Richard Widmark
Richard Widmark was an American film actor, born on December 26, 1914, in Sunrise Township, Minnesota. He gained recognition for his versatile acting abilities and became known for his intense and often villainous portrayals on screen. Widmark enjoyed a successful career in both film and television, spanning several decades. He passed away on March 24, 2008, in Roxbury, Connecticut, at the age of 93.
Widmark initially studied law at Lake Forest College but later developed an interest in acting. He enrolled in the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and began his journey in the entertainment industry. After working in theater and radio, he made his film debut in 1947 in the crime drama "Kiss of Death." This breakthrough role earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Widmark's portrayal of the psychopathic Tommy Udo in "Kiss of Death" became an iconic performance, establishing him as a versatile actor capable of playing complex and menacing characters. He often excelled in film noir and crime dramas, where he brought a unique intensity and edge to his roles. Some of his notable films from this period include "Panic in the Streets" (1950), "No Way Out" (1950), and "Night and the City" (1950).
Throughout his career, Widmark appeared in a wide range of genres, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He displayed his comedic skills in films like "My Blue Heaven" (1950) and "Don't Bother to Knock" (1952), where he played against type as a bumbling and hapless character. He also ventured into Westerns, starring in movies such as "Broken Lance" (1954) and "The Last Wagon" (1956).
In addition to his film work, Widmark made notable contributions to television. He starred in the television series "Madigan" from 1972 to 1974 and appeared in several TV movies and miniseries. His television performances earned him critical acclaim and further solidified his status as a respected actor.
Richard Widmark's career spanned over five decades, and he appeared in more than 70 films. He worked with acclaimed directors such as Henry Hathaway, Samuel Fuller, and Elia Kazan, and shared the screen with renowned actors like Marilyn Monroe, James Stewart, and Spencer Tracy.
Outside of his acting career, Widmark was known for his private and low-key lifestyle. He married his wife, Jean Hazlewood, in 1942, and they remained together until his death in 2008. They had a daughter named Anne. Widmark was also an avid reader and collector of books.
Richard Widmark's contributions to film and television left a lasting impact on the industry. His intense performances and ability to bring depth to his characters made him a highly respected actor, earning him numerous accolades throughout his career. He is remembered as one of the most talented and influential actors of his generation.
Widmark initially studied law at Lake Forest College but later developed an interest in acting. He enrolled in the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and began his journey in the entertainment industry. After working in theater and radio, he made his film debut in 1947 in the crime drama "Kiss of Death." This breakthrough role earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Widmark's portrayal of the psychopathic Tommy Udo in "Kiss of Death" became an iconic performance, establishing him as a versatile actor capable of playing complex and menacing characters. He often excelled in film noir and crime dramas, where he brought a unique intensity and edge to his roles. Some of his notable films from this period include "Panic in the Streets" (1950), "No Way Out" (1950), and "Night and the City" (1950).
Throughout his career, Widmark appeared in a wide range of genres, showcasing his versatility as an actor. He displayed his comedic skills in films like "My Blue Heaven" (1950) and "Don't Bother to Knock" (1952), where he played against type as a bumbling and hapless character. He also ventured into Westerns, starring in movies such as "Broken Lance" (1954) and "The Last Wagon" (1956).
In addition to his film work, Widmark made notable contributions to television. He starred in the television series "Madigan" from 1972 to 1974 and appeared in several TV movies and miniseries. His television performances earned him critical acclaim and further solidified his status as a respected actor.
Richard Widmark's career spanned over five decades, and he appeared in more than 70 films. He worked with acclaimed directors such as Henry Hathaway, Samuel Fuller, and Elia Kazan, and shared the screen with renowned actors like Marilyn Monroe, James Stewart, and Spencer Tracy.
Outside of his acting career, Widmark was known for his private and low-key lifestyle. He married his wife, Jean Hazlewood, in 1942, and they remained together until his death in 2008. They had a daughter named Anne. Widmark was also an avid reader and collector of books.
Richard Widmark's contributions to film and television left a lasting impact on the industry. His intense performances and ability to bring depth to his characters made him a highly respected actor, earning him numerous accolades throughout his career. He is remembered as one of the most talented and influential actors of his generation.
Quotes:
[on his giggling psychopathic killer in his debut film Kiss of Death (1947)] "I'd never seen myself on the screen, and when I did, I wanted to shoot myself. That damn laugh of mine! For two years after that picture, you couldn't get me to smile. I played the part the way I did because the script struck me as funny and the part I played made me laugh, the guy was such a ridiculous beast."
"Marilyn Monroe wanted to be this great star but acting just scared the hell out of her. That's why she was always late--couldn't get her on the set. She had trouble remembering lines. But none of it mattered. With a very few special people, something happens between the lens and the film that is pure magic. And she really had it."
[in 1986 interview, on Marilyn Monroe] "She was a vulnerable kid. Murder to work with because she was scared to death of acting--even when she became a big movie actress. We had a hell of a time getting her out of the dressing room. When it was five o'clock, it got irritating: "C'mon, Marilyn, we want to go home!" She was a movie animal. Something happened between the lens and the film. Nobody knew what the hell it was.
On the set, you'd think: "Oh, this is impossible; you can't print this". You'd see it, and she's got everyone backed off the screen. [Laurence Olivier] said the same thing. She had that phenomenal something! Nobody knows what it is, but she had it. She certainly was never a professional actress. She always had a coach with her, lurking in the background, giving her signals. And she could never remember three words in a row--so it was all piece-work. Beyond all the technical deficiencies, she was a nice girl. We got along fine."
[on not re-signing with Fox after seven years] "I didn't sign a new contract because I was tired of being shot from one movie to another--finishing one on a Saturday and starting another on Monday. I could get more money on the outside and get a wider variety of stuff."
- Richard Widmark
Trivia:
Very touched by Sidney Poitier presenting him with the D. W. Griffith Lifetime Achievment Award in 1990, Widmark said to his old friend, "Sid, I can't believe you came all the way to California to do this for me." Poitier replied, "For you I would have walked!".
Despite playing heartless killers and bigots on film, he personally denounced all kinds of violence and the usage of guns. He admitted that once he went fishing and regretted the fact he caught a trout and took its life. He also apologized profusely to Sidney Poitier during the shoot of the movie No Way Out (1950) after filming scenes together which called for Widmark to spew out racist remarks.
His sole Academy Award nomination was for best actor in a supporting role for Kiss of Death (1947) in 1948. Though he had won the Golden Globe Award for the role, he lost the Oscar to Edmund Gwenn in Miracle on 34th Street (1947).
Had appeared with Henry Fonda in five films: Warlock (1959), How the West Was Won (1962), Madigan (1968), Rollercoaster (1977) and The Swarm (1978).
Despite playing heartless killers and bigots on film, he personally denounced all kinds of violence and the usage of guns. He admitted that once he went fishing and regretted the fact he caught a trout and took its life. He also apologized profusely to Sidney Poitier during the shoot of the movie No Way Out (1950) after filming scenes together which called for Widmark to spew out racist remarks.
His sole Academy Award nomination was for best actor in a supporting role for Kiss of Death (1947) in 1948. Though he had won the Golden Globe Award for the role, he lost the Oscar to Edmund Gwenn in Miracle on 34th Street (1947).
Had appeared with Henry Fonda in five films: Warlock (1959), How the West Was Won (1962), Madigan (1968), Rollercoaster (1977) and The Swarm (1978).
