He appeared in more than 100-movies, including TV shows, however, actor Van Johnson, one-time heartthrob, who passed away Friday aged of 92, at Tappan Zee Manor, an assisted living center in Nyack, New York. Most likely to be remembered for his portrayal of Lieutenant Steve Maryk in the 1954 classic film - 'The Caine Mutiny', in which he stood his ground acting alongside Humphrey Bogart

Standing 6-ft., 1-in. tall, Johnson began his career on stage in the 1930s, and eventually made his way to Hollywood and on to the silver screen. However, things took a turn for the worse, when he was almost decapitated in a car accident that left him seriously injured. He spent four months in hospital, where they had to sew the top of his head back on. A metal plate in his head kept him out of World War II, but not out of Hollywood, acting opposite Spencer Tracy in 1943's 'A Guy Named Joe', Lucille Ball in 1946's 'Easy to Wed' and Clarke Gable in 1948's 'Command Decision'. He also appeared in several musicals, with Judy Garland in 'In the Good Old Summertime', Esther Williams in 'Easy to Wed', 'Duchess of Idaho' and Gloria DeHaven, June Allyson in 'Two Girls and a Sailor', including 'Too Young to Kiss' with June Allyson (1951) and Gene Kelly in 'Brigadoon' (1954).

With the advent of television in the 1950s, Johnson shifted his career shifted to the small screen, appearing as a guest in appearing as a guest in famous shows, such as, 'Ben Casey' and the villainous Minstrel in 'Batman', also returning to the stage in 'Damn Yankees' and 'The Music Man'.

In 1976, he received an Emmy nomination for 'Rich Man, Poor Man', appearing in sitcoms like 'Maude' and the mini-series 'Black Beauty'. He continued acting for the television throughout the 1980s, with a few films scattered here and there, his most notable big screen role being a small part in Woody Allen's 'Purple Rose of Cairo'.

A versatile actor, whose dramatic performance took reviewers by surprise, especially good in his role as a presidential candidate's wily campaign manager in Frank Capra's 'State of the Union' (1948) with Spencer Tracy as his client. Tall, freckled with strawberry blond hair, he was dubbed and promoted as 'The Voiceless Sinatra', because of his appeal to the bobbysoxers.

Born on 25th August 1916, in Newport, R. I., his parents divorced and his father, a plumbing contractor by profession raised him strictly, discouraging his early interest in acting. As for his mother, an alcoholic she disappeared when Johnson got her a studio job, only to reappear later to sue him to increase her financial support.

Married to Evie Abbott Wynn, who before her divorce was married to Johnson's best friend actor Keenan Wynn, Charles Van Dell Johnson reportedly had a difficult private life, divorcing after 20-years of marriage. Estranged from his daughter Schuyler, his only child, in 2005 she wrote a scathing first-person account of her father for London's Sunday Mail.