."Marsha Hunt Signs for 'Plunderers': 'Threepenny Opera' Due Here; 'Untouchables' Will Expand" Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times May 3, 1960: A13 Allied was so pleased with the film, they requested three more movies from August, but Chandler never got to make them."Renewal at Allied for Jeff Chandler: 'Plunderers' Pleases Studio; Star Urges Subsidy for Films" Scheuer, Philip K. Los Angeles Times October 4, 1960: A9.

His next film, The Story of David, was filmed for American TV, his first work in that medium, but was shown theatrically in other countries."CHANDLER SIGNED FOR BIBLE DRAMAS: Actor to Play David in Two Specials on A.B.C.-TV – Baseball Schedule Set" By RICHARD F. SHEPARD. The New York Times March 7, 1960: 50. It was shot in London and Israel. Chandler stated:

I don't want to make pictures in other countries; I want to stay home. But suddenly there are not enough pictures being made here. All other countries are giving inducements to companies and to players; even a little country like Israel is trying to formulate a plan for subsidies. Our government still taxes the hell out of people; somebody ought to wake 'em up.

Chandler appeared in Return to Peyton Place for Fox. He then went over to Warner Bros. to make Merrill's Marauders, which was his last film.

Chandler married actress Marjorie Hoshelle in 1946. The couple had two daughters, Jamie Tucker (born 1947) and Dana Grossel (born 1949). They separated in 1951,"Jeff Chandler Among Movie Visitors Here", Tinee, Mae, Chicago Daily Tribune, August 19, 1951: f3 again in 1954,{{cite news |title=Jeff Chandler. |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article41254585 |newspaper=The Australian Women's Weekly |date=July 21, 1954 |access-date=May 14, 2012 |page=35 |publisher=National Library of Australia}} and filed for divorce in 1954. His wife complained that Chandler was "chronically fatigued so that he would fall asleep wherever we were.""Wife Divorces Jeff Chandler, Screen Actor", Los Angeles Times, April 16, 1954: 2 They reconciled in March 1955.Divorce Planned but Called Off, Says Jeff Chandler

Los Angeles Times March 17, 1955: 25.

In 1957, he had an affair with Esther Williams while they made a movie together, and his wife filed for divorce at the end of the year."Chandler Sued for Divorce", The New York Times, December 7, 1957: 19.

In his 1958 divorce proceedings, Chandler was revealed to be paying his wife an allowance of $1,500 per month. He said he was under contract to Universal to make two films a year at $60,000 per film for 1957 and $75,000 per film for 1958. He said he earned $250,000 in 1957 from his acting and singing, but had a lot of expenses, with his personal manager, business manager, and agent taking 25% of his income."Jeff Chandler, Wife Refuse Reconciliation: Actor Offers to Continue $1500-a-Month Allowance; She Asks Total of $6500", Los Angeles Times, January 11, 1958: B1. The court ordered Chandler to continue paying $1,500 per month."Jeff Chandler Must Pay Wife $1500 Monthly", Los Angeles Times, January 16, 1958: A12. Their divorce was granted in June 1959, with Chandler giving his wife $100,000 and over $2,166 per month in alimony plus $500 per month in child support. "He became so absorbed by his career that he spent all time when not actually working on a picture in his business office", said his wife. "I developed an ulcer.""Jeff Chandler's Wife Gets Divorce, $100,000: She Says She Developed Ulcer Because He Was Too Absorbed in His Film Work", Los Angeles Times, June 30, 1959: 5

Chandler was involved in a will dispute concerning his stepfather in 1960."Jeff Chandler Ordered to Produce Will", Los Angeles Times, February 11, 1960: 5.

Chandler was a cousin of actor David Roya, who played the young villain Bernard Posner in Billy Jack.

When his friend Sammy Davis Jr. lost an eye in an accident and was in danger of losing the other, Chandler offered to give Davis one of his own eyes.Davis, Sammy Jr.: Yes I Can, The Story of Sammy Davis, Jr., New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux (1965) {{ISBN|0-374-52268-5}} Chandler had nearly lost an eye and had been visibly scarred in an auto accident years earlier.

Chandler had a relationship with Gloria DeHaven that was exposed in Confidential magazine. At a trial, Fred Otash said the detectives had followed them to get the story."'Spying' on Anita Told by Detective: Pejury Action Possible" Los Angeles Times March 1, 1957: 1.

