JEAN HERSHOLT - AUTOGRAPHED INSCRIBED PHOTOGRAPH 6/1942 - HFSID 35332

JEAN HERSHOLT
Signed as the fictional character Dr. Christian whose principles he held in real life.
Large Photograph inscribed and signed: "To/Renée and Edmun[d]/Scotti/With all my sincerest/wishes-/Jean Hersholt/Doctor Christian/June 1942". Sepia, 10½x13½. Danish actor Jean Hersholt's (1886-1956) screen image was altered permanently in 1936 when he was cast as Dr. Dafoe, the Canadian obstetrician who delivered the celebrated Dionne Quintuplets, in 20th Century-Fox's The Country Doctor. Plans to create a Dr. Dafoe movie series were blocked by the real Dafoe, but Hersholt was anxious to sustain the characterization of a beneficent, lovable small-town doctor. Thus Dr. Christian, named for Hersholt's favorite author, Hans Christian Andersen, was born. The actor created the role of Dr. Christian on radio in 1937 and then filmed a series of six Christian movies for RKO (1939-1941). Extending the ethics and generosity of Dr. Christian into his private life, Hersholt set up the Motion Picture Relief Fund, which provided medical care and a livable income for actors, directors and other studio employees who were no longer able to care for themselves. While serving as President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, he received two honorary Academy Awards for his charity work (1940, 1950). After the actor's death in 1956, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award was set up by the Academy to honor conspicuous acts of selflessness and kindness in the movie industry. Upper right corner chipped away, removing some letters of the recipient's name. Creased at "Christian". Light surface creases in background. 2, pinhead-size stains at lower blank border. Encapsulated. Overall, fine condition.