Albert Dekker, a native of Brooklyn, New York, was born on December 20, 1905.
Upon his graduation from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine in 1927, reports from TCM detail his move to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he joined a group of actors and commenced his journey in local theater.
Shortly after, in the same year, Dekker marked his Broadway debut as a member of the original ensemble of Eugene O'Neill's play, “Marco Millions.”
Throughout the following decade, Dekker showcased his acting talents in various theater productions, gradually refining his craft.
By 1937, he secured his first role in a Hollywood movie called “The Great Garrick.”
According to TCM, initially portraying minor roles, Dekker eventually transitioned into more substantial supporting characters.
In the 1939 film “Strange Cargo,” starring Joan Crawford and Clark Gable, Dekker portrayed a cunning convict orchestrating an escape from a French prison.
His leading roles in films like “Dr. Cyclops” (1940) and “Among the Living” (1941) further solidified his presence on the silver screen.
During the early to mid-1940s, TCM notes Dekker's appearances alongside renowned actors and actresses such as Marlene Dietrich, Cary Grant, Ginger Rogers, and John Wayne.
In addition to his acting endeavors, Dekker harbored a deep interest in politics.
In 1944, he contested for a position in California's State Assembly.
Emerging victorious, he served the 57th Assembly District for a single two-year term.
Post his tenure in the California State Assembly, Albert Dekker resumed his acting career full-time.
Noteworthy performances in films like “Incendiary Blonde” (1945), “The Killers” (1946), and “Gentleman's Agreement” (1947) showcased his versatility.
Returning to Broadway in 1949, Dekker portrayed Willy Loman in “Death of a Salesman” before making appearances on television shows like ABC's “Pulitzer Prize Playhouse” and CBS's “Studio One.”
Despite a successful career spanning over 100 films, Albert Dekker's untimely demise in 1968 overshadowed his achievements.
Wrapping up filming for “The Wild Gang,” Dekker vanished, raising concerns.
Separated from his wife Esther Guerini of 25 years, and with no word from his girlfriend Jeraldine Saunders, a sense of mystery shrouded his disappearance.
Jeraldine Saunders, after persistent efforts, convinced the building manager to check on Dekker, leading to the distressing discovery of his lifeless body.
Accounts from John Austin's book, “The Tales of Hollywood the Bizarre,” depict a grim scene where Dekker was found kneeling in a bathtub, n^ked, with a hypodermic needle in each arm, a noose around his neck, and a scarf covering his eyes.
Handcuffed and bound with leather belts and straps, Dekker's body bore markings made with lipstick.
Initial speculations hinted at foul play, but investigations revealed no signs of forced entry or struggle.
Though authorities leaned towards suicide, the coroner's report deemed Dekker's demise an “accidental death” by suffocation, possibly linked to autoerotic asphyxiation, per World Today News.
Further findings in Dekker's apartment uncovered bondage paraphernalia and a collection of explicit material.
While Saunders acknowledged their shared interest in bondage, she expressed skepticism regarding Dekker's ability to bind himself in such a manner.
Missing items, including camera equipment and a substantial sum of cash, added to the intrigue surrounding the incident.
Benjamin Dekker, Albert's son, accepted the accidental death ruling but suggested the presence of another individual during the incident, emphasizing consent in their interactions.
The circumstances surrounding Albert Dekker's demise remain enigmatic, leaving a lingering mystery in the wake of his peculiar passing.
