Actor. A volatile and temperamental performer, he was capable of "leading man" roles as well as playing strong supporting characters. Well versed, he was comfortable on stage, in films and television. He is remembered by many for playing "Arthur" in the TV series "The Larry Sanders Show" (1992 to 1998). Born Elmore Rual Torn Jr., he studied Animal Husbandry with the goal of becoming a rancher. He served in the Korean War with the 2nd Infantry Division with the military police in the U.S. Army. He took to acting as a means of financing for a ranch and embarked upon Hollywood in hopes of instant stardom, making his film debut in "Baby Doll" (1956). However, success did not come right away and he would earn wages as a short order cook and dishwasher, prior to landing minor roles on television. After this experience, he relocated to New York and studied under Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio and also took up dancing under Martha Graham. His big break came on the Broadway stage with Tennessee Williams' play "Sweet Bird of Youth" (1959), which earned him a Theatre World Award and a Tony Award nomination. From this success, he returned to Hollywood and appeared in such films as "Pork Chop Hill" (1959), "King of Kings" (1961), the film adaptations of "Sweet Bird of Youth" (1962), "Critic's Choice" (1963), "The Cincinnati Kid" (1965) and "You're a Big Boy Now" (1966). Other notable films include: "Slaughter" (1972), "Payday" (1973), "The Man Who Fell to Earth" (1976), "Coma" (1978), "The Seduction of Joe Tynan" (1979), "Heartland" (1979), "One-Trick Pony" (1980), "City Heat" (1984), "Summer Rental" (1985), "Extreme Prejudice" (1987), "Defending Your Life" (1991), "How to Make an American Quilt" (1995), "Down Periscope" (1996), "Hercules" (1997), "Men in Black" (1997), "The Insider" (1999), "Wonder Boys" (2000), "Men in Black II" (2002) and "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" (2004). During the course of his career, he received several Emmy Award nominations and his performance in "Cross Creek" (1983) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He was formerly married to actresses Ann Wedgeworth and Geraldine Page. At the time of his death, he was married to actress Amy Wright.
Actor. A volatile and temperamental performer, he was capable of "leading man" roles as well as playing strong supporting characters. Well versed, he was comfortable on stage, in films and television. He is remembered by many for playing "Arthur" in the TV series "The Larry Sanders Show" (1992 to 1998). Born Elmore Rual Torn Jr., he studied Animal Husbandry with the goal of becoming a rancher. He served in the Korean War with the 2nd Infantry Division with the military police in the U.S. Army. He took to acting as a means of financing for a ranch and embarked upon Hollywood in hopes of instant stardom, making his film debut in "Baby Doll" (1956). However, success did not come right away and he would earn wages as a short order cook and dishwasher, prior to landing minor roles on television. After this experience, he relocated to New York and studied under Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio and also took up dancing under Martha Graham. His big break came on the Broadway stage with Tennessee Williams' play "Sweet Bird of Youth" (1959), which earned him a Theatre World Award and a Tony Award nomination. From this success, he returned to Hollywood and appeared in such films as "Pork Chop Hill" (1959), "King of Kings" (1961), the film adaptations of "Sweet Bird of Youth" (1962), "Critic's Choice" (1963), "The Cincinnati Kid" (1965) and "You're a Big Boy Now" (1966). Other notable films include: "Slaughter" (1972), "Payday" (1973), "The Man Who Fell to Earth" (1976), "Coma" (1978), "The Seduction of Joe Tynan" (1979), "Heartland" (1979), "One-Trick Pony" (1980), "City Heat" (1984), "Summer Rental" (1985), "Extreme Prejudice" (1987), "Defending Your Life" (1991), "How to Make an American Quilt" (1995), "Down Periscope" (1996), "Hercules" (1997), "Men in Black" (1997), "The Insider" (1999), "Wonder Boys" (2000), "Men in Black II" (2002) and "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" (2004). During the course of his career, he received several Emmy Award nominations and his performance in "Cross Creek" (1983) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He was formerly married to actresses Ann Wedgeworth and Geraldine Page. At the time of his death, he was married to actress Amy Wright.
Bio by: C.S.
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