Trivia

He frequently apologized to his Trading Places (1983) co-star Eddie Murphy for the racist statements that his character made in the film.

Calling the telephone the "Don Ameche" became popular American slang in the 1930s and '40s due to his role as Alexander Graham Bell.

He had not acted in a film for 13 years when he was cast in Trading Places (1983). The role revitalized his film career and he acted consistently until only a month before his death.

He made only five films from 1949 to 1983.

He became a major star on radio. His teaming with Frances Langford as "The Bickersons" is regarded as classic comedy on radio. "The Bickersons" were revived for a series of record albums.

Ameche's salary, which was $34,499 in 1936 and $51,833 in 1937, grew to $147,824 in 1940.

His father was an Italian immigrant. His mother had German, English, Irish and Scottish ancestry. Americans pronounced his last name incorrectly ("Ah-mee-see"). So he changed it from "Amici" (correctly pronounced "Ah-mee-chee") into "Ameche", in order to keep the original Italian pronunciation.

Inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1992.

Interred at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery (formerly St. Philomina's), Dubuque, IA (grave unmarked).

Awarded two Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Television at 6101 Hollywood Blvd. and for Radio at 6313 Hollywood Blvd.

Portrayed Alexander Graham Bell in The Story of Alexander Graham Bell (1939) in 1939. In 1957 his brother, Jim Ameche, portrayed Bell in The Story of Mankind (1957).

Became a father for the first time at age 25 when his wife Honore gave birth to their son Dominic Felix Ameche--aka Don Ameche Jr. on October 3, 1933.

He was considered for the role of Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather (1972) before Marlon Brando was cast. He was later mentioned by name in The Godfather Part III (1990) when Joey Zasa (Joe Mantegna said, "We got Don Ameche, who played the guy that invented the telephone," a reference to his role as Alexander Graham Bell in The Story of Alexander Graham Bell (1939). Mantegna costarred with Ameche in Things Change (1988).

He worked with Tyrone Power in Ladies in Love (1936), In Old Chicago (1938), Love Is News (1937) and Alexander's Ragtime Band (1938) and with his son Tyrone Power Jr. in Cocoon (1985) and Cocoon: The Return (1988).

He has appeared in two films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: Midnight (1939) and Down Argentine Way (1940).

When John Landis was erroneously told Ameche, whom he wanted for Trading Places (1983), was dead, a receptionist told him that Ameche was not dead as she had seen him on his walks in Santa Monica. Landis found Ameche listed in the phone book.

When his children's names are all expressed as nicknames, they rhyme: Ronnie, Donnie, Tommie, Lonnie, Bonnie and Connie.

Abandoned a career as a lawyer to take up acting.

In The French Connection (1971), a Mafia figure is followed to New York City building in which "the actor, Don Ameche, lives".

He died only eight days before his So Goes My Love (1946) co-star Myrna Loy.

Became a father for the sixth time at age 39 when his wife Honore gave birth to their daughter Constance Victoria Ameche on February 22, 1948.

Although he played Tod Andrews' father in Heaven Can Wait (1943), he was only six years his senior in real life.

Was a member of the Catholic group The Christophers.

Attended Loras College in Dubuque, IA.

Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume 3, 1991-1993, pages 11-13. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 2001.

Brother of Jim Ameche.

Attended Hollywood for Dewey Rally on Oct. 18, 1944. Other attendees included: Randolph Scott, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Ginger Rogers and Barbra Stanwyck.

Became a father for the second time at age 27 when his wife Honore gave birth to their son Ronald Ameche on December 30, 1935. He died on January 2, 2001 in Iowa, aged 65.

Biography in: "Who's Who in Comedy" by Ronald S. Smith, pg. 51-53 (article titled "The Bickersons"). New York: Facts on File, 1992. ISBN 0816023387.

He was a lifelong Republican.

Became a father for the third time at age 31 when his wife Honore gave birth to their son Thomas Anthony Ameche on July 20, 1939.

Became a father for the fifth time at age 36 when his wife Honore gave birth to their daughter Barbara Balinda Ameche on March 13, 1945.

Mentioned in Dizzy Pilots (1943).

Became a father for the fourth time at age 32 when his wife Honore gave birth to their son Lawrence Michael Ameche on July 20, 1940.

He was separated from his wife Honore at the time of her death in 1986 and didn't attend her funeral service.