Born: September 18, 1920 – Died: July 19, 2006
Jack Warden, born John Warden Lebzelter, Jr. on September 18, 1920, in Newark, New Jersey, came from a diverse heritage with a father of German and Irish descent, and a mother of Irish ancestry. Despite a tumultuous early life that led to his expulsion from high school, Warden's talent and determination propelled him into a successful acting career. Before making his mark in the entertainment industry, Warden fought as a welterweight boxer and served in the U.S. Navy and Army during World War II. Known for his versatile performances, Warden showcased his skills in films like "12 Angry Men" and "Being There," earning him critical acclaim. With a career spanning over seven decades, Jack Warden undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of acting.
Early Life and Career
Jack Warden had a challenging upbringing that led to his expulsion from high school. However, his talent and determination propelled him into a successful acting career.
Warden got his start in the entertainment industry as a welterweight boxer and later served in the U.S. Navy and Army during World War II. After the war, he decided to pursue acting and began his professional career on stage in the late 1940s.
Warden's first major successful role came in the film "12 Angry Men" in 1957, where he portrayed Juror #7. This film marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his versatility as an actor and earning him critical acclaim. He went on to deliver standout performances in films like "Being There" and "And Justice for all."
Throughout his career, Warden won several awards for his performances. He was nominated for two Academy Awards and won various accolades, including an Emmy Award for his role as football coach George Halas in the TV movie "Brian's Song."
In his personal life, Warden was married to French stage actresss Vanda Dupre, and they had one son named Christopher.
As an actor, Warden left an indelible impact on Hollywood and the entertainment industry. He was known for his versatility and ability to bring depth to his characters. Warden's performances were often praised for their authenticity and naturalism. He is considered a respected figure in the industry and continues to be remembered as a talented and versatile actor.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | The Replacements | Edward O'Neil |
| 1999 | A Dog of Flanders | Jehan |
| 1999 | Norm (TV Series) | Harry |
| 1998 | Dirty Work | Pops |
| 1998 | Bulworth | Eddie Davers |
| 1997 | Chairman of the Board | Armand McMillan |
| 1997 | The Island on Bird Street | Boruch |
| 1997 | Ink (TV Series) | Timothy Logan |
| 1996 | Ed | Chubb |
| 1995 | Mighty Aphrodite | Tiresias |
| 1995 | Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead | Joe Heff |
| 1995 | Problem Child 3: Junior in Love (TV Movie) | Big Ben |
| 1995 | While You Were Sleeping | Saul |
| 1994 | Bullets Over Broadway | Julian Marx |
| 1993 | Guilty as Sin | Moe Plimpton |
| 1992 | Toys | Old General Zevo |
| 1992 | Night and the City | Al Grossman |
| 1992 | Passed Away | Jack Scanlan |
| 1991 | Problem Child 2 | Big Ben Healy |
| 1990 | Judgment (TV Movie) | Claude Fortier |
| 1990 | Problem Child | Big Ben Healy |
| 1990 | Everybody Wins | Judge Harry Murdoch |
| 1989 | Knight & Daye (TV Series) | Hank Knight |
| 1988 | Dead Solid Perfect (TV Movie) | Hubert 'Bad Hair' Wimberly |
| 1988 | Police Story: The Watch Commander (TV Movie) | Joe Wilson |
| 1988 | The Presidio | Sgt. Maj. Ross Maclure |
| 1987 | Hoover vs. the Kennedys: The Second Civil War (TV Mini Series) | J. Edgar Hoover |
| 1987 | September | Lloyd |
| 1987 | The Three Kings (TV Movie) | David |
| 1987 | Still Crazy Like a Fox (TV Movie) | Harry Fox |
| 1987 | Three Wishes for Jamie (TV Movie) | Owen Tavish |
