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Tony Curtis, legendary actor, dies at 85
Tony Curtis, father of actress Jamie Lee Curtis and 1950s movie heartthrob, has died. He was 85.The acclaimed star of "Some Like It Hot" died Wednesday night (Sept. 29) in his Henderson, Nev., hom of a cardiac arrest.
Curtis began his film career with films such as "Son of Ali Baba" and "Houdini." It wasn't until he starred in 1957's "Sweet Smell of Success," in which he plays an unscrupulous and sleazy press agent, that he started getting cast in more substantial roles.
A year later, he received an Oscar nomination for his role in "The Defiant Ones." The film paired him with Sidney Poitier as escaped convicts handcuffed to each other.
Billy Wilder's "Some Like It Hot" is seen as one of Hollywood's funniest films. In it, he and Jack Lemmon masquerade as women to hide out in an all-girl band, which includes Marilyn Monroe, after witnessing a mob hit.
Other highlights of his resume include "Spartacus" and "The Great Race."
Curtis' life was also marked by drug and alcohol abuse.
He was also married multiple times. His and his first wife, Janet Leigh of "Psycho," are the parents to Jamie Lee Curtis and daughter Kelly Curtis.
Curtis has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a mural of Curtis greets drivers heading southbound on Highway 101 southbound at the Sunset Blvd. exit. Follow Zap2it and Zap2itHanh on Twitter and Zap2it on Facebook for the latest movies, TV and celeb news.
Photo credit: MPTV Images, United Artists
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was never a fan
Loved him on "Some Like it Hot" ... R.I.P. Tony!
Loved him in everything I ever saw him in & am finding this growing list of dying stars impossibly sad. Loved him in 'Houdini,' 'The Boston Strangler,' 'The Great Imposter,' 'The Vikings,' the stunning 'Sweet Smell of Success,' 'Trapeze'... Very sad day.
A wonderful actor who's brought me so much enjoyment over the years. My condolences to his family and friends. RIP, Mr. Curtis.
The death of Mr. Tony Curtis leaves an empty space in my heart. Growing-up in the Bronx (N.Y.)and watching most of his movies, always kept me out of trouble (gangs). He, and much other Stars, such as Burt Lancaster, Carl Malden, Kirk Douglas, were and still are my Idols. These fine Men, werent only Actors, but Teachers to a lot of us during the 60's. I will miss him terribly...
Tony Curtis,,nice looking,great actor,loved by many,,oh did i mentions nice looking,loved his movies and he will be missed,prayers are with his family
A very handsome man and wonderful actor. I especially enjoyed him in The Persuaders with Roger Moore.Troubled like most of us as well, nevertheless one of the old true stars who deserves tribute for his accomplishments.My condolences to the family.Rest in Peace, Tony, farewell.
Gorgeous man and lovely actor. And I his first wife was also beautiful. My condolences to Jamie Lee Curtis who I greatly admire. She too is a great actress and is still great looking.
We will all miss you. All my thoughts and prayers go out to the family. R.I.P Tony. I Loved every movie i seen you in.
his looks really remind me of Ray Liotta.