Apr
4
Tony Curtis Remembered!
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences kicked off its "Great To Be Nominated, Part Three," series with 1958 Best Picture nominee "The Defiant Ones" on April 10, 2006. Pictured here at the panel discussion following the screening are (left to right) stuntman Bob Hoy; Tony Curtis, nominated for his leading role as John "Joker" Jackson; Karen Kramer, widow of Oscar¨-nominated director/producer Stanley Kramer; Theodore Bikel, nominated for his supporting role as Sheriff Max Muller; and Elizabeth MacRae, widow of Ocscar¨-winning screenwriter Nedrick Young.
*From the ARCHIVES!*
Tony Curtis, (June 3, 1925 – September 29, 2010)
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of Tony Curtis, who died yesterday.
James Longley, Tony Curtis, and Robin Hessman at the 1994 (21st) Student Academy Awards ceremony.
Tony Curtis, born Bernard Schwartz, grew up in poverty. He served three years in the U.S. Marine Corp and received an honorable discharge. Curtis realized the G.I. Bill would pay for acting school in New York City, so he quickly began studying. As good fortune would have it, Curtis was noticed by theatrical agent, Joyce Selznick, who just happened to be the niece of film producer David Selznick! Tony was offered a seven year contract with Universal Pictures.
Tony Curtis went on to make over 100 motion pictures. He was nominated for an Academy Award®, Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1959 for his part as John “Joker” Jackson in “The Defiant Ones” (1958).
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences kicked off its "Great To Be Nominated, Part Three," series with 1958 Best Picture nominee "The Defiant Ones" on April 10, 2006. Pictured here is Best Actor nominee Tony Curtis (right), who stars as John "Joker" Jackson, with his grandson, Nicholas Curtis.