| 1986 | The Cosmic Eye | Rocko (voice) |
| 1984–1986 | Crazy Like a Fox (TV Series) | Harry Fox |
| 1985 | Gifts of Greatness (Video) | Albert Einstein |
| 1985 | Alice in Wonderland (TV Mini Series) | The Owl |
| 1985 | A.D. (TV Mini Series) | Nerva |
| 1985 | The Aviator | Moravia |
| 1985 | Robert Kennedy and His Times (TV Mini Series) | Joseph Kennedy Sr. |
| 1984 | Helen Keller: The Miracle Continues (TV Movie) | Mark Twain |
| 1984 | Crackers | Garvey |
| 1983 | Hobson's Choice (TV Movie) | Henry Horatio Hobson |
| 1982 | The Verdict | Mickey Morrissey |
| 1981 | So Fine | Jack |
| 1981 | Chu Chu and the Philly Flash | The Commander |
| 1981 | Carbon Copy | Nelson Longhurst |
| 1981 | The Great Muppet Caper | Mike Tarkanian |
| 1979–1980 | The Bad News Bears (TV Series) | Morris Buttermaker |
| 1980 | A Private Battle (TV Movie) | Cornelius Ryan |
| 1980 | Used Cars | Roy L. Fuchs | Luke Fuchs |
| 1979 | Being There | President 'Bobby' |
| 1979 | Topper (TV Movie) | Cosmo Topper |
| 1979 | And Justice for All | Judge Francis Rayford |
| 1979 | Beyond the Poseidon Adventure | Harold Meredith |
| 1979 | Dreamer | Harry |
| 1979 | The Champ | Jackie |
| 1978 | Death on the Nile | Dr. Bessner |
| 1978 | Heaven Can Wait | Max Corkle |
| 1977 | The White Buffalo | Charlie Zane |
| 1976 | Raid on Entebbe (TV Movie) | Gen. Mordecai Gur |
| 1976 | Jigsaw John (TV Series) | John St. John |
| 1976 | All The President's Men | Harry Rosenfeld |
| 1975 | They Only Come Out at Night (TV Movie) | John St. John |
| 1975 | Journey from Darkness (TV Movie) | Fred Hartman |
| 1975 | Shampoo | Lester |
| 1974 | The Godchild (TV Movie) | Sgt. Dobbs |
| 1974 | The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz | Max |
| 1974 | Remember When (TV Movie) | Joe Hodges |
| 1974 | Billy Two Hats | Sheriff Henry Gifford |
| 1973 | The Man Who Loved Cat Dancing | Dawes |
| 1972 | Dig (Short) | Rocco (voice) |
| 1972 | Lieutenant Schuster's Wife (TV Movie) | Capt. Patrick Lonergan |
| 1972 | Wheeler and Murdoch (TV Movie) | Sam Wheeler |
| 1972 | Man on a String (TV Movie) | Jake Moniker |
| 1971 | Great Performances (TV Series) | Gus |
| 1971 | What's a Nice Girl Like You...? (TV Movie) | Lieutenant Joe Burton |
| 1971 | Brian's Song (TV Movie) | Coach Halas |
| 1971 | The Face of Fear (TV Movie) | Lieutenant George Coy |
| 1971 | Welcome to the Club | Gen. Strapp |
| 1971 | Who Is Harry Kellerman and Why Is He Saying Those Terrible Things About Me? | Dr. Solomon F. Moses |
| 1971 | Summertree | Herb |
| 1971 | The Sporting Club | Earl Olive |
| 1967–1969 | N.Y.P.D. (TV Series) | Lt. Mike Haines |
| 1968 | Bye Bye Braverman | Barnet Weinstein |
| 1967 | The Invaders (TV Series) | Barney Cahill |
| 1967 | The Fugitive (TV Series) | Alex 'Pat' Patton |
| 1965–1966 | The Wackiest Ship in the Army (TV Series) | Major Simon Butcher | Maj. Simon Butcher |
| 1966 | Blindfold | General Prat |
| 1962–1965 | Wagon Train (TV Series) | Daniel Delaney | Martin Onyx |
| 1962–1965 | The Virginian (TV Series) | John Conway | Jubal Tatum |
| 1965 | Dr. Kildare (TV Series) | Ernie Duffy |
| 1965 | The Magical World of Disney (TV Series) | Lt. Fergus |
| 1964 | Slattery's People (TV Series) | Harry Tamiris |
| 1964 | Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre (TV Series) | Manny Garret |
| 1964 | Bewitched (TV Series) | Rex Barker |
| 1964 | Kraft Suspense Theatre (TV Series) | Jack Fleming |
| 1964 | The Thin Red Line | First Sgt. Welsh |
| 1964 | The Great Adventure (TV Series) | Latham |
| 1964 | Breaking Point (TV Series) | Carlo Scotti |
| 1961–1963 | Route 66 (TV Series) | Major Barben | Sandor Biro | Adam Darcy |
| 1963 | Donovan's Reef | Dr. William Dedham |
| 1963 | 77 Sunset Strip (TV Series) | Max Eames |
