Orson Welles, born George Orson Welles on May 6, 1915, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, was a child prodigy who blossomed into a Renaissance man of American entertainment. Welles, a gifted actor, director, writer, and producer, left his mark on theatre, radio, and film. His innovative work, particularly the 1941 masterpiece “Citizen Kane,” revolutionized storytelling with its use of deep-focus cinematography and a non-linear narrative. Despite this early success, Welles’ career was often defined by clashes with Hollywood studios and financial limitations. He continued to be a prolific creative force throughout his life, though often working outside the mainstream. Welles died on October 10, 1985, in Los Angeles, California, from a heart attack.
