NEW YORK — A close friend says Van Johnson, Hollywood star of the movies' golden age, has died.

Family friend Wendy Bleiweiss says Johnson died today at an assisted living center in Nyack. He was 92.

Johnson was known for his boy-next-door wholesomeness and was a major heartthrob in the 1940s.

Among his films were "Brigadoon," "A Guy Named Joe" and "The Caine Mutiny." His co-stars included Elizabeth Taylor and June Allyson.

Many of his early films had World War II themes, including "30 Seconds Over Tokyo."

By The Associated Press