Born: July 18, 1911 – Died: June 15, 2003
Hume Cronyn, a Canadian actor, had a remarkable career in the entertainment industry. Born on July 18, 1911, he came from a prominent family, with his father being politician Hume Blake Cronyn and his mother Frances Amelia Labatt, being an heiress of the Labatt Brewing Company. Cronyn made his mark as an actor, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "The Seventh Cross" in 1944. He collaborated with renowned director Alfred Hitchcock and played a memorable role in the science fiction film "Cocoon". With numerous accolades and a rich acting legacy, Cronyn left a lasting impact on the world of cinema.
Early Life and Career
Hume Cronyn had a privileged upbringing, coming from a prominent family. His father, Hume Blake Cronyn, was a politician, and his mother, Frances Amelia Labatt, was an heiress of the Labatt Brewing Company. Cronyn attended Ridley College in St. Catharines and later McGill University in Montreal. Initially studying pre-law, he eventually switched his major to acting. Seeking further training, Cronyn enrolled at the renowned American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where he studied under theatrical director Max Reinhardt.
Cronyn made his Broadway debut in 1934, appearing in the play "Hipper's Holiday" in a minor role as a janitor. While building a career in theater, he made his film debut in Alfred Hitchcock's psychological thriller "Shadow of a Doubt" in 1943, portraying the character of Herbie Hawkins, a crime fiction enthusiast. This marked the beginning of a successful collaboration with Hitchcock, as Cronyn went on to act in "Lifeboat" (1944) and served as a screenwriter for "Rope" (1948) and "Under Capricorn" (1949).
However, it was Cronyn's role as Joe Finley in the science fiction film "Cocoon" (1985) that brought him significant recognition and commercial success. The film became a surprise box office hit, and Cronyn's portrayal earned him a Saturn Award nomination for Best Actor. Although he did not win the award, the role further solidified his status as a respected and versatile actor.
Throughout his career, Cronyn received several accolades for his performances. In addition to his Academy Award nomination for "The Seventh Cross" (1944), he garnered praise and recognition for his work in various films and television projects. He also had a significant personal and professional partnership with his wife, Jessica Tandy. The couple frequently appeared together on stage, film, and television, showcasing their remarkable chemistry and talent.
Cronyn married actress Jessica Tandy in 1942, and they remained married until her death in 1994. After her passing, Cronyn married writer Susan Cooper in 1996.
Cronyn's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry cannot be understated. His talent and dedication earned him a reputation as a highly respected actor, known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters. He was considered a true legend in the industry and left an indelible mark on film, theater, and television.
Cronyn's contributions as an actor and his dedication to his craft remain his most significant legacy. He is remembered as a highly influential figure in the entertainment industry, leaving behind a body of work that continues to captivate audiences.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | A Separate Peace (TV Movie) | Professor Carmichael |
| 2001 | Off Season (TV Movie) | Sam Clausner |
| 2000 | Yesterday's Children (TV Movie) | Old Sonny Sutton |
| 1999 | Seasons of Love (TV Mini Series) | Lonzo |
| 1999 | Santa and Pete (TV Movie) | Saint Nick |
| 1999 | Sea People (TV Movie) | Mr. McRae |
| 1998 | Angel Passing (Short) | Unknown |
| 1997 | 12 Angry Men (TV Movie) | Juror #9 |
| 1997 | Alone (TV Movie) | John Webb |
| 1996 | Marvin's Room | Marvin |
| 1995 | People: A Musical Celebration (TV Movie) | Grandpa (voice) |
| 1994 | Camilla | Ewald |
| 1993 | To Dance with the White Dog (TV Movie) | Robert Samuel Peek |
| 1993 | The Pelican Brief | Justice Rosenberg |
| 1992 | Broadway Bound (TV Movie) | Ben |
| 1991 | Christmas on Division Street (TV Movie) | Cleveland Meriwether |
| 1989 | Age-Old Friends (TV Movie) | John Cooper |
