Born: April 27, 1922 – Died: December 24, 2012.
Jack Klugman was an iconic actor known for his versatility and relatable everyman persona. He was a trailblazer in the world of television acting during the 1950s and made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. Klugman is best remembered for his unforgettable performances as Oscar Madison on The Odd Couple (1970) and as the medical examiner on Quincy M.E. (1976). With three Primetime Emmy Awards to his name, Klugman's talent and charm captivated audiences for decades. His contributions to film and television continue to be celebrated and remembered even after his death on December 24, 2012.
Early Life and Career
Jack Klugman was born on April 27, 1922, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Klugman attended Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University) in Pittsburgh, where he studied drama.
He began his acting career in the theater and made his Broadway debut in 1952 in the play "Golden Boy." Klugman's first professional film role came in 1956 in the movie "Time Table." However, it was his role as Juror 5 in the critically acclaimed film "12 Angry Men" in 1957 that gained him recognition and critical acclaim. This role marked a turning point in his career and established him as a talented and versatile actor.
Klugman's true breakthrough came in the 1970s when he landed the role of Oscar Madison, the messy and lovable sportswriter, in the television sitcom "The Odd Couple." The show was a huge success and catapulted Klugman to stardom. He portrayed Oscar Madison for five seasons, from 1970 to 1975, and his performance earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards.
In addition to "The Odd Couple," Klugman's other notable television role was as Dr. R. Quincy in the series "Quincy M.E." (1976-1983). He played the role of a medical examiner, combining his acting skills with his interest in health and forensic science. Klugman received another Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his performance in this series.
Throughout his career, Klugman won three Primetime Emmy Awards and received a total of nine nominations. He was known for his dedication to his craft and his ability to embody relatable and memorable characters. Klugman's acting talent and charm made him a beloved figure in Hollywood, and he is considered an icon and legend in the entertainment industry.
In his personal life, Klugman was married twice. He first married actors Brett Somers in 1953, and they had two sons together before divorcing in 1974. In 2008, Klugman married his second wife, Peggy Crosby.
Outside of acting, Klugman had a passion for horse racing and owned racehorses. He was also involved in philanthropic endeavors and supported various charities, including the Lymphoma Research Foundation, after his own battle with the disease.
Jack Klugman's impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry is undeniable. His talent, versatility, and relatability made him a beloved figure and a sought-after actor. His memorable performances in iconic roles continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans around the world.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Camera Obscura | Sam |
| 2005 | When Do We Eat? | Artur |
| 2002 | Presidio Med (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 2002 | Crossing Jordan (TV Series) | Dr. Leo Gelber |
| 2000 | Third Watch (TV Series) | Stan Brandolini |
| 2000 | The Outer Limits (TV Series) | Joe Walker |
| 1999 | Brother's Keeper (TV Series) | Jack |
| 1997–1999 | Diagnosis Murder (TV Series) | LAPD Det. Harry Trumble | Dr. Jeff Everden |
| 1997 | Biography (TV Series) | George |
| 1996 | Dear God | Jemi |
| 1996 | The Twilight of the Golds | Mr. Stein |
| 1995 | Shining Time Station: Second Chances (TV Movie) | Max Okowsky |
| 1994 | Parallel Lives (TV Movie) | Senator Robert Ferguson |
| 1993 | The Odd Couple: Together Again (TV Movie) | Oscar Madison |
| 1989 | Around the World in 80 Days (TV Mini Series) | Capt. Bunsby |
| 1986–1987 | You Again? (TV Series) | Henry Willows |
| 1985 | The Love Boat (TV Series) | Mel Davis |
| 1976–1983 | Quincy M.E. (TV Series) | Dr. R. Quincy, M.E. |
| 1980 | Challenge of the Tiger | Jack Klugman (cameo) (uncredited) |
| 1964–1979 | Insight (TV Series) | Packy Rowe | Weiss | Carny |
| 1976 | Two-Minute Warning | Sandman |
| 1976 | One of My Wives Is Missing (TV Movie) | Inspector Murray Levine |
| 1970–1975 | The Odd Couple (TV Series) | Oscar Madison | Blinky Madison | Ebenezer Madison |
| 1974 | The Underground Man (TV Movie) | Sheriff Tremaine |
| 1973 | The All Star Spangled Mission (Video) | Unknown |
| 1973 | Poor Devil (TV Movie) | Burnett J. Emerson |
| 1972 | Banyon (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1972 | Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (TV Series) | Guest Performer |
