Richard Widmark was an American actor and producer whose career spanned several decades, leaving a lasting impact on film, stage, and television. Born in 1914 in Sunrise, Minnesota, Widmark grew up in Princeton
and spent some time in Henry, Illinois. His father, Carl Henry Widmark, was the son of Swedish immigrants, and his mother was Mae Ethel Barr Nelson. Widmark's journey into acting began at Lake Forest College, where he studied the craft before eventually teaching there.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Widmark's career took off in the late 1930s when he debuted on radio in "Les Misérables" alongside Orson Welles. By the early 1940s, he was trying his luck on Broadway, appearing in "Kiss and Tell" and "Dream Girl." His big break came in 1947 with the film "Kiss of Death," where he played a psychopathic gangster. This role earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and established him as a notable figure in Hollywood.
Widmark's portrayal of the villainous Tommy Udo, who infamously pushed a wheelchair-bound woman down a flight of stairs, became iconic. His performance was so memorable that it inspired college fraternities to form clubs in his character's name, and people often asked him to recreate his maniacal laugh.
Versatility in Film Roles
Throughout his career, Widmark demonstrated remarkable versatility, playing a range of characters from criminals to heroes. In "Les Forbans de la nuit" and "Le Port de la drogue," he portrayed ambitious and megalomaniacal criminals. However, he also took on roles that showcased his ability to play more virtuous characters, such as a conscientious police officer in "Panique dans la rue" and the legendary Jim Bowie in "Alamo."
Widmark's ability to shift between different types of roles kept audiences engaged and showcased his depth as an actor. His portrayal of an officer in "Les Cheyennes" highlighted his capacity to convey complex emotions and moral dilemmas, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile performer.
Later Years and Legacy
In the later years of his career, Widmark transitioned to television, reprising his role as Dan Madigan in a series of police dramas. Despite moving to smaller roles in films like "Le Crime de l'Orient-Express," his impact on the industry remained significant. Widmark's contributions to cinema were recognized in 1995 when the Cinémathèque Française honored him by screening 27 of his films.
Widmark's personal life included a long marriage to screenwriter Jean Hazlewood, with whom he had a daughter. After Hazlewood's passing, he remarried Susan Blanchard. Widmark passed away in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of diverse and memorable performances that continue to influence actors and filmmakers today.
