LAWRENCE TIERNEY
AND FILM NOIR
Lawrence Tierney had a significant impact in the film noir genre with his memorable performances as tough, hardened characters. His portrayal of menacing and morally ambiguous figures added depth and intensity to the films he appeared in, contributing to the overall atmosphere and legacy of film noir.
Tierney's breakout role in the crime film "Dillinger" (1945) established him as a formidable presence in the genre. His portrayal of the notorious gangster John Dillinger showcased his ability to embody a ruthless and dangerous character, capturing the essence of the noir anti-hero. Tierney's intense performance added an air of authenticity and danger to the film, helping to solidify his place in the genre.
One of Tierney's most notable contributions to film noir came with his role in "Born to Kill" (1947). Playing the character of Sam Wild, a charming but psychopathic individual, Tierney delivered a captivating performance that epitomized the morally ambiguous characters often found in noir. His ability to portray a complex and deeply flawed character added depth and tension to the film, showcasing his talent for bringing morally questionable figures to life.
Tierney's tough-guy persona and his ability to convey a sense of danger made him a sought-after actor in the film noir genre. His roles in films like "The Devil Thumbs a Ride" (1947), "Bodyguard" (1948), and "The Hoodlum" (1951) showcased his talent for playing hardened criminals and authority figures with an intimidating presence.
Beyond his specific roles, Tierney's impact in film noir extended to his overall image and reputation. His rough exterior and off-screen reputation as a tough and unpredictable individual added to his mystique and further enhanced his portrayal of morally ambiguous characters. Tierney's real-life persona seemed to align with the archetypal noir anti-hero, contributing to his lasting impact in the genre.
While Tierney's career had its ups and downs, his intense performances and his embodiment of the tough-guy archetype made him an important figure in film noir. His contributions helped define the genre and left a lasting impression on audiences, solidifying his place as one of the memorable actors associated with the darker side of cinema.
Tierney's breakout role in the crime film "Dillinger" (1945) established him as a formidable presence in the genre. His portrayal of the notorious gangster John Dillinger showcased his ability to embody a ruthless and dangerous character, capturing the essence of the noir anti-hero. Tierney's intense performance added an air of authenticity and danger to the film, helping to solidify his place in the genre.
One of Tierney's most notable contributions to film noir came with his role in "Born to Kill" (1947). Playing the character of Sam Wild, a charming but psychopathic individual, Tierney delivered a captivating performance that epitomized the morally ambiguous characters often found in noir. His ability to portray a complex and deeply flawed character added depth and tension to the film, showcasing his talent for bringing morally questionable figures to life.
Tierney's tough-guy persona and his ability to convey a sense of danger made him a sought-after actor in the film noir genre. His roles in films like "The Devil Thumbs a Ride" (1947), "Bodyguard" (1948), and "The Hoodlum" (1951) showcased his talent for playing hardened criminals and authority figures with an intimidating presence.
Beyond his specific roles, Tierney's impact in film noir extended to his overall image and reputation. His rough exterior and off-screen reputation as a tough and unpredictable individual added to his mystique and further enhanced his portrayal of morally ambiguous characters. Tierney's real-life persona seemed to align with the archetypal noir anti-hero, contributing to his lasting impact in the genre.
While Tierney's career had its ups and downs, his intense performances and his embodiment of the tough-guy archetype made him an important figure in film noir. His contributions helped define the genre and left a lasting impression on audiences, solidifying his place as one of the memorable actors associated with the darker side of cinema.
AVAILABLE FILMS:
BACK TO BATAAN (1945)
BADMAN'S TERRITORY (1946)
BEST OF THE BADMEN (1950)
BODYGUARD (1948)
BORN TO KILL (1947)
DEVIL THUMBS A RIDE, THE (1947)
DILLINGER (1945)
FALCON OUT WEST, THE (1944)
FEMALE JUNGLE, THE (1956)
GHOST SHIP, THE (1943)
HOODLUM, THE (1951)
KILL OR BE KILLED (1950)
SAN QUENTIN (1946)
STEEL CAGE, THE (1954)
STEP BY STEP (1946)
BADMAN'S TERRITORY (1946)
BEST OF THE BADMEN (1950)
BODYGUARD (1948)
BORN TO KILL (1947)
DEVIL THUMBS A RIDE, THE (1947)
DILLINGER (1945)
FALCON OUT WEST, THE (1944)
FEMALE JUNGLE, THE (1956)
GHOST SHIP, THE (1943)
HOODLUM, THE (1951)
KILL OR BE KILLED (1950)
SAN QUENTIN (1946)
STEEL CAGE, THE (1954)
STEP BY STEP (1946)
VIDEO TRIBUTE
Lawrence Tierney

Lawrence Tierney, born on March 15, 1919, in Brooklyn, New York, was an American actor known for his tough-guy persona and his contributions to film noir and crime films. Tierney's career spanned several decades, and he left a lasting impact on the industry with his intense portrayals of characters with a menacing presence.
Tierney began his acting career on the stage and made his Broadway debut in the late 1930s. He soon transitioned to film and gained recognition for his role as the titular character in the crime film "Dillinger" (1945), directed by Max Nosseck. This role solidified Tierney's image as a tough, no-nonsense character, and he became known for playing hardened criminals or authority figures with a ruthless demeanor.
One of Tierney's most notable contributions to the film noir genre came with his portrayal of the titular character in "Born to Kill" (1947), directed by Robert Wise. In this film, Tierney played a charming but sociopathic character named Sam Wild, who becomes entangled in a web of murder and deceit. His performance showcased his ability to portray complex and morally ambiguous characters, adding depth and tension to the film.
