TC
Tony Curtis
Actor, Producer
Born June 3, 1925Died September 29, 2010 (85 years)
Tony Curtis (June 3, 1925 – September 29, 2010) was an American film actor whose career spanned six decades, but had his greatest popularity during the 1950s and early 1960s. He acted in over 100 films in roles covering a wide range of genres, from light comedy to serious drama. In his later years, Curtis made numerous television appearances.
Although his early film roles were partly the result of his good looks, by the later half of the 1950's he became a notable and strong screen presence. He began proving himself to be a “fine dramatic actor,” having the range to act in numerous dramatic and comedy roles. In his earliest parts he acted in a string of "mediocre" films, including swashbucklers, westerns, light comedies, sports films, and a musical. However, by the time he starred in Houdini (1953) with his wife Janet Leigh, "his first clear success," notes critic David Thomson, his acting had progressed immensely.
He won his first serious recognition as a skilled dramatic actor in Sweet Smell of Success (1957) with co-star Burt Lancaster. The following year he was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor in another drama, The Defiant Ones (1958). Curtis then gave what many believe was his best acting, in a completely different role, the comedy Some Like It Hot (1959). Thomson calls it an "outrageous film," and it was voted the number 1 funniest film in history from a survey done by the American Film Institute. It costarred Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe, and was directed by Billy Wilder. That was followed by Blake Edwards’ comedy Operation Petticoat (1959) with Cary Grant. They were both “frantic comedies,” and displayed "his impeccable comic timing." He often collaborated with Edwards on later films.
His most significant serious part came in 1968 when he starred in the true-life drama The Boston Strangler, which some consider his "last major film role." The part reinforced his reputation as a serious actor with his "chilling portrayal" of serial killer Albert DeSalvo. He gained 30 pounds and had his face "rebuilt" with a false nose to look like the real DeSalvo.
Curtis was the father of actresses Jamie Lee Curtis and Kelly Curtis by his first wife, actress Janet Leigh.
Although his early film roles were partly the result of his good looks, by the later half of the 1950's he became a notable and strong screen presence. He began proving himself to be a “fine dramatic actor,” having the range to act in numerous dramatic and comedy roles. In his earliest parts he acted in a string of "mediocre" films, including swashbucklers, westerns, light comedies, sports films, and a musical. However, by the time he starred in Houdini (1953) with his wife Janet Leigh, "his first clear success," notes critic David Thomson, his acting had progressed immensely.
He won his first serious recognition as a skilled dramatic actor in Sweet Smell of Success (1957) with co-star Burt Lancaster. The following year he was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor in another drama, The Defiant Ones (1958). Curtis then gave what many believe was his best acting, in a completely different role, the comedy Some Like It Hot (1959). Thomson calls it an "outrageous film," and it was voted the number 1 funniest film in history from a survey done by the American Film Institute. It costarred Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe, and was directed by Billy Wilder. That was followed by Blake Edwards’ comedy Operation Petticoat (1959) with Cary Grant. They were both “frantic comedies,” and displayed "his impeccable comic timing." He often collaborated with Edwards on later films.
His most significant serious part came in 1968 when he starred in the true-life drama The Boston Strangler, which some consider his "last major film role." The part reinforced his reputation as a serious actor with his "chilling portrayal" of serial killer Albert DeSalvo. He gained 30 pounds and had his face "rebuilt" with a false nose to look like the real DeSalvo.
Curtis was the father of actresses Jamie Lee Curtis and Kelly Curtis by his first wife, actress Janet Leigh.
