Tom Ewell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom Ewell
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Ewell in 1958
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| Born |
Samuel Yewell Tompkins
April 29, 1909 Owensboro, Kentucky, U.S.
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| Died | September 12, 1994 (aged 85) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1928–1986 |
| Spouse(s) |
Judith Abbott
(m. 1946; div. 1947)Marjorie Sanborn
(m. 1948) |
| Children | 1 |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1942–1945 |
| Rank | Lieutenant |
Tom Ewell (born Samuel Yewell Tompkins, April 29, 1909 – September 12, 1994) was an American actor. He worked in films, on stage, and on television. His most famous role was Richard Sherman in the play The Seven Year Itch. He played this character on Broadway from 1952 to 1954. He then played the same role in the 1955 movie version. For his work, he won a Tony Award for the play and a Golden Globe Award for the film. Tom Ewell enjoyed acting on stage the most. He also appeared in other comedies in the 1950s, like The Girl Can't Help It (1956). He was also in the musical movie State Fair (1962).
Early Life
Tom Ewell was born in Owensboro, Kentucky. His parents were Martine (Yewell) and Samuel William Tompkins. His family hoped he would become a lawyer or work with whiskey and tobacco. But Tom Ewell chose to be an actor instead. He started acting in plays during the summer in 1928. He then moved to New York City in 1931 to study acting.
Acting Career
Tom Ewell first appeared on Broadway in 1934. His first movie role was in 1940. For several years, he played funny supporting characters. His acting career paused during World War II when he served in the United States Navy.
After the war, Ewell gained attention for his role in the movie Adam's Rib (1949). After this, he got more roles in Hollywood movies. He continued to act in summer plays. In 1951, he starred in a play about the famous humorist Kin Hubbard. This play was also the first time Ewell worked as a producer. In 1947, he won an award for his acting in the Broadway play John Loves Mary.
His most famous role came in 1952. He joined the Broadway show The Seven Year Itch. He played the main character, Richard Sherman. He performed this role over 950 times in three years. He later played Richard Sherman in the 1955 movie version. For this role, he won both a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.
He had other successful movies too. These included The Lieutenant Wore Skirts (1956) and The Girl Can't Help It (1956). In The Girl Can't Help It, the singer Julie London appears to his character, Tom Miller, singing her famous song "Cry Me a River". In 1962, he played Abel Frake in the musical movie State Fair.
As his movie and theater careers became very busy, he started focusing on television. He appeared as a guest star in many TV shows. He was even nominated for an Emmy Award for his role in Baretta. His last acting job was in an episode of Murder, She Wrote in 1986.
From 1960 to 1961, Tom Ewell had his own TV show called The Tom Ewell Show. It lasted for one season. In the mid-1970s, Ewell became popular for his role as Billy Truman. Billy was a retired police officer in the TV series Baretta. Ewell was in 36 episodes of this show. In 1979, he was a guest star on the TV series Taxi. He also played a doctor in the TV series Best of the West from 1981 to 1982.
Personal Life and Death
On March 18, 1946, Tom Ewell married Judy Abbott. She was the daughter of Broadway director George Abbott. Their marriage ended in divorce a year later. Ewell then married Marjorie Sanborn on May 5, 1948. They had one son named Taylor.
Tom Ewell passed away on September 12, 1994. He had been sick for a long time. He was survived by his wife, Marjorie, and his son, Taylor. His mother, Martine Yewell Tompkins, also lived to be 109 years old.
Legacy
In 2003, Tom Ewell was honored. He was added to the Owensboro High School Hall of Fame.
Images for kids
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Ewell in 1958
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With Paulette Girard in the Broadway play, The Seven Year Itch (1952)
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Trailer for Adam's Rib (1949)
See also
In Spanish: Tom Ewell para niños