Esther Williams wrote in her 1999 autobiography that she broke off their relationship after he proposed because Chandler revealed he was a cross dresser. According to the Los Angeles Times, many friends and colleagues of Chandler rejected her claims. Jane Russell commented, "I've never heard of such a thing. Cross-dressing is the last thing I would expect of Jeff. He was a sweet guy, definitely all man."{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-oct-27-ca-26587-story.html|title=Esther Williams Is All Wet, Say Friends of the Late Jeff Chandler|last=Lovell|first=Glenn|date=October 27, 1999|work=Los Angeles Times|access-date=September 11, 2009}}

He was also linked with Ann Sheridan."Ann Sheridan, Jeff Chandler to Co-Star in 'Steel Town': Looking at Hollywood", Hopper, Hedda, Chicago Daily Tribune, July 26, 1951: a2.

Chandler's public support for Israel's 1956 attack on Egypt during the Suez Crisis prompted the United Arab Republic to campaign for his films to be banned in Arab countries in 1960. Chandler was an active Democrat.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EsGW3ZemlMAC&q=Jeff+Chandler+actor+Democrat&pg=PA151|title=Michener: A Writer's Journey|first=Stephen J.|last=May|date=November 27, 2012|publisher=University of Oklahoma Press|isbn=9780806182148|via=Google Books}}

He represented the Screen Actors Guild during talks throughout the 1960 actors' strike."FILM CHIEFS MEET UNION OFFICIALS: Studio Heads and Actors Guild Aides Bargain Over Strike Issues" by MURRAY SCHUMACH The New York Times January 19, 1960: 40.

While working on Merrill's Marauders in the Philippines, on April 15, 1961, Chandler injured his back playing baseball with U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers who served as extras in the film. He had injections to deaden the pain and enable him to finish the production."Jeff Chandler Has Spine Injury", The New York Times, April 17, 1961: 35.

On May 13, 1961, he entered a hospital in Culver City, California, and had surgery for a spinal disc herniation. Severe complications arose; an artery was damaged, and Chandler hemorrhaged. On May 17, in a seven-and-a-half-hour emergency operation following the original surgery, he was given {{convert|55|USpt}} of blood. A third operation followed on May 27, in which he received an additional {{convert|20|USpt}} of blood."Jeff Chandler Still Critical But Better", Los Angeles Times, May 29, 1961: 2. He died on June 17, 1961. The cause was a blood infection complicated by pneumonia."Blood Infection Caused Death of Jeff Chandler", Los Angeles Times, June 19, 1961: B1.

At the time of his death, Chandler was involved with British actress Barbara Shelley. Tony Curtis and Gerald Mohr were among the pallbearers at Chandler's funeral, attended by more than 1,500 people."1,500 Attend Funeral of Actor Jeff Chandler: Hundreds of Movie Fans and Many of His Friends in Baseball Present at Rites", Los Angeles Times, June 20, 1961: 2. He was buried at Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Culver City.{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ukFl5C_3npMC&q=jeff+chandler+hillside+cemetery&pg=PA219|title=Screen World 1962|first=Daniel|last=Blum|date=May 24, 1962|publisher=Biblo & Tannen Publishers|isbn=9780819603036|via=Google Books}}

An investigation into Chandler's death"State Will Investigate Jeff Chandler's Death: Bureau to Look Into Hospital Procedure in Actor's Case Due to Public Interest", Los Angeles Times, June 29, 1961: B1. determined it resulted from medical malpractice, and his children sued the hospital and the doctors involved for $1.5 million."$1.5 Million Suit Filed in Jeff Chandler Death: Damages from Hospital and Physicians Asked on Behalf of Children and Estate""Jeff Chandler Heirs Settle for $233,358", Los Angeles Times, February 21, 1962: A1. The lawsuit was settled for $233,258. A joint statement was released in which all parties agreed that no fault was admitted by the hospital or doctors.{{cite news |title=Chandler Death Lawsuit Settled |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/evening-vanguard-jeff-chandler-malpracti/149710017/ |access-date=20 June 2024 |work=Evening Vanguard |date=21 February 1962 |location=Venice, California |pages=1|via=Newspapers.com}}

Chandler's estate was worth $600,000, which he left to his daughters."Jeff Chandler Wills $600,000 to Daughters", Los Angeles Times, June 23, 1961: 20. His ex-wife sued his estate for $80,000 for money owed under their divorce settlement."Jeff Chandler Estate Sued", Los Angeles Times, May 12, 1962: 9

For his contribution to the motion picture industry, Chandler has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, at 1770 Vine Street.

