Jack Klugman

Actor

About

Birth Place

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Born

April 27, 1922

Died

December 24, 2012

Cause of Death

Prostate Cancer

Biography

Filmography

When Do We Eat? (2006)

The Twilight of the Golds (1997)

Dear God (1996)

Parallel Lives (1994)

The Odd Couple: Together Again (1993)

Two-Minute Warning (1976)

Photos & Videos

View All

Split, The (1968) -- (Movie Clip) I'll Blow Your Face Off

12 Angry Men (1957) -- (Movie Clip) Lucky To Get A Murder

Family & Companions

Brett Somers

Wife

Actor. Married in 1956; legally separated in 1974; played his ex-wife on "The Odd Couple"; frequent celebrity panelist on "The Match Game".

Barbara Neugass

Companion

Together from 1974 until 1992; filed 1997 lawsuit contending that Klugman breached an oral contract in which he had promised to support her; in 1998 judge agreed to allow palimony suit to proceed; after 12-day trial in late November, early December 1999, jury found in favor of Klugman.

Peggy Crosby

Companion

Actor.

Biography

Emmy Award-winning actor Jack Klugman was known primarily for his portrayals of two of television's most memorable characters, although his career also boasted more than 50 years of credits in film and on Broadway. The actor's early years were comprised of work on the stages of New York, on television anthologies such as "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (CBS, 1955-1962), and in features films like "12 Angry Men" (1957), alongside Henry Fonda. Several guest turns on the "Twilight Zone" (CBS, 1959-1971) and a supporting role in the comedy-drama "Goodbye, Columbus" (1969) preceded his long-running portrayal of the cretinous Oscar Madison opposite Tony Randall's fastidious Felix Unger on "The Odd Couple" (ABC, 1970-75). Klugman went on to win two Emmy Awards for his hilarious personification of the sports-loving vulgarian, only to embody another iconic television character in the form of the crime-solving "Quincy, M.E." (NBC, 1976-1983). Although the actor's love of fine cigars led to serious health problems later in life, he persevered, even returning to Broadway for a revival of "The Sunshine Boys" in 1997 and penning a memoir about his former co-star Tony and Me: A Story of Friendship in 2005. Whether remembered for playing a slovenly sportswriter, a tenacious medical examiner, or one of his dozens of other portrayals, Klugman's acting legacy was one of humor, insight and humanity.

Filmography

Life Events

1949

Made stage debut in the Equity Library Theatre production of "Stevedore"

1952

Made Broadway debut in revival of "Golden Boy"

1955

Understudied in "Mister Roberts"; took over the doctor's role

1956

Feature debut, "Timetable"

1957

Cast as Juror No. 5 in Sidney Lumet's "12 Angry Men"

1959

Originated role of the soft-hearted theater agent Herbie in Broadway production of "Gypsy"

1963

Made guest appearance on "Blacklist" episode of "The Defenders" (CBS)

1965

Starred on stage in Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple" on tour and stock

1970

Played sloppy sports writer Oscar Madison opposite Tony Randall's Felix Unger on "The Odd Couple" (ABC)

1976

Starred as a tough-minded medical examiner on long-running series "Quincy, M.E." (NBC)

1986

Starred with John Stamos on short-lived sitcom "You Again?" (NBC)

1992

Starred with Randall in a one night all-star benefit production of "The Odd Couple" in Los Angeles, CA

1993

Reprised role of Oscar Madison for CBS TV movie "The Odd Couple: Together Again"

1995

Directed "Asphalt," a play by son Adam Somers in Los Angeles

1996

Last film appearance for nine years, "Dear God"

1997

Again acted opposite Tony Randall in Broadway revival of "The Sunshine Boys"

1998

Played Willy Loman in Burbank, CA production of "Death of a Salesman"

2005

Returned to feature films in Jewish comedy "When Do We Eat?"

2005

Published <i>Tony And Me: A Story of Friendship</i>, about his real-life friendship with co-star Tony Randall

2010

Final film appearance, "Camera Obscura"

Photo Collections

12 Angry Men - Lobby Card Set

Here is a set of Lobby Cards from 12 Angry Men (1957), starring Henry Fonda. Lobby Cards were 11" x 14" posters that came in sets of 8. As the name implies, they were most often displayed in movie theater lobbies, to advertise current or coming attractions.