| 1962 | Naked City (TV Series) | Sam Langan | Steve Lollo | Neil Daggett |
| 1962 | Ben Casey (TV Series) | O.B. Dodson | Dr. Charlie Kozelka |
| 1962 | Going My Way (TV Series) | Carl Wiczinski |
| 1962 | Alcoa Premiere (TV Series) | Commissioner |
| 1962 | Target: The Corruptors! (TV Series) | Jerry Skala |
| 1962 | Escape from Zahrain | Huston |
| 1962 | Tales of Wells Fargo (TV Series) | Brad Axton |
| 1961 | Bus Stop (TV Series) | Joe Harrison |
| 1961 | The Asphalt Jungle (TV Series) | Matt Gower |
| 1961 | Checkmate (TV Series) | Joe Farrell |
| 1959–1960 | The Untouchables (TV Series) | Otto Frick | Frank Barber | Lawrence Halloran |
| 1960 | Outlaws (TV Series) | Ollie |
| 1960 | Stagecoach West (TV Series) | Stacey Gibbs |
| 1959–1960 | The Twilight Zone (TV Series) | Mouth McGarry | James A. Corry |
| 1960 | Wake Me When It's Over | Capt. Dave 'Doc' Farrington |
| 1960 | Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse (TV Series) | Joe Rogarti |
| 1959 | Five Fingers (TV Series) | Fitzgerald |
| 1959 | Bonanza (TV Series) | Mike Wilson |
| 1959 | That Kind of Woman | George Kelly |
| 1958–1959 | Playhouse 90 (TV Series) | Sgt. Jubal | Joe Cushing | Long |
| 1959 | The Sound and the Fury | Ben Compson |
| 1958 | Run Silent Run Deep | Yeoman 1st Class Mueller |
| 1958 | Darby's Rangers | MSgt. Saul Rosen | Narrator |
| 1957 | Suspicion (TV Series) | Charlie Hayes |
| 1956–1957 | The United States Steel Hour (TV Series) | Lanier |
| 1956–1957 | Climax! (TV Series) | Lt. Ravenna |
| 1957 | 12 Angry Men | Juror 7 |
| 1957 | The Bachelor Party | The Bachelor |
| 1957 | The Lark (TV Movie) | Robert de Beaudricourt |
| 1957 | The Kaiser Aluminum Hour (TV Series) | MSgt. Willis Debb |
| 1957 | Edge of the City | Charlie Malick |
| 1956 | The Alcoa Hour (TV Series) | Frank Doran |
| 1955 | The New Recruits (TV Movie) | Cpl. Henshaw |
| 1955 | The Challenge (TV Movie) | Bill Whitman |
| 1955 | Norby (TV Series) | Bobo |
| 1954–1955 | Goodyear Playhouse (TV Series) | Hal | Dr. Max Binder |
| 1950–1955 | The Philco Television Playhouse (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1955 | Justice (TV Series) | Alex Hammer |
| 1955 | Producers' Showcase (TV Series) | Boze |
| 1951–1955 | Danger (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1955 | Ponds Theater (TV Series) | Jack McCauley |
| 1952–1955 | Studio One (TV Series) | Lt. Brown | Mike | Russ Adams ... |
| 1953–1955 | Omnibus (TV Series) | (segment "Mr. Lincoln") | (segment "Lincoln Part V: Ann Rutledge") | (segment "Lincoln Part IV: New Salem") |
| 1953–1954 | The Big Story (TV Series) | Bill Foley | Teddy Merrill |
| 1950–1954 | The Web (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1954 | The Motorola Television Hour (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1954 | Center Stage (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1952–1954 | Mister Peepers (TV Series) | Frank T. Whip | Cabby |
| 1953–1954 | Kraft Theatre (TV Series) | Mouth McGary |
| 1954 | Inner Sanctum (TV Series) | Mooney |
| 1953–1954 | Man Against Crime (TV Series) | Manny | Deck Hand |
| 1953 | The Man Behind the Badge (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1953 | Campbell Summer Soundstage (TV Series) | Brick Doyle |
| 1953 | From Here to Eternity | Cpl. Buckley |
| 1953 | The Gulf Playhouse (TV Series) | Manny |
| 1951–1953 | Lux Video Theatre (TV Series) | Miller | Capt. Giluley | Sgt. Stivers ... |
| 1952 | Broadway Television Theatre (TV Series) | Biff Grimes |
| 1952 | Tales of Tomorrow (TV Series) | Steve |
| 1951 | The Man with My Face | Walt Davis |
| 1951 | The Frogmen | Crew Member (uncredited) |
| 1951 | You're in the Navy Now | Tommy Morse (uncredited) |
| 1950 | Suspense (TV Series) | Policeman | Reporter |
| 1950 | Sunset Blvd. | Party Guest (uncredited) |
