“The Best Years of Our Lives” is a 1946 American drama film directed by William Wyler, featuring a cast that includes both established stars and character actors.
Main Cast
- Myrna Loy as Milly Stephenson
- Fredric March as Technical Sergeant Al Stephenson
- Dana Andrews as Captain Fred Derry
- Teresa Wright as Peggy Stephenson
- Virginia Mayo as Marie Derry
- Cathy O’Donnell as Wilma Cameron
- Harold Russell as Petty Officer 2nd Class Homer Parrish
- Hoagy Carmichael as Butch Engle, Homer’s uncle
Supporting Cast
- Gladys George as Hortense Derry
- Roman Bohnen as Pat Derry
- Ray Collins as Mr. Milton
- Minna Gombell as Mrs. Parrish
- Walter Baldwin as Mr. Parrish
- Steve Cochran as Cliff
- Dorothy Adams as Mrs. Cameron
- Don Beddoe as Mr. Cameron
- Other actors included Marlene Aames, Charles Halton, Ray Teal, Howland Chamberlain, and Dean White.
Notable Appearances
- Jazz drummer Gene Krupa appeared in archival footage.
- Tennessee Ernie Ford had an uncredited role as a “hillbilly singer.”
- Blake Edwards, later known as a film producer and director, appeared uncredited as “Corporal.”
- Director Wyler’s daughters, Catherine and Judy, appeared as uncredited customers in the drug store.
- Sean Penn’s father, Leo Penn, played an uncredited part of the soldier in the Air Transport Command Office.
The film is known for its portrayal of the challenges faced by American servicemen readjusting to civilian life after World War II.
