Irving Actman

Irving Actman (June 2, 1907 – September 24, 1967) was an American conductor, musical director and composer. He is known for his work in film and on Broadway musicals, most notably as the music director of the original 1950 production of Guys and Dolls.

Career Actman was a conductor, musical director, and composer for various shows. Starting out as the accompanist for the vaudeville actress Lita Grey, he began a long collaboration with Frank Loesser. While performing at a club, The Back Drop, Actman was offered the job of composing the music for the 1936 Broadway revue The Illustrator's Show. The revue was a failure but, writing in the New York Evening Post, John Mason Brown singled out the Actman song "Bang-the Bell Rang" for praise.

Several of Actman's songs were recorded.

Personal life Actman was married to Catherine Hanley, a chorus girl in the Ziegfeld Follies. Their daughter, Jane Actman was an actress. Actman has been described as a heavy, good natured pianist. He accompanied one of Maurice Chevalier's performances.

Theater The Illustrator's Show (48th Street Theatre, 1936). Composer. Earl Carroll's Sketchbook (Earl Carroll Theatre, 1929). Song composer. Guys and Dolls (46th Street Theatre, 1950). Musical director. Guys and Dolls (City Center, 1965). Conductor.

Filmography

Postal Inspector (1936), songs Flying Hostess (1936), composer, "Bang! The Bell Rang", 1909 The Man I Marry (1936), Composer. Mysterious Crossing (1936), Composer. Freshman Year (1938), Composer. Slightly Honorable (1939), Music.