Jason Robards facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jason Robards
|
|
|---|---|
In Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
|
|
| Born |
Jason Nelson Robards Jr.
July 26, 1922 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
|
| Died | December 26, 2000 (aged 78) Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
|
| Cause of death | Lung cancer |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1947–2000 |
| Known for | Playing historical figures, Eugene O'Neill |
| Spouse(s) |
Eleanor Pittman
(m. 1948; div. 1958)Rachel Taylor
(m. 1959; div. 1961)Lois O'Connor
(m. 1970) |
| Children | 6, including Sam Robards |
| Parent(s) | Jason Robards, Sr., Hope Maxine (née Glanville) |
| Awards | See Awards |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1940–46 |
| Rank |  Petty officer first class |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards |  Navy Good Conduct Medal American Defense Service Medal American Campaign Medal Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal |
Jason Nelson Robards Jr. (born on July 26, 1922 – died on December 26, 2000) was an American actor. He was known for his unique look and powerful acting. He worked in movies and plays for almost 50 years.
Jason Robards became famous for acting in plays by the American writer Eugene O'Neill. He often returned to O'Neill's plays throughout his career. Robards was a very flexible actor. He could play everyday people and important historical figures equally well.
Contents
Early Life
Jason Robards was born in Chicago, Illinois. His father, Jason Robards Sr., was also a well-known actor. His father starred on stage and in early films like The Gamblers (1929).
When Jason was a baby, his family moved to New York City. Later, when he was six years old, they moved to Los Angeles.
As a teenager, Robards was a great athlete. He ran a very fast mile while attending Hollywood High School. Even though many universities wanted him for sports, Robards decided to join the U.S. Navy after graduating in 1940.
A Hero in World War II
_at_Brisbane_on_5_August_1941_(NH_94596).jpg)
Jason Robards served in the Navy as a radio operator. He was assigned to the USS Northampton. This was a large warship called a heavy cruiser. Its home base was Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
Robards saw a lot of fighting in the Pacific Ocean during World War II. He was part of battles at Wake Island and Midway. Later, the Northampton was sent to the Guadalcanal campaign. There, it was involved in the Battle of the Santa Cruz Islands.
On November 30, 1942, during the Battle of Tassafaronga, the Northampton was hit by Japanese torpedoes and sank. Robards had to swim in the water until morning. An American destroyer rescued him. He received the Navy Cross for his bravery in this battle. He stayed in the Navy until the war ended in 1947. He also served on another ship, the light cruiser USS Honolulu.
Becoming an Actor
After the war, Robards started his acting career. It began slowly. He moved to New York City and found small roles. First, he worked in radio, then on stage. His first movie was a short film called Follow That Music in 1947.
His big break came in 1956. He got the main role in a play called The Iceman Cometh by Eugene O'Neill. He played a salesman named Hickey. He won an Obie Award for his stage performance. Robards was nominated for eight Tony Awards, which is more than any other male actor.
Jason Robards played three different U.S. presidents in movies and TV shows. He played Abraham Lincoln in the TV movie The Perfect Tribute (1991). He also voiced Lincoln in two documentaries. He played Ulysses S. Grant in The Legend of the Lone Ranger (1981) and voiced him in the PBS miniseries The Civil War (1990). He also played Franklin D. Roosevelt in FDR: The Final Years (1980). Robards also appeared in the 1970 film Tora! Tora! Tora!, which showed the attack on Pearl Harbor. This attack led the United States into World War II.
Famous Roles and Awards
Jason Robards won the 1959 Tony Award for Best Actor for his role in The Disenchanted. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor two years in a row. First, for All the President's Men (1976). Then, for Julia (1977).
He was also nominated for another Oscar for his role in Melvin and Howard (1980). He received an Emmy Award for Best Lead Actor in a TV miniseries or special. This was for the 1988 show Inherit the Wind.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jason Robards was married four times. He was married to Eleanor Pittman from 1948 to 1958. Then, he married Rachel Taylor from 1959 to 1961. His third marriage was to actress Lauren Bacall from 1961 to 1969. Lastly, he married Lois O'Connor in 1970, and they stayed together until his death. He had six children.
Robards lived in Southport, Connecticut. He passed away from lung cancer in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on December 26, 2000. He was 78 years old. After his death, he was cremated.
The Roundabout Theatre Company in New York City created the Jason Robards Award. This award honors him and his strong connection to the theater.
Images for kids
-
Robards in a publicity photo for Once Upon a Time in the West (1968)
-
Robards in 1999, upon receiving the Kennedy Center Honors ribbon
-
Robards and Maureen Stapleton in Toys in the Attic (Broadway, 1960)
See also
In Spanish: Jason Robards para niños
