Tom Neal

Tom Neal was an American actor best known for his roles in films like Detour, Radar Secret Service, and Flying Tigers. He gained more fame for his troubled personal life and legal issues than for his acting career.

Personal and Family Life

Born on January 28, 1914, in Evanston, Illinois, Tom Neal had a diverse background, including education at Harvard, where he earned a law degree. Throughout his life, he was married three times; his wives included Patricia Marie Fenton and Gale Bennett, both of whom passed away. He also had a son, Tom Neal Jr., who later appeared in a remake of his father’s film Detour.

Career Overview

Neal’s acting career began with a Broadway debut in 1935, followed by film roles starting in 1938. He often played tough characters in low-budget films during the 1940s and 1950s, but his career was overshadowed by personal scandals, including violence and legal troubles. His off-screen reputation included allegations of murder, notably involving the tragic death of his second wife, which led to his conviction for involuntary manslaughter.

Death and Legacy

Tom Neal passed away on August 7, 1972, due to heart failure in North Hollywood, California. Despite his troubled life, he is remembered for his role in classic film noir and his tumultuous existence that intertwined with Hollywood’s dark side.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Detour 1945-11-30 Al Roberts
Radar Secret Service 1950-01-28 Mickey Moran
Within the Law 1939-03-17 Richard Gilder
Crime, Inc. 1945-04-15 Jim Riley
Flying Tigers 1942-10-08 Reardon
Another Thin Man 1939-11-17 Freddie Coleman
Blonde Alibi 1946-03-01 Rick Lavery
Bowery at Midnight 1942-10-30 Frankie Mills
China Girl 1942-12-09 Captain Haynes
The Case of the Baby-Sitter 1947-07-26 Russ Ashton
The Brute Man 1946-10-01 Clifford Scott
Club Havana 1945-11-23 Bill Porter
The Rear Gunner 1943-04-10 Instructor Sergeant
First Yank into Tokyo 1945-09-05 Major Steve Ross
The Hat Box Mystery 1947-06-12 Russ Ashton
Danger Zone 1951-04-20 Edgar Spadely
Fingerprints Don’t Lie 1951-02-23 Prosecuting Attorney
Help Wanted 1939-06-10 Joe Daniels
Let’s Go Navy! 1951-07-29 Joe
Good Luck, Mr. Yates 1943-06-29 Charlie Edmonds
Jack Pot 1940-03-09 Frank Watson
Behind the Rising Sun 1943-08-01 Taro Seki
King of the Bullwhip 1950-12-20 Benson
Train To Tombstone 1950-09-16 Dr. Willoughby
The Great Jesse James Raid 1953-07-17 Arch Clements
The Miracle Kid 1941-11-14 Jimmy Conley
They All Come Out 1939-08-04 Joe Z. Cameron
Burn ‘Em Up O’Connor 1939-01-13 Hank Hogan
There’s Something About a Soldier 1943-11-30 Wally Williams
Jungle Girl 1941-06-21 Jack Stanton
6,000 Enemies 1939-06-09 Ransom
Stop That Cab 1951-03-30 Lefty
One Thrilling Night 1942-06-05 Frankie Saxton
Honolulu 1939-02-03 Ambulance Intern (uncredited)
Prophet Without Honor 1939-05-20 Matthew Fontaine Maury (uncredited)
Four Girls in White 1939-01-27 Dr. Phillips
Stronger Than Desire 1939-06-30 Reporter (uncredited)
The Courageous Dr. Christian 1940-04-04 Dave Williams
I Shot Billy the Kid 1950-07-27 Charley Bowdry
Fast and Loose 1939-02-17 Undetermined Role