Movies & Shows on Plex
Known For
Tony Curtis Filmography
| 2017 | The Green Fog · as Cast |
| 2016 | I Am Not Your Negro · as John 'joker' Jackson |
| 2015 | Women He's Undressed · as Cast |
| 2014 | One Rogue Reporter · as Sidney Falco |
| 2010 | Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff · as Eric (archive Footage) (uncredited) |
| 2008 | David & Fatima · as Mr. Schwartz |
| 2008 | |
| 2007 | Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project · as Pete Hammond Jr. |
| 2005 | Filmmakers vs. Tycoons · as Albert Desalvo |
| 2005 | Cuando España se desnudó · as Joe |
| 2004 | Marilyn's Man · as Cast |
| 2003 | Hope & Faith (TV Series) · as Morris |
| 2002 | Reflections of Evil · as Host |
| 2000 | Backstory (2000) (TV Series) · as Albert Desalvo |
| 2000 | The 72nd Annual Academy Awards · as Spoticus |
| 1999 | Play It to the Bone · as Tony Curtis (ringside Fan) |
| 1998 | Roxanne's Best Christmas Ever · as Bernard (voice) |
| 1998 | Roxanne's Best Christmas Ever · as Bernard |
| 1998 | Louis & Frank · as Lenny Star Springer |
| 1997 | Stargames · as King Fendel |
| 1997 | Hardball · as Wald |
| 1996 | Brittle Glory · as Jack Steele |
| 1996 | Suddenly Susan (TV Series) · as Peter Dicaprio |
| 1995 | The Immortals · as Dominic |
| 1995 | The Late Late Show with Tom Snyder (TV Series) · as Cast |
| 1994 | A Perry Mason Mystery: The Case of the Grimacing Governor · as Johnny Steele |
| 1994 | Bandit: Beauty and the Bandit · as Lucky Bergstrom |
| 1994 | The Mummy Lives · as Aziru / Dr. Mohassid |
| 1993 | Naked in New York · as Carl Fisher |
| 1993 | Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (TV Series) · as Dr. Mamba |
| 1992 | Center of the Web · as Stephen Moore |
| 1992 | Christmas in Connecticut · as Alexander Yardley |
| 1991 | Prime Target · as Copella |
| 1990 | Thanksgiving Day · as Max Schloss |
| 1990 | Intimate Portrait (TV Series) · as Joe |
| 1989 | Walter & Carlo i Amerika · as Willy La Rouge |
| 1989 | Tarzan in Manhattan · as Archimedes Porter |
| 1989 | Lobster Man from Mars · as J.p. Shelldrake |
| 1988 | Midnight · as Mr. B |
| 1988 | Roseanne (TV Series) |
| 1988 | Welcome to Germany · as Mr. Cornfield |
| 1987 | |
| 1986 | Murder in Three Acts · as Charles Cartwright |
| 1986 | Banter · as Charles Foster |
| 1986 | Club Life · as Hector |
| 1986 | Mafia Princess · as Sam Giancana |
| 1985 | Insignificance · as The Senator |
| 1985 | |
| 1984 | Where Is Parsifal? · as Parsifal Katzanella-Boden |
| 1983 | Balboa · as Ernie Stoddard |
| 1982 | BrainWaves · as Dr. Clavius |
| 1982 | Black Commando · as Col. Iago |
| 1982 | Hollywood: The Gift of Laughter · as Joe |
| 1982 | Portrait of a Showgirl · as Joey Deleon |
| 1981 | The Fall Guy (TV Series) · as Joe O'hara |
| 1981 | The Million Dollar Face · as Chester Masterson |
| 1981 | Inmates: A Love Story · as Flanagan |
| 1980 | The Mirror Crack'd · as Martin N. Fenn |
| 1980 | The Scarlett O'Hara War · as David O. Selznick |
| 1980 | Little Miss Marker · as Blackie |
| 1980 | It Rained All Night the Day I Left · as Robert Talbot |
| 1980 | The Masqueraders · as Danny Wilde |
| 1979 | Title Shot · as Frank Renzetti |
| 1979 | Death Becomes Me · as Danny Wilde/aunt Sophie Schwartz |
| 1978 | The Users · as Randy Brent |
| 1978 | The Bad News Bears Go to Japan · as Marvin Lazar |
| 1978 | Vega$ (TV Series) · as Roth |
| 1978 | The Manitou · as Harry Erskine |
| 1977 | Sextette · as Alexei Karansky |
| 1977 | The Hollywood Greats (TV Series) |
| 1977 | The Last Appointment! · as Danny Wilde |
| 1977 | Some Like It Cool · as Giacomo Casanova / Giacomino |
| 1976 | The Last Tycoon · as Rodriguez |
| 1976 | The Switch · as Danny Wilde |
| 1975 | Sporting Chance · as Danny Wilde |
| 1975 | McCoy (TV Series) · as Mccoy |
| 1975 | Lepke · as Louis 'lepke' Buchalter |
| 1975 | The Count of Monte-Cristo · as Fernand Morcerf Mondego |
| 1974 | London Conspiracy · as Danny Wilde |
| 1974 | Mission: Monte Carlo · as Danny Wilde |
| 1973 | The Third Girl from the Left · as Joey Jordan |
| 1973 | Shaft (TV Series) · as Clifford Grayson |
| 1973 | The Persuaders! · as Danny Wilde |
| 1971 | The Persuaders! (TV Series) · as Danny Wilde |
| 1970 | Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came · as Shannon Gambroni |
| 1970 | You Can't Win 'Em All · as Adam Dyer |
| 1969 | Bracken's World (TV Series) |
| 1969 | Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies · as Chester Schofield |
