Edward Vincent "Eddie" Bracken (February 7, 1915 - November 14, 2002) was an American actor.
Born in Astoria, New York, he performed in vaudeville at the age of nine, and gained fame on Broadway in the musical Too Many Girls in a role he reprised in the film version in 1940. He had performed in a short film series called The Kiddie Troupers (one of many Our Gang-like series) prior to that, but this film was his big break.
In 1936, Bracken pursued success on Broadway with his starring run in the Joseph Viertel play So Proudly We Hail. The military drama co-starred Richard Cromwell and opened to much fanfare, but closed after 14 performances at the 46th Street Theater.
In the 1940s, director Preston Sturges cast Bracken in two of his best-loved films, The Miracle of Morgan's Creek, opposite Betty Hutton, and Hail the Conquering Hero. Based on the popularity of these films, Eddie Bracken was a household name during World War II. Bracken also made numerous radio broadcasts during this era.
In 1953, Bracken left Hollywood. He appeared on Broadway in Shinbone Alley, Hello, Dolly!, The Odd Couple, and Sugar Babies.
He returned to feature films to perform character roles for director/writer John Hughes in the Hughes' written National Lampoon's Vacation, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and Baby's Day Out.
He died in Montclair, New Jersey of complications from (undisclosed) surgery at the age of 87.
For his contribution to radio, Eddie Bracken has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 1651 Vine Street and a second star at 6751 Hollywood Blvd. for his contribution to the television industry.
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