Once a starlet’s co-star, always remembered as a true Hollywood enigma, Trax Colton’s life journey is a story of unexpected twists and enduring legacy.
The Serendipitous Discovery
It all began with a simple drive down Olympic Boulevard. Louis Morelli, later known as Trax Colton, was discovered by the renowned talent agent Henry Willson during just such a moment. Willson, famous for spotting stars like Rock Hudson, saw potential in the young New Jersey-born Morelli as his car idled next to Morelli’s convertible. Willing to take a leap, Morelli agreed to a screen test, thus beginning a journey filled with Hollywood glamour.
Silver Screen Debut
After adopting the name Trax Colton and securing a contract with 20th Century Fox, he appeared in his debut, playing a party guest in The Marriage-Go-Round (1961). His rise continued when he starred opposite the iconic Jayne Mansfield in It Happened in Athens (1962). Portraying Spiridon Loues, a Greek shepherd-turned-marathon runner during the 1896 Olympics, Colton was poised for stardom. Despite the film’s box-office performance, his presence left a lasting impression in Hollywood lore.
A New Direction
Despite early promise, Colton’s acting career was short-lived. As mentioned in The Hollywood Reporter, after the commercial failure of It Happened in Athens, Trax and Mansfield were released from their contracts, prompting a swift career pivot. Colton seamlessly transitioned into the legal realm by earning a law degree in 1969 and practiced law until the early 2000s.
A Life Beyond Acting
Trax Colton may not have had a lengthy filmography, but his life was replete with stories and achievements beyond the silver screen. Fluent in multiple languages and a former musician, Colton demonstrated remarkable versatility. His son Ryan Morelli fondly recalls him as the “most generous, greatest father” who continued to receive fan mail well into his elder years.
A Lasting Legacy
Surviving him are his sons, Ryan and Todd, and his grandchildren. Through his multidimensional life — from the streets of Beverly Hills to a law office — Trax Colton remains an enduring icon, adored by fans new and old. His story is a testament to seizing unforeseen opportunities and gracefully embracing life’s changes.
Reflective of a Hollywood era marked by discovery and reinvention, Trax Colton’s journey encourages us to pursue our paths with passion and resilience. Today, as we remember his life, we celebrate not just a star, but a father, lawyer, and humble soul who truly shone in every role he played.