| 1968 | The Boston Strangler · as Albert Desalvo |
| 1968 | Rosemary's Baby · as Donald Baumgart (voice) (uncredited) |
| 1967 | On My Way to the Crusades, I Met a Girl Who... · as Guerrando Da Montone |
| 1967 | Don't Make Waves · as Carlo Cofield |
| 1966 | Arrivederci, Baby! · as Nick Johnson |
| 1966 | Not with My Wife, You Don't! · as Tom Ferris |
| 1966 | Chamber of Horrors · as Mr. Julian |
| 1965 | |
| 1965 | Boeing, Boeing · as Bernard Lawrence |
| 1965 | The Great Race · as The Great Leslie |
| 1964 | Goodbye Charlie · as George Wellington Tracy |
| 1964 | Sex and the Single Girl · as Bob Weston |
| 1964 | Wild and Wonderful · as Terry Williams |
| 1964 | Paris When It Sizzles · as Actor Portraying Maurice Or Philippe (uncredited) |
| 1963 | Captain Newman, M.D. · as Cpl. Jackson "jake" Leibowitz |
| 1963 | The List of Adrian Messenger · as Organ Grinder |
| 1962 | 40 Pounds of Trouble · as Steve Mccluskey |
| 1962 | Taras Bulba · as Andrei Bulba |
| 1961 | The Outsider · as Ira Hamilton Hayes |
| 1960 | The Great Impostor · as Ferdinand Waldo Demara Jr. / Martin Donner / Dr. Gilbert / Ben. W. Stone / Dr. Joseph Mornay / Robert Boyd Hammnd |
| 1960 | Spartacus · as Antoninus |
| 1960 | The Rat Race · as Pete Hammond Jr. |
| 1960 | The Flintstones (TV Series) · as Stony Curtis (voice) |
| 1960 | Who Was That Lady? · as David Wilson |
| 1959 | Operation Petticoat · as Lieutenant Nicholas Holden |
| 1959 | Ford Startime (TV Series) · as The Juggler |
| 1959 | Some Like It Hot · as Joe (josephine) |
| 1958 | The Perfect Furlough · as Cpl. Paul Hodges |
| 1958 | The Defiant Ones · as John 'joker' Jackson |
| 1958 | The Vikings · as Eric |
| 1958 | Kings Go Forth · as Caporal Britt Harris |
| 1957 | Sweet Smell of Success · as Sidney Falco |
| 1957 | The Midnight Story · as Joe Martini |
| 1957 | Mister Cory · as Cory |
| 1956 | The Rawhide Years · as Ben Matthews |
| 1956 | Trapeze · as Tino Orsini |
| 1955 | The Square Jungle · as Eddie Quaid / Packy Glennon |
| 1955 | The Purple Mask · as Rene De Traviere / The Purple Mask |
| 1955 | The Joseph Cotten Show: On Trial (TV Series) · as Charlie |
| 1955 | Six Bridges to Cross · as Jerry Florea |
| 1954 | So This Is Paris · as Joe Maxwell |
| 1954 | The Black Shield of Falworth · as Myles Falworth |
| 1954 | Johnny Dark · as Johnny Dark |
| 1954 | Beachhead · as Burke |
| 1953 | Forbidden · as Eddie Darrow |
| 1953 | All American · as Nick Bonelli |
| 1953 | Houdini · as Harry Houdini |
| 1953 | General Electric Theater (TV Series) · as David |
| 1952 | Son of Ali Baba · as Kashma Baba |
| 1952 | Flesh and Fury · as Paul Callan |
| 1952 | No Room for the Groom · as Alvah Morrell |
| 1952 | Meet Danny Wilson · as Nightclub Patron |
| 1951 | The Prince Who Was a Thief · as Julna |
| 1951 | Schlitz Playhouse of Stars (TV Series) · as Charlie |
| 1950 | Kansas Raiders · as Kit Dalton |
| 1950 | Winchester '73 · as Doan |
| 1950 | Sierra · as Brent Coulter |
| 1950 | I Was a Shoplifter · as Pepe |
| 1950 | Francis · as Captain Jones |
| 1950 | Woman in Hiding · as Dave Shaw (voice) (uncredited) |
| 1949 | The Lady Gambles · as Bellboy (as Anthony Curtis) |
| 1949 | City Across the River · as Mitch (as Anthony Curtis) |
| 1949 | Johnny Stool Pigeon · as Joey Hyatt (as Anthony Curtis) |
| 1949 | Criss Cross · as Gigolo (uncredited) |
| 1949 |
| 2025 | My Life As Roger Moore · as Self |
| 2024 | From Roger Moore with Love · as Self (archive Footage) |
| 2024 | Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames · as Self |
| 2023 | Pictures of Ghosts · as Self (archive Footage) |
| 2023 | Charlton Heston: Radical to Right Wing · as Self |
| 2022 | Dream Girl: The Making of Marilyn Monroe · as Self |
| 2022 | |
| 2022 | Blonde · as Tony Curtis |
| 2022 | |
| 2021 | Morceaux de Cannes · as Self |
| 2021 | Wolfgang · as Self |
| 2020 | Natalie Wood: What Remains Behind · as Self |
| 2019 | The UnXplained (TV Series) · as Self (archive Footage) |
| 2017 | The Fabulous Allan Carr · as Self |
| 2014 | Marlon Brando: An Actor Named Desire · as Self - Actor (archive Footage) |
| 2014 | And the Oscar Goes to... · as Self |
| 2013 | The March · as Self |
| 2013 | Talking Pictures (2013) (TV Series) · as Self (archive Footage) |
| 2012 | Fascination: Unauthorized Story of Marilyn Monroe · as Self (archive Footage) |
| 2011 | Sing Your Song · as Self |
| 2011 | Tony Curtis: Driven to Stardom · as Self |
