Tony Curtis (Bernard Herschel Schwarz, 3 Giugno 1925, New York, USA - 29 Settembre 2010, Henderson, Nevada, USA) was an American actor known for his charm and talent. The son of Hungarian Jewish immigrants, Curtis grew up in a challenging environment in the Bronx but managed to escape the hardships of his youth through cinema. After serving in the Navy during World War II, Curtis pursued acting, studying at The New School in New York. His film career took off in the 1950s, making him one of Hollywood's most recognizable faces.

Interests

Curtis was known for his love of painting, a hobby he cultivated throughout his life and which became a second career. He was also passionate about horseback riding and water sports. Curtis was famous for his glamorous lifestyle and romantic relationships, including his marriage to actress Janet Leigh by whom he had a daughter, actress Jamie Lee Curtis.

Major Films

"Some Like It Hot" (1959): In this comedy classic, Curtis starred alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon, playing one of two musicians who dress as women to escape the mob. His performance was acclaimed for its wit and versatility.

"Spartacus" (1960): In this epic historical film, Curtis played Antoninus, a young rebellious slave, starring alongside Kirk Douglas. The film has become a cinema classic.

"The Great Impostor" (1961): Curtis played the role of a young con artist in this dramatic film, showcasing his ability to switch from light roles to more serious and complex performances.

"Operation Petticoat" (1959): In this war comedy, Curtis played a naval officer, once again demonstrating his versatility as an actor.

Filmography

1949 - "City Across the River" (Maxwell Shane)

1949 - "The Lady Gambles" (Michael Gordon)

1950 - "Winchester '73" (Anthony Mann)

1951 - "The Prince Who Was a Thief" (Rudolph Maté)

1952 - "Son of Ali Baba" (Kurt Neumann)

1953 - "Houdini" (George Marshall)

1954 - "The Black Shield of Falworth" (Rudolph Maté)

1956 - "Trapeze" (Carol Reed)

1957 - "Sweet Smell of Success" (Alexander Mackendrick)

1958 - "The Vikings" (Richard Fleischer)

1958 - "Kings Go Forth" (Delmer Daves)

1959 - "Some Like It Hot" (Billy Wilder)

1959 - "Operation Petticoat" (Blake Edwards)

1960 - "Spartacus" (Stanley Kubrick)

1960 - "The Rat Race" (Robert Mulligan)

1960 - "Who Was That Lady?" (George Sidney)

1961 - "The Great Impostor" (Robert Mulligan)

1962 - "Taras Bulba" (J. Lee Thompson)

1964 - "Goodbye Charlie" (Vincente Minnelli)

1965 - "The Great Race" (Blake Edwards)

1967 - "Don't Make Waves" (Alexander Mackendrick)

1968 - "The Boston Strangler" (Richard Fleischer)

1970 - "Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came" (Hy Averback)

1976 - "The Last Tycoon" (Elia Kazan)

1978 - "The Manitou" (William Girdler)

1980 - "Little Miss Marker" (Walter Bernstein)

1988 - "Midnight" (John A. Russo)

1993 - "Naked in New York" (Daniel Algrant)

1998 - "Louis & Frank" (Alexandre Rockwell)

Tony Curtis also ventured into television and stage, but he is most celebrated for his work in film. His performances in "Some Like It Hot" and "Sweet Smell of Success" are particularly renowned. Curtis was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for "The Defiant Ones" (1958) and won a Golden Globe for his role in "Some Like It Hot."