Film historian David Shipman wrote this analysis of Chandler's image:

{{blockquote|Jeff Chandler looked as though he had been dreamed up by one of those artists who specialise in male physique studies, or a mite further up the artistic scale, he might have been plucked bodily from some modern mural on a biblical subject. For that he had the requisite Jewishness (of which he was very proud) – and he was not quite real. Above all, he was impossibly handsome. He would never have been lost in a crowd, with that big, square, sculpted 20th century face and his prematurely grey wavy hair. If the movies had not found him the advertising agencies would have. In fact, whenever you saw a still of him you looked at his wrist-watch or pipe before realizing that he wasn't promoting something. In colored stills and on posters, his studio always showed his hair as blue, heightening the unreality. His real name was Ira Grossel and his film-name was exactly right.Shipman, David, The Great Movie Stars: The International Years, London: Macdonald, 1989, p.97}}

An obituary of Chandler said:

{{blockquote|Known for his careful attention to detail in making pictures, Chandler was often described as introverted. But colleagues who worked with him closely said he had an easy, light-hearted approach on the set that helped ease some of the strain of production.}}

In a 1960 interview Chandler said his favorite films were Broken Arrow, Battle of Apache Pass, Two Flags West, Because of You ("my first real love story"), Sign of the Pagan, The Toy Tiger ("a change for me"), Drango, Raw Wind in Eden ("beautiful locale"), and The Lady Takes a Flyer ("I had Lana Turner with me").{{cite magazine|magazine=Films in Review|title=Jeff Chandler|page=9|first=Norman|last=Taylor|date=November 1960|url=https://archive.org/details/FilmReviewNov196035/page/n9?q=%22story+of+david%22+chandler}}

The famed animated action-adventure series Jonny Quest's handsome, white-haired, veteran special agent bodyguard Race Bannon's design was modeled after Jeff Chandler by show creator Doug Wildey.

• One Way Street (1950) – originally announced for the lead
• Steel Town with Ann Sheridan (1951)
• The Angry River (1952) – story of the Powell Geographic Expedition of 1869"Jeff Chandler Sought for 'Angry River;' Wanger Plans Mounties Movie", Schallert, Edwin, Los Angeles Times, July 15, 1952: A7.
• Vermillion O'Toole with Ann Sheridan (1952)"Looking at Hollywood: Ann Sheridan, Jeff Chandler to Star in 'Vermilion O'Toole'", Hedda Hopper's Staff, Chicago Daily Tribune, March 17, 1952: b3.
• The Holy Grail (1953) – religious epic set in 6 AD for Universal"Jeff Chandler Will Star in 'Holy Grail'", Hopper, Hedda, Los Angeles Times, May 29, 1953: 10.
• Huk (1954) – World War Two film written by Stirling Silliphant"Jeff Chandler Wanted as Star for Movie on Huk Warfare", Hopper, Hedda, Chicago Daily Tribune, December 15, 1954: b14.
• Young Moses (1954)Hopper, Hedda, "Jeff Chandler Aims to Do 'Young Moses'", Los Angeles Times, July 13, 1954: B6.
• Chief Crazy Horse (1955) – mentioned for the role played by Victor Mature"'Chief Crazyhorse' Held Right for Jeff Chandler; Slate Signs Term Deal", Schallert, Edwin, Los Angeles Times, March 21, 1953: 11.
• Lincoln McKeever (1956) – based on a novel by Eliezar Lipsky about a frontiersman appointed to the Supreme Court; meant to be the second film Chandler made for his own company and United Artists, after Drango"R.K.O. to Make Space-Test Film: Feature to Depict Efforts of U.S. Scientists to Launch an Earth Satellite" by Thomas M. Pryor, The New York Times, April 23, 1956: 23
• The Gallileans (1956) for producer Aaron Rosenberg"Drama: Henry Fonda to Have Lee Cobb as Costar", Los Angeles Times, May 15, 1956: 34.

• The Trojan Horse – Oct 1940 – Long Island
• Meet the World by Peg Fenwick – March 30, 1950 – a UNESCO-sponsored play about the United Nations at UCLA"'Meet the World' Proves Impressive Stage Event" Los Angeles Times March 31, 1950: 22.
• Newsbeat 1950 by Joseph Roos – March 1950 – one-off performance for Federation of Jewish Welfare Organisations"Red Cross Saved Life of Baby, Mother Says: Complete Transfusion Soon After Birth Provided From Supply of Whole Blood" Los Angeles Times March 19, 1950: E26.
• Pageant of Stars – October 11, 1950"STAR SHOW DAZZLES 30,000 AT COLISEUM: STAR PAGEANT" Los Angeles Times October 12, 1950: 1.

