Under contract to RKO Radio Pictures, he was cast in a series of "B" films in comedy roles that capitalized on his gangly appearance.

In his final film, Chasing Yesterday (1935) starring Anne Shirley, he was billed as Trent Durkin.

[2] In a 2013 interview, former child star Diana Serra Cary (known as Baby Peggy), a close friend of Durkin, said, "It would not surprise me to know that Trent was gay.

Especially without the protection of a strong producer, or already under contract to MGM, with studio head Louis B. Mayer seriously invested in his future success as a leading man.

"[3] Durkin was interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California.