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Rip Torn Biography

Birth Name:Elmore Ruel Torn

Birth Place:Temple, Texas, United States

Profession Actor, Soundtrack, Director, Producer

Fast Facts

  • Awarded the 1968 Obie for Distinguished Direction for his work in the Off-Broadway production of "The Beard․"
  • Won a Theater World Award for his work in the Tennessee Williams' play "Sweet Bird of Youth․"
  • While attending Texas A&M University, he studied drama under B․ Iden Payne
  • Quote: "People are finally realizing I'm one of the few actors who has never missed a performance․ I've worked with broken legs, arms, ankles․ I once passed a kidney stone during the opening night of a show․"
  • Arrested in 2010 for breaking into a Connecticut bank with a gun while intoxicated and under the impression that the establishment was his home
  • Widely known for his rich, strident speaking voice
  • Known as a character actor for his work in "The Cincinnati Kid," "Men in Black," "King of Kings," etc
  • Served in the Military Police while in the U․S․ Army
  • Is a first cousin of actress Sissy Spacek who he helped enroll in the Actors' Studio
  • Was the commissioner of GSN's Extreme Dodgeball League

Awards

  • 1981Bronze Wrangler-Theatrical Motion Picture: winner
  • 1984Oscar-Best Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated
  • 1985ACE-Actor in a Theatrical or Dramatic Special: nominated
  • 1985Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or a Special: nominated
  • 1989ACE-Supporting Actor in a Movie or Miniseries: winner
  • 1993American Television Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Situation Comedy: nominated
  • 1993Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1994American Comedy Award-Funniest Supporting Male Performer in a TV Series: winner
  • 1994CableACE-Actor in a Comedy Series: winner
  • 1994Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1995CableACE-Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1995CableACE-Actor in a Comedy Series: winner
  • 1995Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1996CableACE-Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1996Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series: nominated
  • 1996Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: winner
  • 1997CableACE-Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1997Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1997Golden Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Series, Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1997TCA Award-Individual Achievement in Comedy: nominated
  • 1998OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actor in a Series: nominated
  • 1998OFTA Television Award-Best Actor in a Cable Series: winner
  • 1998Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 1998Golden Satellite Award-Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1999American Comedy Award-Funniest Supporting Male Performer in a TV Series: nominated
  • 2002Razzie Award-Worst Supporting Actor: nominated
  • 2008Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series: nominated