| 1989 | Day One (TV Movie) | James F. Byrnes |
| 1988 | Cocoon: The Return | Joe Finley |
| 1987 | *batteries not included | Frank Riley |
| 1987 | Foxfire (TV Movie) | Hector Nations |
| 1985 | Cocoon | Joe Finley |
| 1985 | Brewster's Millions | Rupert Horn |
| 1984 | Impulse | Dr. Carr |
| 1982 | The World According to Garp | Mr. Fields |
| 1981 | The Gin Game (TV Movie) | Weller Martin |
| 1981 | Rollover | Maxwell Emery |
| 1981 | Honky Tonk Freeway | Sherm |
| 1976 | 33 Hours in the Life of God (TV Movie) | Dr. Jaffe |
| 1974 | The Parallax View | Bill Rintels |
| 1974 | Conrack | Skeffington |
| 1972 | Norman Corwin Presents (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1970–1971 | Hawaii Five-O (TV Series) | Lewis Avery Filer |
| 1970 | There Was a Crooked Man... | Dudley Whinner |
| 1969 | Gaily, Gaily | Tim Grogan |
| 1969 | The Arrangement | Arthur Houghton |
| 1964 | Hamlet | Polonius |
| 1963 | Cleopatra | Sosigenes |
| 1961 | Naked City (TV Series) | Professor Henry J. Fallon |
| 1960 | Spartacus | Gladiator (uncredited) |
| 1960 | The Barbara Stanwyck Show (TV Series) | Charles King |
| 1960 | Sunrise at Campobello | Louis Howe |
| 1960 | Play of the Week (TV Series) | Jack Boyle |
| 1960 | Juno and the Paycock (TV Movie) | Unknown |
| 1959 | A Doll's House (TV Movie) | Nils Krogstad |
| 1959 | The Moon and Sixpence (TV Movie) | Dirk Stroeve |
| 1959 | The Ed Sullivan Show (TV Series) | Jerry in a scene from 'A Pound on Demand' |
| 1956–1958 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series) | Henry Daw | Fitzhugh Oldham |
| 1956–1958 | General Electric Theater (TV Series) | Benedict Arnold Brummel | Ralph Whitemore |
| 1958 | The Loretta Young Show (TV Series) | Henry Goodens | Hap Martin |
| 1958 | Telephone Time (TV Series) | Alfred Nobel |
| 1958 | The DuPont Show of the Month (TV Series) | Uncle Pio |
| 1957 | Studio 57 (TV Series) | Mr. Shaw |
| 1957 | Schlitz Playhouse (TV Series) | Wilbur Meeler |
| 1949–1957 | Studio One (TV Series) | Ellis Davenport | Mr. Moore | Pop Thatcher ... |
| 1956–1957 | The Alcoa Hour (TV Series) | Ralph Grimes | Wise Gentleman | Sam Pickens |
| 1956 | The Kaiser Aluminum Hour (TV Series) | Holtz |
| 1956 | Crowded Paradise | George Heath |
| 1953–1956 | Omnibus (TV Series) | (segment "The Better Half") | (segment "Minds over Manners") | Harold Mitchell (segment "Courtship") ... |
| 1956 | Climax! (TV Series) | Reverend Mr. Muldoon |
| 1956 | The United States Steel Hour (TV Series) | Priam Farll |
| 1955 | Goodyear Playhouse (TV Series) | Ben Marriott |
| 1950–1955 | The Philco Television Playhouse (TV Series) | Ben Marriott |
| 1955 | Producers' Showcase (TV Series) | Michael |
| 1954 | The Marriage (TV Series) | Ben Marriott | Narrator |
| 1954 | The Motorola Television Hour (TV Series) | Anthony Updyke |
| 1953 | Willys Theatre Presenting Ben Hecht's Tales of the City (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1951 | Betty Crocker Star Matinee (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1951 | People Will Talk | Prof. Rodney Elwell |
| 1950 | Pulitzer Prize Playhouse (TV Series) | Charles Ponzi |
| 1949–1950 | Suspense (TV Series) | Sig | Dr. Violet |
| 1949–1950 | The Ford Theatre Hour (TV Series) | Harry Binion | Hugo Barnstead |
| 1949 | Top o' the Morning | Hughie Devine |
| 1949 | The Chevrolet Tele-Theatre (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1948 | The Bride Goes Wild | John McGrath |
| 1947 | Brute Force | Capt. Munsey |
| 1947 | The Beginning or the End | Dr. J. Robert Oppenheimer |
| 1946 | The Secret Heart | Dinner Party Guest (voice, uncredited) |
| 1946 | The Postman Always Rings Twice | Arthur Keats |
| 1946 | The Green Years | Papa Leckie |
| 1946 | A Letter for Evie | John Phineas McPherson |
| 1945 | The Sailor Takes a Wife | Freddie Potts |
| 1945 | Ziegfeld Follies | Monty ('A Sweepstakes Ticket') |
| 1945 | Main Street After Dark | Keller |
| 1944 | Blonde Fever | Diner at Inn (uncredited) |
| 1944 | The Seventh Cross | Paul Roeder |
| 1944 | Lifeboat | Stanley Garrett |
| 1943 | The Cross of Lorraine | Duval |
| 1943 | Phantom of the Opera | Gerard |
| 1943 | Shadow of a Doubt | Herbie Hawkins |
