Don Ameche Biography: Age, Cocoon, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Height, Parents, Films, Oscar, Legacy

Dominic Felix Amici, also known as Don Ameche, was a versatile American actor, comedian, and vaudevillian who became one of Hollywood’s most popular leading men in the 1930s and 1940s.

Through his smooth voice, charming demeanor, and memorable performances in classics like The Story of Alexander Graham Bell and later Oscar-winning turns in Cocoon and Trading Places, he delighted audiences across radio, film, stage, and television for nearly six decades.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Dominic Felix Amici
• Stage Name: Don Ameche
• Born: May 31, 1908
• Age: 85 years old
• Died: December 6, 1993
• Birthplace: Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States
• Nationality: American
• Ethnicity: American (Italian father, Irish-German mother)
• Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Vaudevillian
• Height: 1.79 m
• Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholic)
• Parents: Felice Amici and Barbara Edda Hertel Amici
• Siblings: Louis Ameche, Umberto (Bert) Ameche, James (Jim) Ameche, Elizabeth Ameche, Catherine Ameche, Mary Ameche, Anna Ameche
• Spouse: Honore Prendergast
• Children: Dominic Ameche Jr., Ronald Ameche, Thomas Ameche, Lonnie Ameche, Bonnie Ameche, Connie Ameche
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million USD

Early Life And Education

Dominic Felix Amici was born on May 31, 1908, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He was brought up by his parents Felice Amici, an Italian immigrant bartender, and Barbara Edda Hertel Amici, of Irish and German descent, in a large, culturally diverse family.

He grew up having seven siblings: brothers Louis Ameche, Umberto (Bert) Ameche, and James (Jim) Ameche (who also became an actor), and sisters Elizabeth Ameche, Catherine Ameche, Mary Ameche, and Anna Ameche. He attended Marquette University, Loras College, and the University of Wisconsin, participating in college plays before entering vaudeville and repertory theatre. His ethnicity is American. His religion is Christianity.

Career

Don Ameche began his professional journey in vaudeville and repertory theatre after college, quickly transitioning to radio where his versatile voice made him a major star. He entered Hollywood in the mid-1930s and became a leading man known for his dapper style and comic timing. He starred in numerous films including The Story of Alexander Graham Bell (popularizing the catchphrase “Hello!”), Midnight, and Heaven Can Wait.

After a period of semi-retirement, he enjoyed a triumphant comeback in the 1980s with roles as the aging millionaire in Trading Places (1983) and the rejuvenated senior in Cocoon (1985), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

He continued working into his eighties with appearances in Cocoon: The Return and Corrina, Corrina. His career spanning radio, Broadway, and over 90 film and television credits showcased his adaptability from romantic leads to character roles.

Social Media

• Don Ameche does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Don Ameche, 85 years old (at the time of his death), was married to Honore Prendergast from 1932 until her death in 1986. They had six children: sons Dominic Ameche Jr., Ronald Ameche, Thomas Ameche, and Lonnie Ameche, and daughters Bonnie Ameche and Connie Ameche.

The couple was separated at the time of her death. No other past relationships are prominently documented. He lived a relatively private family life while balancing a long career. His height is 1.79 m.

Net Worth

Don Ameche’s net worth is estimated at $5 million USD. His income primarily came from decades of film and radio work, starring roles in Hollywood’s golden age, later comeback films including Cocoon, television appearances, and residuals from his extensive catalog.

Filmography

• The Story of Alexander Graham Bell (1939)
• Midnight (1939)
• Heaven Can Wait (1943)
• Cocoon (1985, Academy Award winner)
• Trading Places (1983)
• Cocoon: The Return (1988)
• Corrina, Corrina (1994)
• Various radio programs and vaudeville acts
• Many 1930s–1940s romantic comedies and musicals
• Supporting roles in later television and film appearances