The Untold Story of Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr: Father of the Baldwin Brothers

When people hear the name “Baldwin,” they often think about the famous Baldwin brothers in Hollywood. But before the world knew Alec, Daniel, Billy, and Stephen, there was Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr — the strong, steady man who shaped their lives long before fame came into the picture. His story is simple, warm, and deeply human. And it begins long before the red carpets and flashing cameras.

Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr was born on October 26, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a working-class home, in a time when life was all about hard work, discipline, and keeping the family together. Even as a boy, he lived in a world full of structure and responsibility. These early lessons stayed with him and later became the foundation of the Baldwin family.

He was raised in a Roman Catholic household, surrounded by traditions and values that guided him for the rest of his life. His parents, Alexander Rae Baldwin Sr and Ruth Mary Noble, were simple, hardworking people. They did not live glamorous lives, yet they created a strong family line — a line that would one day reach all the way to Hollywood.

Quick Bio

Category	Details
Full Name	Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr.
Birth Date	October 26, 1927
Death Date	April 15, 1983 (age 55)
Place of Birth	Brooklyn, New York, USA
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	White; descendant of Mayflower passengers John Howland & Elizabeth Tilley
Religion	Roman Catholic
Parents	Alexander Rae Baldwin Sr. (1897–1969) & Ruth Mary Noble (1898–1968)
Siblings	Joseph Sylvester Baldwin Sr., Charles Edward Baldwin
Spouse	Carol Newcomb Martineau Baldwin (m. 1954–1983)
Children	Elizabeth, Alec Baldwin, Daniel Baldwin, William Baldwin, Jane Sasso, Stephen Baldwin
Height	Approx. 6’0″ (183 cm)
Education	Syracuse University graduate; briefly attended law school
Career	U.S. Marine Corps veteran; social studies teacher; football coach at Massapequa High School
Known For	Father of the Baldwin brothers & influential educator
Cause of Death	Lung cancer
Burial	All Saints Cemetery, Great Neck, New York
Net Worth	Not publicly documented; lived a middle-class educator life

Early Life and Childhood in Brooklyn

Growing up in Brooklyn in the 1930s was not easy. The world was recovering from the Great Depression, and families often had to work extra hard to stay afloat. For Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr, this meant learning discipline early. His father worked as a maintenance man and truck driver. His mother kept the family grounded with faith and routine.

Life was modest, but it was full of lessons. Lessons about doing your best, Lessons about staying honest, Lessons about taking care of the people around you. These values shaped him into a strong man who always stood firm, even in difficult days.

As he grew older, he became known for his serious nature. He was smart, quiet at times, and very focused. But he also had a warm side, something his children would later describe as “stern, smart, and sometimes funny.”

Baldwin Family Ancestry and Mayflower Lineage

One of the most interesting parts of his story is his family ancestry. Many people do not know that Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr came from a very old American bloodline. Through his father’s side, he was a direct descendant of Mayflower passengers John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley, two of the earliest settlers in America.

This means the Baldwin family history stretches back more than 12 generations.

His family tree includes roots in:

• New York
• England
• Yorkshire
• Ontario, Canada

It is a mix of English, Irish, and early American settlers. Even though his own life was simple and humble, his ancestry carried deep historical weight.

This old family history did not make him proud or flashy — if anything, it grounded him even more. He lived like a man who believed in hard work and honesty, not fame or special treatment.

Parents, Grandparents, and Deep Family Roots

To understand Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr, it helps to look at the people who came before him.

His father, Alexander Rae Baldwin Sr, was born in 1897. He lived a life built on working-class values. He was the kind of man who worked long hours, took care of his family, and never asked for much in return.

His mother, Ruth Mary Noble, came from a family with Canadian and English ties. Her parents, and even grandparents, lived in places like Ontario, England, and upstate New York. Many of them came from farming families or small towns where everyone knew each other.

These deep roots helped shape the quiet strength that Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr carried throughout his life. He was raised to respect family traditions, honor his ancestors, and always do the right thing, even if no one else was watching.

Siblings and Early Family Structure

He did not grow up alone. Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr had two brothers:

• Joseph Sylvester Baldwin Sr
• Charles Edward Baldwin

The three boys grew up in the same Catholic home, learning the same lessons of discipline and responsibility. Like many families in the 1930s and 1940s, they lived modestly, shared chores, and looked after each other.

These early family bonds later helped shape the Baldwin family spirit — a mix of loyalty, strong opinions, and a deep sense of connection.

