Posted on 08/30/2006 7:53:46 PM PDT by Borges
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. - Actor Glenn Ford, who played strong, thoughtful protagonists in films such as "The Blackboard Jungle," "Gilda" and "The Big Heat," died Wednesday, police said. He was 90.
Paramedics called to Ford's home just before 4 p.m. found Ford dead, police Sgt. Terry Nutall said, reading a prepared statement. "They do not suspect foul play," he said.
Ford suffered a series of strokes in the 1990s.
Failing health forced him to skip a 90th birthday tribute on May 1 at Hollywood's historic Grauman's Egyptian Theatre. But he did send greetings via videotape, adding, "I wish I were up and around, but I'm doing the best that I can.... There's so much I have to be grateful for."
At the event, Shirley Jones, who co-starred with him in the comedy "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," called Ford "one of the cornerstones of our industry, and there aren't many left."
Ford appeared in scores of films during his 53-year Hollywood career. The Film Encyclopedia, a reference book, lists 85 films from 1939 to 1991.
He was cast usually as the handsome tough, but his acting talents ranged from romance to comedy. His more famous credits include "Superman," "Gilda," "The Sheepman," "The Gazebo," "Pocketful of Miracles" and "Don't Go Near the Water."
Rest In Peace, Mr. Ford.
Another of a vanishing breed passes on. Rest in Peace and thanks for the memories!
Raft died in 1980. He would be like 110 now!
I will add to what many have said: RIP, Glenn Ford. And I can't believe he was 90.
One of my favorite movies of all time was Experiment in Terror, with Glenn Ford and Lee Remick. Done in the early 60's I think. A heart stopper when I was in my teens, and a heart stopper when I watched it last year (Plus several times in between.) It was that good.
I had no idea he was 90.
sw
He shall be missed! A fine actor! Though we could have done without the lame sex scenes in 'Evening in Byzantium.'
Actually, that was Admiral Halsey who had the skin condition. Nimitz was the top guy in the Pacific.
Watching it with her, I was thrilled to realize that stars Elizabeth Taylor, Mickey Rooney and Angela Lansbury are ALL still with us. That flick was 62 years ago!
Who else is still around from the classic, pre-50s era? I'm amazed Olivia DeHavilland from "Gone With The Wind" is still going strong... Lauren Bacall too.
Oops. As the man with the peg-leg said, I stand corrected.
Wasn't that Halsey? "Ad-mi-ral Halsey notified me, he had to have a bath or he couldn't get to sea."
Hey, he was only 90. I mean, at least see if he had some enemies or something.
That is sad, indeed.
Just heard that Huggy Boy passed away, too, a much different sort of entertainer, but certainly a radio icon for those of us growing up in CA in the good old days.
Yep, Fate is the Hunter. Great flick. Forgot about it temporarily, since Expreiment in Terror has an imprint on my brain.
Brotherhood of the Bell. A masonic/illuminatti/skull and bones styled story.
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