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."
RIP
Sad.
3:10 to Yuma!
RIP.
A sturdy, dependable leading man. One of the last of them.
ping
I am dating myself...but what the heck..
Where he played the gunman who wished for a changed identity - "The Fastest Gun Alive!"
I still remember. And so many others.
As the Commander in the pacific on a ship...forget the movie's name, but the commander I remember - Glen Ford.
What a great actor...
Out of the list, "The Blackboard Jungle" was one of my favorite films. I saw that on Showtime many moons ago (back in the days when it was free).
Another great one passes ...
Believe he also owned a portion of the California Angels with Gene Autry before selling his share to Autry.
In this case, he would have wanted to "Put the Blame on Mame."
One of my favorite actors.
Gilda
The Gazebo
Ransom
Great, great actor. Never saw a bad Glenn Ford movie. RIP
In "3:10 to Yuma" he was the heavy. In fact he played a psychopath. Van Heflin was the kindly, but confused good guy.
Another of the good guys has left.
RIP
Cade's County RIP
One of the last great actors.
How sad, my gosh, I can't believe he was 90. A wonderful actor from the old days when leading men were someone you could look up to. Sigh.
Tne radio news reporter mentioned he played Superman's adopted father in Superman: The Movie (Christopher Reeve as Superman)
I am not sure if it was Glen Ford or another....
But, I believe he insisted that he was an actor and not a locutor so he insisted his lines be kept to a minimum.
Watch his films and see that the others do most of the talking and he either asks or gives brief responses....
The rest is Acting.
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