Jack Warden Biography

Fast Facts

• Was a member of the Actors Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
• His role as Chicago Bears coach George Halas in "Brian's Song" garnered him an Emmy Award for Acting in a Supporting Role in a Drama
• Studied acting on the G․I․ Bill of rights while joining the Dallas Alley Theater, performing on stage for five years until making his TV debut in "The Philco Television Playhouse․"
• After receiving a play from a fellow soldier, he decided that after the war he would start an acting career
• Worked as a professional boxer, a nightclub bouncer, a tugboat deckhand and a lifeguard, then joined the armed forces, which resulted in him shattering his leg and reading a Clifford Odets play during his recovery that inspired him to act
• Frequently played New Yorkers who were tough-talkers
• As a career character actor, he played many soldiers, cops, sports coaches, friends of leading men and similar roles
• Befriended and mentored actors Robert Hooks and Jeff Rubinstein and actress Penny Peyser
• Lived with his grandparents in Louisville, Kentucky in his youth
• Was not required to fight on D-Day due to a leg injury, but recovered enough to fight in the Battle of the Bulge