Tom Runyon was an American actor who is best known for The Getaway, Every Which Way But Loose, and Convoy. He was born on April 27, 1920, in Washington, District of Columbia, and died on July 17, 2009, in Malibu, California.
Personal and Family Life
Tom Runyon was married to Barbara Runyon from 1961 until his death in 2009, and they had two children together, including Morgan Runyon. He grew up in Runyon Canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains, which was purchased by his uncle in 1919. Besides acting, he studied writing at Columbia University and wrote fiction for Argosy magazine.
Career Highlights
In addition to acting, Tom Runyon was the owner of The Old Place, a restaurant-saloon in Malibu that he opened with his wife in 1969. The establishment became famous for its simple menu and a list of celebrity patrons including Steve McQueen and Bob Dylan. Runyon worked as both the cook and dishwasher, while Barbara served as the waitress during the restaurant’s operation.
Death and Legacy
Tom Runyon passed away from cancer on July 17, 2009, in Malibu, California. His legacy includes the fond memories of his contributions to both the film industry and the culinary scene with The Old Place, where many notable figures gathered. His family continues to honor his memory, and he remains a noted personality in Hollywood history.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Getaway | 1972-12-13 | Hayhoe |
| Tom Horn | 1980-03-28 | Bartender |
| Every Which Way but Loose | 1978-12-16 | Bartender at Palomino |
| Convoy | 1978-06-27 | Runyon |
| Wanted: The Sundance Woman | 1976-10-01 |