Arthur Anton "Tony" Randall
- Born:
- February 25, 1920, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
- Died:
- May 17, 2004, New York City, New York, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actor, Comedian, Singer, Producer, Director
Early Life and Education
- Born Arthur Anton Rosenberg, later known as Tony Randall.
- Attended Northwestern University for a year before pursuing acting.
- Studied acting at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began his acting career on stage and radio.
- Gained prominence in television with roles in shows like "Mister Peepers."
- Achieved widespread recognition for his role as Felix Unger in the television series "The Odd Couple" (1970-1975).
- Starred in numerous films, including "Pillow Talk" and "Lover Come Back," often opposite Doris Day and Rock Hudson.
- Hosted "The Tony Randall Show" twice, in 1976 and 1981.
- Founded the National Actors Theatre in 1991, dedicated to reviving classic plays.
- Advocated for the preservation of classic theatre and the importance of arts education.
Notable Works
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Oh, Men! Oh, Women! | Arthur Turner |
| 1957 | Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? | Irving Miller |
| 1959 | Pillow Talk | Jonathan Forbes |
| 1961 | Lover Come Back | Peter 'Pete' Ramsey |
| 1965 | The Alphabet Murders | Hercule Poirot |
Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1952-1955 | Mister Peepers | Harvey Weskit |
| 1970-1975 | The Odd Couple | Felix Unger |
| 1976-1978 | The Tony Randall Show (1976 series) | Judge Walter Franklin |
| 1981-1982 | Love, Sidney | Sidney Shorr |
Legacy and Impact
Tony Randall's career spanned several decades, leaving a significant mark on television, film, and theater. He is remembered for his comedic timing, his dedication to classic theatre, and his advocacy for the arts. The existence of a "tony randall death biography book" would attest to the enduring public interest in his life and accomplishments. His establishment of the National Actors Theatre contributed significantly to the preservation and performance of classic plays.