Host · Actor

Macdonald Carey

1913–1994 · Sioux City, Iowa, U.S.

Macdonald Carey was a versatile American actor whose resonant voice became synonymous with daytime television, yet his roots ran deep in the golden age of radio broadcasting. From his early days on the airwaves to becoming a beloved patriarch on Days of Our Lives, Carey's career spanned multiple decades and mediums, leaving an indelible mark on American entertainment.

Early Life and Dramatic Beginnings

Born Edward Macdonald Carey on March 15, 1913, in Sioux City, Iowa, he discovered his passion for performance during his university years. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1935, Carey became involved with the drama school at the University of Iowa, where he first began to nurture his acting ambitions. His early theatrical training quickly translated into professional opportunities. Carey toured with the Globe Players and began working steadily in radio, where he first gained recognition. In the early 1940s, he played notable radio roles such as Dick Grosvenor in a soap opera and Ridgeway Tearle in another production. He was also featured in the popular radio program Lights Out.

Radio and Broadway: The Formative Years

Carey's breakthrough came on Broadway in 1941 with the production of Lady in the Dark, where his performance was so impressive that it led to a contract offer from Paramount Pictures. He would later recall 1941 as "probably the greatest year of my life," marking his marriage, Broadway success, and Hollywood contract. His radio work during this period was prolific. He appeared in various radio programs like Stars over Hollywood and Cavalcade of America, demonstrating his versatility and vocal talents. These performances not only showcased his acting skills but also helped establish him in the entertainment industry.

Transition to Film and Television

World War II temporarily interrupted Carey's entertainment career when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After serving, he returned to acting with renewed vigor. He began appearing in films and gradually transitioned into television, guest-starring in numerous shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. His most significant television role came in 1965 when he was cast as Tom Horton in Days of Our Lives. Interestingly, Carey admitted he took the role "because I couldn't get a movie at the time." Little did he know this decision would define the latter part of his career.

Legacy and Enduring Popularity

Macdonald Carey became most recognized for his iconic opening narration on Days of Our Lives: "Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of our lives." His voice became so synonymous with the show that even after his death in 1994, producers chose to keep his original voice-over as a tribute. Throughout his career, Carey received multiple awards, including Daytime Emmy Awards for his work in daytime drama. He was also a published poet and wrote an autobiography, The Days of My Life, in 1991.

Personal Challenges and Triumph

Behind his professional success, Carey battled personal challenges, including alcoholism. He joined Alcoholics Anonymous in 1982 and overcame his drinking problem. In 1991, he also faced a health scare when a cancerous tumor was removed from his lung, from which he successfully recovered. Macdonald Carey passed away on March 21, 1994, six days after his 81st birthday, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in entertainment.

Works and Appearances

Radio

Stars over Hollywood (1952-1953)
Cavalcade of America (1953)
Various soap opera and dramatic radio programs (early 1940s)

Television

Days of Our Lives (1965-1994) as Tom Horton
Guest appearances on numerous TV shows throughout 1950s and 1960s

Film

Multiple film roles from 1942-1987, including Lady in the Dark (1941)
Notable films: The Unseen (1945), The Redeemer (1959)

Theater

Lady in the Dark (Broadway, 1941)
Various stage productions throughout his career

Books

The Days of My Life (Autobiography, 1991)

Macdonald Carey's journey from radio performer to television icon represents the evolving landscape of American entertainment in the 20th century, making him a true pioneer of his craft.