Military Service: Becoming a U.S. Marine

Before becoming a teacher, before raising six children, Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr took a very different path. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps, training at the famous Parris Island.

This chapter of his life is important because it explains so much about the way he later raised his children. In the Marines, he trained hard, learned discipline, and became an expert marksman. His days were filled with structure, rules, and physical training.

But there was also a sad moment. During a rifle instruction session, he was accidentally shot, which led to a medical discharge. He had served with honor, but now he had to find a new direction in life.

Like many young men at the time, he simply stood up, dusted himself off, and kept moving forward.

Education Journey: Syracuse University and the Start of a New Path

After leaving the Marines, Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr did something many veterans do — he focused on his education. He went to Syracuse University, a place that changed his life in more ways than one.

At Syracuse, he studied, worked hard, and explored new interests. He even tried attending law school for a short time, searching for the right path. But something else happened at Syracuse — something that would change his future completely.

He met Carol Newcomb Martineau. From the moment they met, their lives became connected. She was strong, warm, and full of courage. In fact, she later became known as “Gram Courageous.” They married in 1954, and together they built a family that would one day become known around the world.

Marriage to Carol and the Start of a Family

The marriage between Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr and Carol Martineau was the beginning of the Baldwin legacy. They were young, full of hope, and ready to build a life together.

They settled in Massapequa, Long Island, a quiet suburban town. It was the perfect place to raise a family. And they did — they welcomed six children, each with a unique personality, and four of them later became famous actors.

Life was busy, loud at times, but full of love. Alexander Jr brought discipline. Carol brought heart. Together, they raised a family that stayed connected even through fame, success, struggles, and loss.

Their story is one of partnership, teamwork, and deep family loyalty.

Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr’s Childrens

The six Baldwin children are a huge part of the Baldwin story. Each one grew up under the strong guidance of Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr, and each one was shaped by the lessons he taught them.

Below are his children, one by one, with their own unique paths.

Elizabeth “Beth” Baldwin Keuchler

Elizabeth is the oldest child. She did not become an actor like her famous brothers, but she built her own meaningful path. She became the Executive Director of The Baldwin Fund, a major cancer research charity. Her leadership work honors her mother Carol and supports families across New York. She is known as responsible, warm, and grounded — much like her father.

Alexander “Alec” Rae Baldwin III

Alec Baldwin is the most famous of the Baldwin siblings. He grew up under the strong influence of Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr, who taught him discipline and focus. Alec would later say that his father’s serious style shaped him in many ways. Today, Alec is an award-winning actor known for 30 Rock, Saturday Night Live, and many films. Even with fame, he often speaks about his father’s impact on his life.

Daniel Leroy Baldwin

Daniel became an actor and director. He is known for roles in Homicide: Life on the Street and several films. His life has had challenges, but he often speaks about family loyalty. His father’s strong personality influenced Daniel’s own approach to work and life.

William “Billy” Joseph Baldwin

Billy is the third Baldwin son who became an actor. He grew up watching his father, Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr, work hard every single day. That example stayed with him. Billy became known for movies like Backdraft and Sliver. He has a calm and warm personality, and people often say he is the gentlest of the Baldwin brothers. Billy married singer Chynna Phillips, and together they raised a beautiful family. His life shows how strong values at home can guide a person even when they enter a busy industry like Hollywood.

Billy often talks about how his father’s steady nature helped him stay focused. Even when he was surrounded by fame and success, he always remembered the simple life his father lived. This balance helped him build a long and steady career.

Jane Baldwin Sasso

Jane is the fifth child and one of the quietest members of the Baldwin family. She built a life away from Hollywood and became a physical therapist. She enjoys helping people heal, move better, and feel better. This caring work matches the kindness she learned at home.

She grew up with the same structure and discipline as her brothers, but she chose a different path. Jane is known as peaceful, thoughtful, and loving. She reminds people that not every Baldwin chose the spotlight. Some chose to serve others in simple and meaningful ways.

Stephen Andrew Baldwin

Stephen is the youngest Baldwin brother. He is known for movies like The Usual Suspects and for his energetic personality. Stephen also became known because his daughter, Hailey Baldwin Bieber, married global music star Justin Bieber. This made the Baldwin family even more famous around the world.

Stephen often talks about his father’s strong leadership. Even though Stephen chose a life full of excitement, he always remembers the lessons his father taught him: be honest, work hard, and stay close to your family. These ideas helped shape his journey as an actor, husband, and parent.

