Merle oberon joseph cotten biography

Joseph Cheshire Cotten Jr. was born on May 15, 1905, in Petersburg, Virginia, United States.

Raised in a well-to-do Southern family, he was immersed in an environment of culture and arts from a young age. His interest in acting sparked early, leading him to participate in local theater productions. Despite this early interest, Cotten initially pursued a career in advertising after attending the Hickman School of Expression in Washington D.C.

and later working as a critic for the Miami Herald.

Path Towards Success

Cotten's passion for acting couldn't be suppressed for long. He moved to New York City in the 1930s, a decision that marked the true beginning of his acting career.

Merle oberon joseph cotten biography

His break came when he met Orson Welles, with whom he would form a lasting professional relationship. Cotten joined Welles’ Mercury Theatre, contributing significantly to its productions. His Broadway appearan