| 1971–1972 | Love, American Style (TV Series) | Harry (segment "Love and the Cheaters") | Bill (segment "Love and the Big Game") |
| 1971 | Who Says I Can't Ride a Rainbow! | Barney |
| 1969–1970 | The Name of the Game (TV Series) | Captain Garrig | Art Trager | Frank Dovnik |
| 1970 | The Bold Ones: The New Doctors (TV Series) | Leland Rogers |
| 1965–1970 | The F.B.I. (TV Series) | Victor Amazeen | Charles Gates |
| 1969 | Then Came Bronson (TV Series) | Dr. Charles Hanrahan |
| 1969 | Goodbye, Columbus | Ben Patimkin |
| 1968 | The Split | Harry Kifka |
| 1968 | The Detective | Dave Schoenstein |
| 1967 | Garrison's Gorillas (TV Series) | Gus Manners |
| 1966 | Fame Is the Name of the Game (TV Movie) | Ben Welcome |
| 1964–1966 | Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (TV Series) | Markos | Paul Smith |
| 1965 | Hail, Mafia | Phil |
| 1962–1965 | Ben Casey (TV Series) | Dr. Bill Justin | Dr. Philip Walton |
| 1964–1965 | Kraft Suspense Theatre (TV Series) | Ozzie Keefer | Steve Zaro |
| 1963–1965 | The Fugitive (TV Series) | Gus Hendricks | Buck Harmon |
| 1964–1965 | Harris Against the World (TV Series) | Alan Harris |
| 1964 | The Great Adventure (TV Series) | John Brown |
| 1961–1964 | The Defenders (TV Series) | Joe Larch | D.A. Charles Grimalia | D.A. Charlie Grimalia |
| 1964 | The Virginian (TV Series) | Charles Mayhew |
| 1963 | Act One | Joe Hyman |
| 1963 | Arrest and Trial (TV Series) | Celina |
| 1960–1963 | The Twilight Zone (TV Series) | Max Phillips | Captain Ross | Jesse Cardiff ... |
| 1963 | The Yellow Canary | Lt. Bonner |
| 1959–1963 | Naked City (TV Series) | Arthur Crews | Pete Kammik | Joe Calageras ... |
| 1962–1963 | Quest (TV Series) | Walter |
| 1963 | I Could Go on Singing | George |
| 1961–1963 | The Untouchables (TV Series) | Solly Girsh | Morton Halas |
| 1962 | Days of Wine and Roses | Jim Hungerford |
| 1962 | Cain's Hundred (TV Series) | Mike Colonni |
| 1962 | The New Breed (TV Series) | Floyd Blaylock |
| 1961–1962 | Target: The Corruptors! (TV Series) | Greg Paulson | Otto Dutch Kleburg |
| 1961 | Straightaway (TV Series) | Buddy Conway |
| 1961 | Follow the Sun (TV Series) | Steve Bixel |
| 1961 | The Million Dollar Incident (TV Movie) | Charles |
| 1960 | Special for Women: The Cold Woman (TV Movie) | The Husband |
| 1960 | Inherit the Wind | WGN technician (uncredited) |
| 1960 | Sunday Showcase (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1959 | The Walter Winchell File (TV Series) | Allie Sunshine |
| 1959 | Folio (TV Series) | Gromov |
| 1957–1959 | Playhouse 90 (TV Series) | Max Salter | Nick | Lew Downs |
| 1958 | Kiss Me, Kate (TV Movie) | Gunman |
| 1955–1958 | Kraft Theatre (TV Series) | Mark Deglin |
| 1955–1958 | Studio One (TV Series) | Leo | George Hall | Darrell |
| 1958 | The Investigator (TV Series) | Selko |
| 1958 | General Electric Theater (TV Series) | Murphy |
| 1957–1958 | Suspicion (TV Series) | Jason |
| 1958 | Cry Terror! | Vince |
| 1958 | Gunsmoke (TV Series) | Earl Ticks |
| 1957 | Alfred Hitchcock Presents (TV Series) | George Benedict |
| 1957 | The Alcoa Hour (TV Series) | George | Tyler |
| 1957 | 12 Angry Men | Juror 5 |
| 1954–1956 | The United States Steel Hour (TV Series) | Vic | Barney Ostertag | Frank ... |
| 1954–1956 | Justice (TV Series) | Kid Wilson |
| 1956 | Time Table | Frankie Page |
| 1955–1956 | Armstrong Circle Theatre (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1953–1956 | The Philco Television Playhouse (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1955–1956 | Goodyear Playhouse (TV Series) | Webber | Pvt. Yarrow |
| 1954–1955 | The Greatest Gift (TV Series) | Jim Hanson |
| 1955 | Appointment with Adventure (TV Series) | Zocco |
| 1955 | Treasury Men in Action (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1955 | Climax! (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1955 | Big Town (TV Series) | Jack Orliffe |
| 1955 | Producers' Showcase (TV Series) | Jackie |
| 1955 | Marty | Bar Patron (uncredited) |
| 1955 | The Red Skelton Hour (TV Series) | Director | Downstairs Neighbor | Choreographer ... |
| 1954 | Inner Sanctum (TV Series) | Det. Crane | Harry | Prater |
| 1954 | Rocky King, Detective (TV Series) | Frank Garrison |
| 1953 | The Man Behind the Badge (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1953 | Colonel Humphrey Flack (TV Series) | Sedgewick - Henchman |
| 1953 | The Web (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1953 | Short Short Dramas (TV Series) | Nails Donlan |
| 1953 | The Big Story (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1952 | Grubstake | Unknown |
| 1952 | Celanese Theatre (TV Series) | Busch |
| 1952 | Not for Publication (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1951 | Crime Syndicate (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1950 | Suspense (TV Series) | Louie |
| 1950 | Actor's Studio (TV Series) | Unknown |