Tony Curtis

About

Tony Curtis was an American actor, born as Bernard Schwartz on June 3, 1925, in the Bronx, New York. He rose to fame in the Hollywood scene during the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in over 100 films during his career which encompassed six decades. He was known for his good looks and comedic timing, earning an Oscar nomination for his role in "The Defiant Ones" (1958). He also starred in classic films such as "Some Like It Hot" (1959) alongside Marilyn Monroe, and "Spartacus" (1960). Curtis passed away due to cardiac arrest on September 29, 2010.

Associated With

Tony Curtis was a renowned American actor, whose connections in the film industry spanned over countless collaborations with industry talents in his decades-long career. Starring in over 100 films, Curtis acted alongside celebrated actors such as Marilyn Monroe in "Some Like It Hot," Jack Lemmon, Sidney Poitier in "The Defiant Ones," and Roger Moore in "The Persuaders!". His work with director Billy Wilder on "Some Like It Hot" is particularly noteworthy. In his personal life, Curtis notably dated, and later married, Janet Leigh, another prominent actress of their time known for her role in "Psycho." The couple had two daughters, Jamie Lee Curtis and Kelly Curtis, who also went on to have successful acting careers. Despite multiple marriages later in his life, Curtis’s most famous association remains his relationship with Leigh and their contribution to Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Career Highlights

• 1949: Tony Curtis begins his acting career with a non-speaking role in the noir crime film, "Criss Cross".
• 1950: Curtis earns his first leading role in "The Prince Who Was a Thief".
• 1951: Receives recognition for his role in the adventure film, "The Prince Who Was a Thief".
• 1957: Gains critical acclaim for his dramatic turn in the film "Sweet Smell of Success".
• 1958: Curtis receives his first Golden Globe nomination for "The Defiant Ones".
• 1959: Earns an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in "The Defiant Ones".
• 1960: Tony Curtis stars in the iconic comedy "Some Like It Hot", earning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.
• 1965: Curtis portrays the lead role in "The Great Race" which becomes a notable success.
• 1968: He earns a BAFTA nomination for "The Boston Strangler".
• 1975: Curtis receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• 1978: Tony Curtis wins the Golden Globe Henrietta Award for World Film Favorite - Male.
• 1981: He earns an Emmy nomination for his role in the TV epic "The Scarlett O'Hara War."
• 1998: Curtis receives the Lifetime Achievement Award in Comedy by the American Comedy Awards.
• 2006: Tony Curtis receives the Sony Ericsson Empire Lifetime Achievement Award.
• 2008: He becomes a recipient of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.
• 2010: Tony Curtis passes away, leaving behind a significant legacy in the world of film.

Notable Awards

• Tony Curtis was a renowned actor but his award list does not include an Academy Award win. However, his accomplishments in the film industry were recognized in several ways:
• He was nominated for an Oscar for his role in "The Defiant Ones" in 1958.
• He received a Golden Globe nomination for his work in "Some Like It Hot."
• He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in the year 2000 at the San Diego Film Festival.
• He was also awarded the lifetime achievement award in comedy in 2002 at The US Comedy Arts Festival.
• In 2006, he was honored with Sony Ericsson Empire Lifetime Achievement Award.
• Despite not having bagged a notable award like the Oscar or BAFTA, Tony Curtis had a successful career and his performances were highly appreciated. He remains an icon in Hollywood history.

FAQs

What Is the Most Popular Tony Curtis Movie/TV Show?

Tony Curtis was known for his distinctive roles in Hollywood, but arguably, his most popular film is "Some Like It Hot" (1959). Directed by Billy Wilder, this classic comedy featured Curtis alongside Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe. The plot revolves around two musicians who disguise themselves as women to escape from gangsters after they inadvertently witness a major crime. This film has been widely acclaimed by critics and audiences, and it's considered one of the greatest film comedies of all time. It showcases Curtis's comedic timing and charm, contributing to its status as a popular and iconic piece of cinema.

How Did Tony Curtis Get Famous?

Tony Curtis, born Bernard Schwartz, catapulted to fame as an actor during the golden age of Hollywood. He made his mark with his good looks and charisma in over 60 films across various genres in the 1950s and 1960s. Some of the most notable films that gained him prominence include Stanley Kubrick's "Spartacus", Billy Wilder's classic comedy "Some Like It Hot", for which he received a Golden Globe award, and "The Defiant Ones" which earned him an Academy Award nomination. His successful acting career in both TV and film made Tony Curtis a world-renowned star.