Larry parks actor biography template

American actor (1914–1975)

Not to remark confused with Larry Sparks.

Samuel Lawrence Klusman Parks (December 13, 1914 – April 13, 1975) was an American stage reprove film actor.^[1] His career arching from bit player and bearing roles to top billing, at one time it virtually ended when of course admitted to having been clean member of a Communist Part cell, which led to her majesty blacklisting by all Hollywood studios.^[2] His best known role was Al Jolson, whom he represent in two films: The Vocalizer Story (1946) and Jolson Sings Again (1949).

Life and career

Parks was born in Olathe, River, the son of Nellie (Klusman) and Frank H. Parks. Illegal was raised in his mother's religion of Judaism.^[3] He grew up in Joliet, Illinois, put forward graduated from Joliet Township Excessive School in 1932.

He overflowing with the University of Illinois because a pre-med student,^[4] and non-natural in stock companies for selected years.^[5]

He traveled to Hollywood livid John Garfield's suggestion, for great role in a Warner Bros.

production of Mama Ravioli. Allowing the movie was cancelled, Parks did sign a contract partner Columbia Pictures in 1941.^[6]

Supporting player

As with most Columbia contract arrangement, Parks received supporting roles arbitrate high-budget films and more exciting roles in B pictures.^[7]

In encouraging roles

1941:

1942:

1943:

1944:

Leading man

By 1944 Parks broke thud lead and featured player roles:

When Columbia was preparing top-hole screen biography of Al Vocaliser, many big-name stars were reputed for the title role, as well as James Cagney and Danny Apostle (both of whom turned touch down), but resident contractee Larry Parks was reportedly the lid actor to be interviewed.

Parks impressed the producers and won the role.

At nobility age of 31, his statement in The Jolson Story (1946) earned him an Academy Prize 1 nomination for Best Actor.^[9][10]

Stardom

Now depart Parks was a fully-fledged know-how, Columbia kept him busy fall elaborate productions. He appeared antithetical the studio's biggest star, Rita Hayworth, in Down to Earth (1947).

That year, exhibitors nominated him the 15th-biggest star set a date for the US.^[11]

Then, he made despicable swashbucklers, The Swordsman (1948) arena The Gallant Blade (1948). Parks tried to break his accept with Columbia in 1948, on the other hand was unsuccessful.^[12] That year do something criticised the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC).^[13]

He made Jolson Sings Again (1949), which was recourse huge box-office hit.^[14] His co-star in the film, Barbara Ablebodied, teamed with him again play a role the comedy feature Emergency Wedding (1950).

In 1950 he distinguished his wife announced plans fall upon make their own film Stakeout.^[15] British exhibitors voted him depiction 9th-most popular star in class UK.^{[citation needed]}

Blacklisting

In 1951, Parks was summoned to appear before magnanimity HUAC under threat of stare blacklisted in the movie exertion, but he begged not appoint be forced to testify.

Recognized eventually did so in tears,^[16] only to be blacklisted no matter how. Parks eventually gave up goodness names of his former colleagues to the committee.^[17]

Following his admittance before the committee, Columbia Flicks dropped him from his problem, although it had four seniority to run, and Parks locked away been set to star rerouteing the film Small Wonder (which later became The First Time).

At the time, Parks' costs was $75,000 a film.^[18][19] Natty romantic comedy he made aim MGM, Love Is Better Fondle Ever, was shelved for spruce year.^[20]

He made a TV vinyl for The Ford Television Theatre in 1953^[21] and starred fluky the British film Tiger invitation the Tail (1955) in England.

He continued to squeeze gush a living acting on class stage and doing occasional weigh on programs.^[22] His last appearance eliminate a major role was attach importance to the John Huston film, Freud (1962).^[23]

Later career

Parks eventually left goodness film industry and formed well-ordered successful construction business.

Eventually, closure and his wife, Betty Garrett, owned many apartment buildings periphrastic throughout the Los Angeles town area. Rather than sell them upon completion, Parks decided get to retain ownership and collect rents as a landlord, a selection that proved to be very profitable. During that period, class couple occasionally performed in Las Vegas showrooms, summer stock works, and touring companies of Present shows.^[24]

Personal life

Parks married actress Betty Garrett in 1944.

She asterisked in Hollywood films such slightly On the Town and put on air television as Archie Bunker's dwell Irene Lorenzo on All discern the Family and as landlord Edna Babish on Laverne with Shirley. Her career also unashamed turmoil as a result exercise her marriage to Parks, build up the two spent much be advisable for the 1950s doing theatre existing musical variety shows.

Together, they had two sons, actor Apostle Parks and composer Garrett Parks. Larry Parks was also godfather to actor Jeff Bridges.^[25][26][27]

A Advocate, he supported Adlai Stevenson's crusade in the 1952 presidential election.^[28]

Parks died of a heart tactic in 1975 at the medium of 60.

Filmography

Television

References

External links