Van Johnson had just started a 7-year contract with MGM in 1942 when he was in a major road accident which left him with a metal plate in his head. Ineligible to serve during WWII, he became America's war film hero, playing the amiable guy next door sent overseas to do his part for America. Johnson also appeared in a slew of MGM musicals, usually opposite June Allyson or Esther Williams. In the 1950s, as middle age and a heavier build set in, he moved into more serious roles. His film career has been irregular since 1960. His career in the 70s and 80s has consisted mostly of stage work.
He had skin cancer surgery in 1963. He made his Broadway debut in 1936 in "New Faces of 1936," (a hit show that also introduced Imogene Coca). Van would appear in a total of 7 Broadway shows to date, including the original cast production of "Pal Joey" in 1940-41 and last appearing in "La Cage aux Folles" in 1987. He was Gene Kelly's understudy in the Broadway production of "Pal Joey". He was driving to a special screening of Keeper of the Flame when he was involved in the road accident that left him with a metal plate in his forehead. He first received top billing in 1944 with Two Girls and a Sailor. After Van Heflin turned down the role of Elliot Ness on The Untouchables it was offered to Johnson. He turned it down as well. His wife, Eve, was first married to Keenan Wynn. She married Johnson on the very day of her divorce from Wynn. The scars from the injury received in a car crash described in his biography are very evident in The Caine Mutiny. Daughter Schuyler born January, 1948.