| 2011 | Brasch - Das Wünschen und das Fürchten · as Self |
| 2011 | Unlawful Killing · as Self - Actor, Friend Of Dodi |
| 2011 | The 83rd Annual Academy Awards · as Self - Memorial Tribute |
| 2011 | 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards · as Self - In Memoriam |
| 2010 | Rock Hudson: Dark and Handsome Stranger · as Self |
| 2010 | Heroes of Jules Verne Festival · as Self |
| 2009 | Hollywood on the Tiber · as Self |
| 2009 | Hugh Hefner: Playboy, Activist and Rebel · as Self |
| 2008 | The Bonnie Hunt Show (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 2007 | The Alan Titchmarsh Show (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 2007 | Shrink Rap (TV Series) · as Self |
| 2007 | The Graham Norton Show (TV Series) · as Self |
| 2007 | Classified X · as Self |
| 2006 | The ONE Show (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 2006 | Billy Wilder Speaks · as Self |
| 2005 | |
| 2005 | The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 2004 | Playboy: 50 Years of Playmates · as Self - Actor |
| 2004 | Le grand journal de Canal+ (TV Series) · as Self |
| 2004 | Hollywood Legenden · as Self |
| 2003 | Playboy's 50th Anniversary Celebration · as Self |
| 2003 | The Untitled Star Wars Mockumentary · as Self |
| 2003 | Mayor of the Sunset Strip · as Self |
| 2003 | Il était une fois... (TV Series) · as Self |
| 2002 | Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (TV Series) · as Self - Celebrity Question Presenter |
| 2002 | V Graham Norton (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 2002 | Playboy: Inside the Playboy Mansion · as Self |
| 2002 | Playboy: The Ultimate Pamela Anderson · as Self |
| 2001 | Friday Night with Jonathan Ross (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 2001 | War Stories with Oliver North (TV Series) · as Self |
| 2001 | Rescued from the Closet · as Self |
| 2000 | CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (TV Series) · as Tony Curtis |
| 2000 | |
| 2000 | Playboy 2000: The Party Continues · as Self |
| 1999 | The Martin Short Show (1999) (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1999 | Hollywood: Wild in the Streets · as Self - Party Footage |
| 1999 | Playboy: Playmate Pajama Party · as Self |
| 1999 | The Rat Pack (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1998 | Roll on Sunday (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1998 | Die Johannes B. Kerner Show (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1997 | Jackie Brown · as Self |
| 1997 | The View (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1997 | Elvis Meets Nixon · as Tony Curtis |
| 1996 | Very Important Pennis: Uncut · as Self |
| 1996 | Whoever That Fails (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1996 | Private Screenings (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1995 | The Celluloid Closet · as Self |
| 1995 | 50 Years of Funny Females · as Self |
| 1995 | The Mrs Merton Show (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1995 | |
| 1994 | 100 Years at the Movies · as Self |
| 1994 | A Century of Cinema · as Self |
| 1994 | The Best of the Don Lane Show · as Self |
| 1993 | Late Night with Conan O'Brien (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1993 | |
| 1993 | |
| 1992 | Late Show with David Letterman (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1992 | Hugh Hefner: Once Upon a Time · as Self |
| 1991 | Noel's House Party (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1989 | Pat Sajak Show (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1989 | The Arsenio Hall Show (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1988 | This Morning (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1988 | Later with Bob Costas (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1988 | 48 Hours (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1987 | The Dame Edna Experience (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1987 | NPA (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1987 | Biography (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1987 | The 44th Annual Golden Globe Awards · as Self - Presenter |
| 1986 | The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal · as Self |
| 1983 | Hollywood Out-takes and Rare Footage · as Self (archive Footage) (uncredited) |
| 1982 | Timewatch (TV Series) · as Self - Interviewee |
