Actor, Motion Picture Director. On stage from early childhood, he appeared in vaudeville, making his Broadway debut in "Dulcy" (1921). Soon established as a popular stage actor, he also became a successful playwright, having his greatest hit with "The Male Animal" in 1940 (in collaboration with James Thurber). In 1925 Nugent made his first screen appearance, later playing leads and second leads in early talkies, among them "So This Is College" (1929) and "The Unholy Three" (1930). As a film director since 1932 he worked mostly for Paramount, specializing in comedy and light romances starring the likes of Bob Hope, Harold Lloyd or Danny Kaye. His credits include "Strictly Dynamite" (1934), "Professor Beware" (1938), "The Cat and the Canary" (1939), "The Male Animal" (1942), "My Favorite Brunette" (1947), "The Great Gatsby" (1949) and "Just for You" (1952). By the 1950's his film career ended from the effects of alcohol and mental problems but he continued directing on Broadway until the end of the decade. He authored an autobiography in 1965. He is buried with his wife, actress Norma Lee.
Actor, Motion Picture Director. On stage from early childhood, he appeared in vaudeville, making his Broadway debut in "Dulcy" (1921). Soon established as a popular stage actor, he also became a successful playwright, having his greatest hit with "The Male Animal" in 1940 (in collaboration with James Thurber). In 1925 Nugent made his first screen appearance, later playing leads and second leads in early talkies, among them "So This Is College" (1929) and "The Unholy Three" (1930). As a film director since 1932 he worked mostly for Paramount, specializing in comedy and light romances starring the likes of Bob Hope, Harold Lloyd or Danny Kaye. His credits include "Strictly Dynamite" (1934), "Professor Beware" (1938), "The Cat and the Canary" (1939), "The Male Animal" (1942), "My Favorite Brunette" (1947), "The Great Gatsby" (1949) and "Just for You" (1952). By the 1950's his film career ended from the effects of alcohol and mental problems but he continued directing on Broadway until the end of the decade. He authored an autobiography in 1965. He is buried with his wife, actress Norma Lee.
Bio by: Fritz Tauber
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