'The Restless Gun': Remembering John Payne's Tragic Cause Of Death

John Payne was born in Roanoke, Virginia, on May 23, 1912. He is best known for his role as "Vint Bonner" in the Western show, 'The Restless Gun'.

John Payne was no stranger to show business, as his mother, Ida Hope, was a talented singer. His father George, used to work as a developer in his hometown.

Before starting building an acting career, Payne attended Columbia University. He then studied voice and drama at the prestigious Juilliard School.

By the mid '30s Payne was already working as a stage actor, landing a couple minor roles in plays 'The Student Prince' and 'Rose Marie'.

1936 marked his acting debut on the big screen. He appeared as "Harry" in 'Dodsworth', as well as "Jimmy" in 'Hats Off'.

The rest is history. Payne was then spotted by Warner Brothers and signed a deal with the company. Some of his most notable credits while working with WB are 'Kid Nightingale' (1939) and 'Wings of the Navy' (1939).

He then signed another deal, this time with 20th Century Fox. During that time he appeared in 'Remember the Day', 'Maryland' and 'The Dolly Sisters'.

However, his final 20th Century Fox film is perhaps the most relevant. Payne played "Fred Gailey" in the 1947 Christmas movie 'Miracle on 34th Street', sharing screen with Maureen O'Hara, Natalie Wood and Edmund Gwenn.

Although Payne's acting career mostly took place on the big screen, he is also known for playing "Vint" in the Western television series 'The Restless Gun', from 1957 to 1959.

The star also made an appearance in the 1970 'Gunsmoke' episode 'Gentry's Law'.

He also appeared as "Ned" in a 1975 episode of the drama show 'Columbo', titled 'Forgotten Lady'.

Starting the '50s Payne began working as a freelance actor. One of his most successful projects from back then was the 1952 noir film 'Kansas City Confidential'.

His skills were not limited to acting. In fact, in 1968 he directed the film 'They Ran for Their Lives', which was one of his last movies.

As for his personal life, John was married to actress Anne Shirley ('Stella Dallas') from 1937 to 1942. In 1940 they welcomed daughter Julie, who was also an actress. She died in 2019.

In 1944 the 'Restless Gun' star married once again, this time to actress Gloria DeHaven ('Modern Times'). The couple shared children Kathleen and Thomas, but divorced in 1950.

After a brief romance with his 'Kansas City Confidential' co-star, Coleen Gray, John Payne tied the knot with Alexandra Crowell (picture). They were married until Payne's 1989 death. 

1961 marked a tragic event in Payne's life, when the actor was struck by a car in New York City, leaving him with severe and life-threatening injuries.

The driver, businessman Bernard Selz, told authorities at the time that he had not seen the actor, as it had been raining. After the accident, Payne faced severe facial lacerations which damaged his eyes. His left leg got broken and his skull got fractured.

The 'Restless Gun' actor underwent facial surgery at Mount Sinai West Hospital, formerly known as Roosevelt Hospital, and eventually recovered.

Quick facts about John Payne:

• Was considered for the role of "Rhett" in the 1939 film 'Gone with the Wind.'
• Was the first Hollywood star interested in adapting the 'James Bond' novels into films.
• Appeared in three movies that were nominated for an Oscar for Best Picture: 'Dodsworth' (1936), 'The Razor's Edge' (1946) and 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947).
• His daughter Julie once stated that he was born on May 28, 1912, and not May 23.
• Was a longtime sci-fi fan.

Sadly, John Payne died on December 6, 1989 in his Malibu, California home. He was 77 at the time of his death, which was caused by congestive heart failure. Wife Alexandra and his childen were by his side.

The star's ashes were scattered into the Pacific Ocean.