Biography Season 2 Episode 76 Tony Randall: Center Stage

Tony Randall was an American actor, producer and director who was best known for his fastidiousness and impeccable delivery of lines. In this episode of Biography, we explore the life and career of the late Tony Randall and delve into his contributions to the world of entertainment.

Born in 1920 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Randall's parents ran a real estate business. He initially had an interest in music, playing the clarinet and saxophone, but a chance encounter with a theatrical manager catapulted him into the world of acting. After serving in World War II, he studied at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre before making his Broadway debut in 1940 in the comedy, "A Circle of Chalk."

Randall's big break came in 1951, when he was cast as the lead in the Broadway production "Inherit the Wind." He received critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination for his portrayal of the cynical journalist, E.K. Hornbeck. He then went on to star in several successful Broadway productions, including "Oh, Captain!" and "M. Butterfly."

In 1958, Randall's career took a giant leap when he was cast as the neurotic, germaphobic Felix Unger in the hit television show "The Odd Couple" opposite Jack Klugman. The show became a huge success and ran for five seasons, garnering both actors multiple Emmy nominations. Randall's portrayal of Unger cemented his status as a comedic actor and opened doors for him in television and film.

Randall continued to appear in hit television shows and films throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including "Love, Sidney," for which he won an Emmy, and the films "The King of Comedy" and "Gremlins 2: The New Batch." He also hosted his own talk show, "The Tony Randall Show," in the late 1970s.

Aside from his acting career, Randall was also a passionate philanthropist and a champion of the arts. In 1991, he co-founded the National Actors Theatre in New York, which aimed to bring classic theatre to a wider audience. He was also a founding member of the American Film Institute and was instrumental in the creation of the Paley Center for Media, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of television and radio.

In this episode of Biography, we hear from Randall's family, friends, and colleagues, as they share their memories of the beloved actor and his impact on the entertainment industry. We also take a look at some of Randall's most memorable performances, both on stage and on screen, and examine the legacy he left behind.

Through interviews and archival footage, viewers will get an intimate look into the life of Tony Randall, from his childhood in Tulsa to his rise to fame in Hollywood. We'll explore his struggles and successes, his passions, and his enduring legacy as one of the great actors of our time.

"Tony Randall: Center Stage" is a tribute to a man who brought laughter and joy to millions of people over the course of his illustrious career. Don't miss this in-depth look at the life and legacy of a true icon of the entertainment world.