Actor Glenn Ford has passed away at the age of 90.
According to AP writer Bob Thomas:
On Wednesday, the 90-year-old actor who starred in movies such as "The Blackboard Jungle," "Gilda" and "The Big Heat" was found dead in his home, police said. A cause of death was not given, though Ford suffered a series of strokes in the 1990s.Ford appeared in scores of films during his 53-year Hollywood career.
As for me, his role as Jonathan Kent, in the original Superman film will always be with me. He was perfectly cast in the film--bringing the character to life with such an all American feel that it was if Norman Rockwell was there on set coaching him.
The first time I saw him in the groundbreaking drama Blackboard Jungle (1955), as Richard Dadier, was in film school. Wow! He is amazing in that film! A must see for sure!!
Shockingly, despite a long career in Hollywood, and great roles, he never was even nominated for an OSCAR! Can you believe that? He did win a Golden Globe though, in 1961 as best actor for Pocketful of Miracles . In 1963 Ford played Tom Corbett in the comedy The Courtship of Eddie's Father. The premise of which was adapted for TV from 1969-1972. Ford later headlined a schlock horror film from '81, called Happy Birthday to Me--where he elevated the material--making it a true guilty pleasure. Speaking of which, he also showed up on TV's Circus of the Stars #12 (remember those?) What were they thinking?
Failing health meant Ford missed a 90th birthday tribute on May 1st at Hollywood's Grauman's Egyptian Theatre.
But he did send greetings via video, saying:
"I wish I were up and around, but I'm doing the best that I can. There's so much I have to be grateful for."
At the event, actress Shirley Jones, who co-starred with him in "Courtship", called Ford:
"...one of the cornerstones of our industry, and there aren't many left."
For more on this class act, read the rest of the AP tribute...
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