Tierney's career continued throughout the 1940s and 1950s, and he appeared in several other notable film noir and crime films. Some of his notable roles include "The Devil Thumbs a Ride" (1947), "Bodyguard" (1948), and "The Hoodlum" (1951). He often played characters with a rough exterior and a propensity for violence, embodying the archetype of the film noir anti-hero.
However, Tierney's personal life and reputation for being difficult to work with sometimes overshadowed his talent and potential. His behavior off-screen often led to clashes with directors and co-stars, and it affected his career opportunities. Despite these challenges, Tierney continued to work in film, television, and theater, leaving his mark on various projects.
In the later years of his career, Tierney made appearances in notable films such as Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs" (1992), which introduced him to a new generation of viewers. His role as Joe Cabot, a seasoned criminal, showcased his ability to portray intimidating and authoritative characters.
Lawrence Tierney passed away on February 26, 2002, leaving behind a legacy as one of the iconic tough-guy actors of the film noir and crime genre. Despite the challenges he faced, Tierney's intense performances and his ability to embody menacing characters continue to be remembered and appreciated by fans of classic cinema.
Tierney began his acting career on the stage and made his Broadway debut in the late 1930s. He soon transitioned to film and gained recognition for his role as the titular character in the crime film "Dillinger" (1945), directed by Max Nosseck. This role solidified Tierney's image as a tough, no-nonsense character, and he became known for playing hardened criminals or authority figures with a ruthless demeanor.
One of Tierney's most notable contributions to the film noir genre came with his portrayal of the titular character in "Born to Kill" (1947), directed by Robert Wise. In this film, Tierney played a charming but sociopathic character named Sam Wild, who becomes entangled in a web of murder and deceit. His performance showcased his ability to portray complex and morally ambiguous characters, adding depth and tension to the film.
Tierney's career continued throughout the 1940s and 1950s, and he appeared in several other notable film noir and crime films. Some of his notable roles include "The Devil Thumbs a Ride" (1947), "Bodyguard" (1948), and "The Hoodlum" (1951). He often played characters with a rough exterior and a propensity for violence, embodying the archetype of the film noir anti-hero.
However, Tierney's personal life and reputation for being difficult to work with sometimes overshadowed his talent and potential. His behavior off-screen often led to clashes with directors and co-stars, and it affected his career opportunities. Despite these challenges, Tierney continued to work in film, television, and theater, leaving his mark on various projects.
In the later years of his career, Tierney made appearances in notable films such as Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs" (1992), which introduced him to a new generation of viewers. His role as Joe Cabot, a seasoned criminal, showcased his ability to portray intimidating and authoritative characters.
Lawrence Tierney passed away on February 26, 2002, leaving behind a legacy as one of the iconic tough-guy actors of the film noir and crime genre. Despite the challenges he faced, Tierney's intense performances and his ability to embody menacing characters continue to be remembered and appreciated by fans of classic cinema.
Quotes:
[during a 1987 interview] "I haven't had a drink in, oh, five years now. I finally wised up. I'd say it was about time. Heck, I threw away about seven careers through drink."
- Lawrence Tierney
Trivia:
When he guest-starred on the Seinfeld (1989) episode The Jacket (1991) as Elaine's father, he scared the cast so badly that they never had him back on. He stole a butcher knife from Jerry Seinfeld's TV kitchen and hid it under his jacket. When Seinfeld undauntedly confronted him about it (much to the dismay of the entire cast), Tierney pretended that he was going to use the knife as a gag in reference to the movie Psycho (1960) during the episode and quickly returned it.
Off-screen, his arrests for drunken brawls at bars and Hollywood parties took a heavy toll on his once-promising career in the 1950s. Booze was always at the root of his misbehavior, which included tearing a public phone off the wall, hitting a waiter in the face with a sugar bowl, breaking a college student's jaw and attempting to choke a cab driver.
Larry is mentioned in Shelley Winters autobiography where she tells the story of their brief affair in the mid 40s on the same day that World War II ended. When they ran into each other again in the 90s at Silver Spoon diner in West Hollywood, Shelley said, "You never called me!" before laughing hysterically.
Arrested in July of 1961 in Beverly Hills for attempting to crash a party thrown by Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher. Tierney was extremely drunk at the time and spent the next few days in jail awaiting a hearing regarding his arrest.
Was offered the role of Charlie "The Gent" Malloy, the mob lawyer, in Elia Kazan's classic On the Waterfront (1954). Tierney lost out on the part when he demanded more money than was offered. Subsequently, Rod Steiger played Charlie, and won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination. Accepting the part likely would have revitalized Tierney's career, at least in the short-term.
Off-screen, his arrests for drunken brawls at bars and Hollywood parties took a heavy toll on his once-promising career in the 1950s. Booze was always at the root of his misbehavior, which included tearing a public phone off the wall, hitting a waiter in the face with a sugar bowl, breaking a college student's jaw and attempting to choke a cab driver.
Larry is mentioned in Shelley Winters autobiography where she tells the story of their brief affair in the mid 40s on the same day that World War II ended. When they ran into each other again in the 90s at Silver Spoon diner in West Hollywood, Shelley said, "You never called me!" before laughing hysterically.
Arrested in July of 1961 in Beverly Hills for attempting to crash a party thrown by Elizabeth Taylor and Eddie Fisher. Tierney was extremely drunk at the time and spent the next few days in jail awaiting a hearing regarding his arrest.
Was offered the role of Charlie "The Gent" Malloy, the mob lawyer, in Elia Kazan's classic On the Waterfront (1954). Tierney lost out on the part when he demanded more money than was offered. Subsequently, Rod Steiger played Charlie, and won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination. Accepting the part likely would have revitalized Tierney's career, at least in the short-term.