Jeff Corey was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” “True Grit,” and “The Cincinnati Kid.” He was also a highly respected acting teacher.
Personal and Family Life
Born Arthur Zwerling on August 10, 1914, in Brooklyn, New York, Jeff Corey came from a Jewish immigrant family. He married Hope N. Victorson in 1938, and together they had three children. Corey found his passion for acting during high school, which led him to pursue a career in drama.
Career
Corey’s acting career began with a Shakespearean repertory company, and he later worked in a traveling troupe. He eventually made his film debut in “One Third of a Nation” (1939). In 1943, he joined the U.S. Navy as a combat photographer during World War II, earning several commendations. After the war, Corey focused on character roles in films until he was blacklisted in the 1950s after refusing to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee.
Death and Legacy
Corey passed away on August 16, 2002, just days after celebrating his 88th birthday. He left behind a legacy as both a talented character actor and a significant acting teacher, influencing numerous successful actors throughout his career.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid | 1969-09-23 | Sheriff Ray Bledsoe |
| The Cincinnati Kid | 1965-10-15 | Hoban |
| True Grit | 1969-06-11 | Tom Chaney |
| Seconds | 1966-10-05 | Mr. Ruby |
| My Friend Flicka | 1943-05-26 | Tim Murphy |
| Home of the Brave | 1949-05-12 | Doctor |
| Brute Force | 1947-07-16 | ‘Freshman’ Stack |
| Bird on a Wire | 1990-05-18 | Lou Baird |
| Lady in a Cage | 1964-06-10 | George L. Brady Jr. aka Repent |
| Conan the Destroyer | 1984-06-29 | Grand Vizier |
| In Cold Blood | 1967-12-15 | Mr. Hickock |
| Star Trek | 1966-09-08 | Plasus |
| Barney Miller | 1975-01-23 | Caleb Webber |