| 1982 | Wogan (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1982 | Na sowas! (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1982 | Late Night With David Letterman (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1981 | Entertainment Tonight (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1981 | Wetten, dass..? (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1981 | An Evening At the Improv (TV Series) · as Self - Host |
| 1981 | |
| 1980 | Hour Magazine (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1979 | 60 Minutes Australia (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1978 | Electric Light Orchestra: 'Out of the Blue' Tour Live at Wembley · as Self - Introduction |
| 1975 | People's Choice Awards (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1975 | Good Morning America (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1974 | Dinah! (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1973 | AFI Life Achievement Award (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1972 | Pebble Mill at One (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1972 | The ABC Comedy Hour (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1971 | The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1971 | Parkinson (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1971 | V.I.P.-Schaukel (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1971 | Norman Jewison, Film Maker · as Self (uncredited) |
| 1969 | The 41st Annual Academy Awards · as Self - Presenter |
| 1968 | The Dick Cavett Show (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1967 | Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1963 | Hollywood: The Great Stars · as Self |
| 1962 | The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1962 | The Merv Griffin Show (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1962 | The Late Late Show (IE) (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1961 | The Mike Douglas Show (TV Series) · as Self - Co-Host |
| 1961 | The 33rd Annual Academy Awards · as Self - Presenter |
| 1960 | Pepe · as Tony Curtis |
| 1960 | Here's Hollywood (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1960 | The 32nd Annual Academy Awards · as Self - Presenter |
| 1960 | People, Hopes, Medals · as Self |
| 1959 | Premier Khrushchev in the USA · as Self |
| 1959 | The 31st Annual Academy Awards · as Self - Nominee & Presenter |
| 1956 | The Steve Allen Show (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1955 | Allen in Movieland · as Self |
| 1954 | The George Gobel Show (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1954 | A Star Is Born World Premiere · as Self |
| 1953 | Person to Person (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1953 | The Academy Awards (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1953 | The 25th Annual Academy Awards · as Self - Audience Member |
| 1953 | The World's Most Beautiful Girls · as Self |
| 1952 | The Linkletter Show (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1952 | I've Got a Secret (TV Series) · as Self - Guest Star |
| 1952 | Today (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1952 | Olympic Fund Telethon · as Self |
| 1950 | This Is Your Life (US) (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1950 | The Jack Benny Program (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1950 | The Colgate Comedy Hour (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1950 | The Bob Hope Show (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1950 | What's My Line? (TV Series) · as Self - Mystery Guest |
| 1948 | The Perry Como Show (TV Series) · as Self - Guest |
| 1948 | The Ed Sullivan Show (TV Series) · as Self |
| 1967 | Don't Make Waves · as Executive Producer |
| 1966 | Not with My Wife, You Don't! · as Executive Producer |
| 1965 | The Great Race · as Executive Producer |
| 1964 | Sex and the Single Girl · as Executive Producer |
| 1964 | Wild and Wonderful · as Executive Producer |
| 1963 | Captain Newman, M.D. · as Executive Producer |
| 1962 | 40 Pounds of Trouble · as Executive Producer |
| 1962 | Taras Bulba · as Executive Producer |
| 1959 | Ford Startime (TV Series) · as Executive Producer |
| 1958 | The Defiant Ones · as Executive Producer |
| 1958 | The Vikings · as Executive Producer |
| 1957 | Sweet Smell of Success · as Executive Producer |
| 1957 | Mister Cory · as Executive Producer |