Tony Curtis
Tony Curtis (June 3, 1925 – September 29, 2010) was an American film actor whose career spanned six decades, but had his greatest popularity during the 1950s and early 1960s. He acted in over 100 films in roles covering a wide range of genres, from light comedy to serious drama. In his later years, Curtis made numerous television appearances.
Although his early film roles were partly the result of his good looks, by the later half of the 1950's he became a notable and strong screen presence.
He won his first serious recognition as a skilled dramatic actor in Sweet Smell of Success (1957) with co-star Burt Lancaster. The following year he was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor in another drama, The Defiant Ones (1958). Curtis then gave what many believe was his best acting, in a completely different role, the comedy Some Like It Hot (1959). Thomson calls it an "outrageous film," and it was voted the number 1 funniest film in history from a survey done by the American Film Institute. It costarred Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe, and was directed by Billy Wilder. That was followed by Blake Edwards’ comedy Operation Petticoat (1959) with Cary Grant. They were both “frantic comedies,” and displayed "his impeccable comic timing." He often collaborated with Edwards on later films.
His most significant serious part came in 1968 when he starred in the true-life drama The Boston Strangler, which some consider his "last major film role." The part reinforced his reputation as a serious actor with his "chilling portrayal" of serial killer Albert DeSalvo. He gained 30 pounds and had his face "rebuilt" with a false nose to look like the real DeSalvo.
Curtis was the father of actresses Jamie Lee Curtis and Kelly Curtis by his first wife, actress Janet Leigh.
Born
Jun 03, 1925
Bronx, New York, USA
Died
Sep 29, 2010
Known For
Acting
Movies
176 acting
10 crew
Popularity
2.6
Known For
Some Like It Hot
1959
as Joe (Josephine)
Spartacus
1960
as Antoninus
Rosemary's Baby
1968
as Donald Baumgart (voice) (uncredited)
The Vikings
1958
as Eric
Operation Petticoat
1959
as Lieutenant Nicholas Holden
The Count of Monte-Cristo
1975
as Fernand Morcerf Mondego
The Defiant Ones
1958
as John 'Joker' Jackson
The Great Race
1965
as The Great Leslie
Winchester '73
1950
as Doan
Sweet Smell of Success
1957
as Sidney Falco
Add to Watchlist
Movie will be added to your watchlist