• Michael Shayne (1948–49)
• The New Adventures of Michael Shayne (1949)"Jolson to appear on C. B. S. radio, TV: Network Secures Entertainer's Services for 3-Year Period - Randolph in New Show", The New York Times, November 1, 1949: 52
• Our Miss Brooks 1948–1953
• Frontier Town 1952–1953 (billed as "Tex Chandler")

• "Young Mr. Lincoln" – Academy Award Theatre (July 10, 1946)
• "Photo Finish" – Suspense (July 1946)
• "With Cradle and Clock" – Cavalcade of America (February 2, 1946)
• "Gregory Hood, Suspect" – The Casebook of Gregory Hood (September 30, 1946)
• "Blood On Sun" – Academy Award Theatre (October 16, 1946)
• "The Black Curtain" – Suspense (January 3, 1948)
• "Snake Doctor" – Escape (February 8, 1948)
• "Blond Mink", "Leopard's Spots", "Social Error", "Palm Beach Santa Claus" – Damon Runyon Theatre (1949)
• "All My Sons" – Screen Directors Playhouse (Dec 1949) – with Edward G. Robinson
• "Lifeboat" – Screen Directors Playhouse (November 16, 1950) – with Tallulah Bankhead
• "Hired Wife" – Screen Directors Playhouse (1951) – with Rosalind Russell
• "Only Yesterday" – Screen Directors Playhouse (July 1951) – with Mercedes McCambridge"MBS Stations Book Russell For Interview: The Radio Dialer and TV Guide" The Christian Science Monitor July 3, 1951: 4.
• "Steel River Prison Break" – Suspense (September 3, 1951)
• "The Joyful Hour" (December 1951)"VIDEO AND RADIO TO REACH HIGH POINT AT YULE: Programs Are Listed for Holiday" REMENIH, ANTON. Chicago Daily Tribune December 23, 1951: n7.
• "Ben Hur" – Hallmark Playhouse (April 10, 1952){{cite news|last1=Kirby|first1=Walter|title=Better Radio Programs for the Week|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2426009/the_decatur_daily_review/|newspaper=The Decatur Daily Review|date=April 6, 1952|page=52|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = May 16, 2015}} {{Open access}}
• "The Woodsman" – The Woodsman (July 20, 1952)
• "The Web" – Broadway Playhouse (July 1, 1953){{cite news|last1=Kirby|first1=Walter|title=Better Radio Programs for the Week|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2729167/the_decatur_daily_review/|newspaper=The Decatur Daily Review|date=June 28, 1953|page=44|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = July 1, 2015}} {{Open access}}
• "Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair" – Suspense (October 19, 1953){{cite news|last1=Kirby|first1=Walter|title=Better Radio Programs for the Week|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2759529/the_decatur_daily_review/|newspaper=The Decatur Daily Review|date=October 18, 1953|page=48|via = Newspapers.com|access-date = July 6, 2015}} {{Open access}}
• "The Thief" – Suspense (1957)"Radio Roundup" Ames, Walter. Los Angeles Times March 31, 1957: G18.
• "A Good Neighbor" – Suspense (March 31, 1957)

Chandler had a concurrent career as a singer and recording artist, releasing several albums and playing nightclubs. In 1955 he became only the second star to play at the Riviera, after Liberace was the featured headliner. In her autobiography Hold the Roses (2002), Rose Marie wrote that "Jeff Chandler was a great guy, but he was no singer. He put together an act and we opened at the Riviera. He came with a conductor, piano player, light man, press agent, and manager. None of it helped, and everybody raved about Jeff's singing, but let's face it: He really didn't sing very well. He definitely had guts to open in Vegas". He left to work on a movie after three and a half weeks.

A May 1955 review of a Chandler live performance in Variety said "it is in the realm of pure song" that Chandler "falters and shows weakness."[https://archive.org/details/variety198-1955-05/page/n198/mode/1up/search/%22jeff+chandler%22?q=%22jeff+chandler%22 May 1955 review] at Variety

For a number of years, film exhibitors voted Chandler among the top stars at the box office.

• 1952 – 22nd (US){{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18296500 |title=Martin And Lewis Top U.S. Film Poll. |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=December 27, 1952 |access-date=April 27, 2012 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}
• 1953 – 18th (US)
• 1954 – 16th (US)
• 1955 – 20th (US), 7th (UK)'Dirk Bogarde's favourite film actor', The Irish Times December 29, 1955: 9.
• 1956 – 18th (US), 5th (UK)
• 1957 – 22nd (US), 6th (UK)

• Hoffmann, Henryk. "A" Western Filmmakers. McFarland & Co., 2000.
• Kirk, Marilyn. Jeff Chandler. 1st Books Library/AuthorHouse, 2003.
• Marie, Rose. Hold the Roses. University Press of Kentucky, 2002.
• Wells, Jeff. Jeff Chandler: Film, Record, Radio, Television and Theater Performances. McFarland & Co., 2005.
• Williams, Esther. The Million Dollar Mermaid. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2000.

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category|Jeff Chandler}}

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• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080209181530/http://channel1.radionostalgia.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=119745%2F Jeff Chandler as Cochise in Broken Arrow (1951 radio version)]

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