Tom Conway facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Tom Conway
from the trailer for Grand Central Murder (1942)
Born	Thomas Charles Sanders (1904-09-15)15 September 1904 St. Petersburg, Russian Empire
Died	22 April 1967(1967-04-22) (aged 62) Venice, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Education	Brighton College
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1940–1964
Spouse(s)	Queenie Leonard ​ ​ (m. 1958; div. 1963)​ Lillian Eggers ​ ​ (m. 1941; div. 1953)​
Family	George Sanders (brother)

Tom Conway (born Thomas Charles Sanders, 15 September 1904 – 22 April 1967) was a British actor. He was famous for his roles in movies, television, and radio. He often played smart characters like private detectives and even psychiatrists. Some of his most well-known roles were as "The Falcon," Sherlock Holmes, Bulldog Drummond, and The Saint.

Conway played "The Falcon" in ten movies. He took over the role from his brother, George Sanders, in a movie called The Falcon's Brother (1942). In that film, both brothers starred together. Tom Conway also appeared in several popular films made by producer Val Lewton.

Early Life and Beginnings

Tom Conway was born in St. Petersburg, Russia. His younger brother, George Sanders, also became a famous actor. Their family moved to England when the Russian Revolution happened in 1917.

In England, Tom went to schools like Bedales School and Brighton College. Later, he traveled to Northern Rhodesia (which is now called Zambia). There, he worked in mining and on a ranch. He then returned to England and started acting in plays and on BBC Radio.

Acting Career Highlights

Starting at MGM Studios

When Tom Conway moved to Hollywood, he joined his brother and signed a contract with MGM Studios. This is when he changed his last name from Sanders to Conway.

He started with small parts in movies like Waterloo Bridge (1940). He also appeared in Sky Murder (1941) and The Wild Man of Borneo (1941). He had a bigger role in The Trial of Mary Dugan (1941).

Conway played different characters in films such as Tarzan's Secret Treasure (1941) and Mr. and Mrs. North (1941). He was also in Rio Rita (1942) and Grand Central Murder (1942).

Becoming The Falcon at RKO

At RKO Studios, Tom's brother George Sanders had been the star of "The Falcon" movies. George grew tired of the role, so Tom took over. They even starred together in The Falcon's Brother (1942). In that movie, George's character was written out, and Tom's character became the new Falcon.

People really liked Tom Conway as The Falcon. He continued the series, and his movies were very successful. RKO then signed him to a long-term contract.

Working with Val Lewton

After his success as The Falcon, Tom Conway got a great role in Cat People (1942). This was a famous horror movie produced by Val Lewton. He also had the main male role in another Lewton film, I Walked with a Zombie (1942), which is now seen as a classic horror movie. Conway was the top star in Lewton's The Seventh Victim (1943).

Between his Falcon movies and Val Lewton films, RKO also cast Conway in other mystery movies. These included A Night of Adventure (1944) and Two O'Clock Courage (1945).

Freelance Acting and Radio Roles

After leaving RKO, Tom Conway became a freelance actor. This meant he could work for different movie studios. He appeared in Whistle Stop (1946).

On the radio, Tom Conway played the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. This was during the 1946–1947 season of The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. He also took over the role of "The Saint" in a radio mystery series in 1951. His brother, George Sanders, had played The Saint in movies earlier.

Conway also starred in films like Lost Honeymoon (1947) and One Touch of Venus (1948). He played another detective, Bulldog Drummond, in movies such as The Challenge (1948).

Television and Later Films

From 1951 to 1954, Tom Conway starred in a TV series called Inspector Mark Saber – Homicide Detective. He played a British police detective named Mark Saber.

He also went to England to star in films like Park Plaza 605 (1953) and Blood Orange (1953). In 1956, Tom Conway and his brother George Sanders appeared together in the film Death of a Scoundrel.

Conway continued to act in films like The She-Creature (1956) and Voodoo Woman (1957). He also performed in an episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents called "The Glass Eye" (1957).

Voice Acting and Final Roles

Tom Conway had supporting roles in the TV series The Betty Hutton Show (1959–60). He also lent his voice to Disney's animated movie 101 Dalmatians (1961). He voiced a quizmaster and a friendly collie dog in the film. His wife at the time, Queenie Leonard, also voiced a character in the movie.

His last television appearance was in an episode of Perry Mason in 1964.

Later Life and Passing

In his later years, Tom Conway faced some health challenges. He had eye surgery in 1964–1965. He passed away on April 22, 1967, at the age of 62. His funeral was held in London.

Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Tom Conway para niños