Gerald was employed by Orson Welles at the Mercury Theatre circa 1937-38.  I have, however, at time of writing, despite internet research, been unable to pinpoint specific shows and performance dates.  It has been written elsewhere that Gerald starred in a play called Jean Christophe for Welles, but the only reference I can find relates to the all-black Macbeth , in which a character of that name appears.  If any gentle reader can give me further information about Gerald’s time with the Mercury Theatre company, I would be delighted to hear from them.

However, Welles was impressed by young Gerald’s acting talent and it was he who recommended Gerald to director William A Wellman when he was casting for the role of Louie Grindero in “Lady of Burlesque” (1943).  Similarly, Welles was married to Rita Hayworth when Gerald was cast as Captain Delgado, a cameo role in the film noir “Gilda”.  Although Gerald is only on screen for about five minutes in “Gilda”, he gives a scintillating performance!