Actor Tony Curtis, who would star in some of the great films of the 1950s and 1960s, has died at age 85 of cardiac arrest while in Las Vegas. Curtis will forever be remembered for his role in ‘Some Like it Hot’ – the classic comedy by Billy Wilder. His performance, along with Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe, would be the highlight of his career.
His five marriages, alcohol problems and roguish lifestyle would also keep him in the spotlight throughout his life. He is the father of actress Jamie Lee Curtis.
Curtis was born Bernard Schwartz in Hell’s Kitchen, New York. After serving in the navy in WWII, he pursued acting, landing small roles in the late 40s and early 50s. The quality of his films would gradually increase, and he would go on to star in such films as ‘Houdini,’, ‘Sweet Smell of Succes’, ‘The Defiant Ones’ (for which he would receive an Oscar nomination), ‘Operation Petticoat’ and ‘Spartacus’.
Never a critic’s favorite, his New York accent was always present – whether in ancient Rome or sailing as a Viking. He was best with smart, sharply written comedy, such as ‘Some Like it Hot’.
Curtis’ film quality would decline as a new era arrived in Hollywood in the late 1960s. He would remain active in movies and TV, but roles would gradually diminish into the 80s and 90s. When acting roles dried up, he would spend much his time following his passion for painting.