Career as a Long Island Educator

Before the Baldwin brothers became known across the world, their father, Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr, was known by students on Long Island. He spent 28 years teaching social studies at Massapequa High School. He taught subjects like history, economics, and constitutional law. Many students remember him as a strict, focused teacher who pushed them to do their best.

He was also a football coach. He believed sports could teach young people discipline and teamwork. His teams trained hard. They respected him because he never asked them to do something he would not do himself. Two school yearbooks were dedicated to him — a rare honor that shows how much he meant to the school.

One of his former students was Ron Kovic, the man whose life story became the movie Born on the Fourth of July. This shows how far his influence reached, even beyond his own family.

Parenting Style and Daily Family Life

Life inside the Baldwin home was busy. Six children running around, going to school, doing sports, and trying to grow up. Many people wonder how the family stayed organized. The answer is simple: Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr used the same discipline at home that he learned in the Marines.

He kept his children busy with Little League, wrestling, and riflery. He believed kids needed structure, not empty time. At first, the children thought he was too strict. But as adults, they understood his goal — he wanted them to stay safe, stay focused, and grow strong.

Alec Baldwin often talks about how he still hears his father’s voice in his mind. He calls it his “orphan clock,” a way of saying that his father’s early death made him look for mentors throughout his life. This shows how deeply his father shaped him.

Even though he was strict, he also had a warm heart. He cared for his children, He wanted them to do well, He wanted them to become good people first, and successful people second. That balance is what made him a strong father figure.

Personal Traits, Strengths, and Quiet Influence

People who knew Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr describe him as stern but fair. He was smart, He had a sharp mind, He could be funny when he wanted to be, but he did not show this side to everyone. He believed in quiet strength, not loud words.

Alexander lived a simple life, No fame, No luxury. But the values he passed on — discipline, honesty, work ethic — became the foundation of the Baldwin name. His children carried these lessons into their careers, and even into their own parenting.

Many people say that every Baldwin child shows a different piece of their father. Alec shows his seriousness. Billy shows his warmth. Stephen shows his energy. Jane shows his gentleness. Daniel shows his determination. It is as if their father’s character lives on through all of them.

His Illness, Final Days, and Passing in 1983

In the early 1980s, Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr faced a difficult battle with lung cancer. He was only in his mid-50s, far too young to be facing such a serious illness. His family supported him and stayed close to him as much as they could.

He passed away on April 15, 1983, in Philadelphia. His death changed the Baldwin family forever. The children were still young adults at the time, and losing their father left a deep emotional mark on them.

He was buried at All Saints Cemetery in Great Neck, New York. Even today, his children visit and speak about him with love, respect, and gratitude. His legacy did not end when he passed. Instead, it lived on through every success, every lesson, and every moment shared among his family.

Final Thoughts

The story of Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr is not a loud or flashy story. It is a quiet story about a man who worked hard, loved his family, and shaped the lives of the people around him. Even though the world remembers his famous children, the true beginning of the Baldwin legacy starts with him.

He lived a simple life as a Marine, a teacher, and a father. But the values he passed on — discipline, honesty, focus, and strength — became the foundation of one of America’s most well-known families. His lessons stayed with his children long after he was gone, and they still guide the Baldwin family today.

In the end, his life reminds us of something important:
You do not need fame to make a big impact. You only need love, purpose, and the courage to guide the people you care about.

FAQs

1. Who was Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr?

He was an American Marine veteran, educator, and the father of the famous Baldwin acting family, known for his disciplined and caring influence.

2. What was the age of Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr at the time of his death?

He passed away at age 55 on April 15, 1983.

3. Who were the parents of Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr?

His parents were Alexander Rae Baldwin Sr. and Ruth Mary Noble, both from New York.

4. What did Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr do for a living?

He worked as a social studies teacher and football coach for 28 years at Massapequa High School in Long Island.

5. Who was the spouse of Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr?

He was married to Carol Newcomb Martineau Baldwin from 1954 until his passing in 1983.

6. How many children did Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr have?

He had six children, including actors Alec, Daniel, Billy, and Stephen Baldwin, plus daughters Elizabeth and Jane.

7. What is the background or ancestry of Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr?

He was of Irish, English, and French descent and a direct descendant of Mayflower passengers John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley.

8. What was Alexander Rae Baldwin Jr’s net worth?

There is no public record of his net worth, as he lived a modest middle-class life as a military veteran and schoolteacher.

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