Regis Toomey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Regis Toomey
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| Born |
John Francis Regis Toomey
August 13, 1898 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Died | October 12, 1991 (aged 93) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Alma mater | University of Pittsburgh |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1929–1987 |
| Spouse(s) |
Kathryn Scott Toomey
(m. 1925; died 1981) |
| Children | 2 |
John Francis Regis Toomey (born August 13, 1898 – died October 12, 1991) was a famous American actor. He appeared in many movies and TV shows during his long career. He was known for playing many different types of characters.
Early Life and First Steps in Acting
Regis Toomey was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was one of four children in his family. He went to Peabody High School. For a while, he thought about becoming a lawyer. However, he soon realized he loved acting more. He started his career performing on stage in musical shows.
He studied acting at the University of Pittsburgh. He also joined a fraternity called Sigma Chi there. Regis began his acting journey in local theater groups. Eventually, he made it to the big stages of Broadway in New York City.
He used to be a singer on stage. But he had some throat problems, like a bad case of laryngitis, while touring in Europe. This made him stop singing professionally.
Becoming a Film and TV Star
In 1929, Regis Toomey started acting in movies. At first, he played main characters. But he became even more successful as a character actor. A character actor is someone who specializes in playing unusual or interesting supporting roles. These roles often add a lot to the story.
He appeared in many films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. One of his movies was You're in the Army Now in 1941. He acted alongside actress Jane Wyman in that film.
As television became popular, Regis Toomey also started appearing in many TV shows. In 1956, he played Reverend Arnold Grumm in an episode of Crossroads. He also had a recurring role as Lt. McGough in the detective series Richard Diamond, Private Detective.
He guest-starred on many popular shows. These included the Western series The Tall Man. He also appeared twice on the famous legal drama Perry Mason.
From 1963 to 1966, Toomey was a regular on the crime drama Burke's Law. He played Sergeant Les Hart. Sergeant Hart was a detective who helped solve murder cases. Regis Toomey also appeared in an episode of the Western show Rawhide. He was also in a memorable episode of the Western comedy Maverick called "Shady Deal at Sunny Acres".
In 1968, he took on a special role in the TV series Petticoat Junction. He played Dr. Stuart, a doctor who cared for the people in the town of Hooterville. His character helped introduce a new main character to the show.
Regis Toomey had a very long and successful acting career. He worked in movies and television for almost 60 years! He passed away on October 12, 1991, at the age of 93. He died at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in California.
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Regis Toomey
