Biography Season 3 Episode 19 Richard Widmark

Richard Widmark was an American actor known for playing dark and complex characters in films throughout the 1940s-70s. Biography season 3 episode 19 delves into the life and career of this talented actor.

The episode begins with Widmark's childhood in Minnesota, where he was raised by his mother after his father abandoned the family. Despite his difficult upbringing, Widmark excelled in school and eventually attended Lake Forest College in Illinois. After graduating, he worked as a teacher for a short time before enrolling in drama school at the suggestion of his friend, actress Patricia O'Brien.

Widmark quickly made a name for himself in New York City, where he performed in stage productions and radio dramas. In 1947, he was offered a film contract with 20th Century Fox and made his big-screen debut in the film "Kiss of Death," playing a sadistic gangster named Tommy Udo. The role was a breakout success for Widmark, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Throughout the 1950s, Widmark continued to play complex and often villainous characters in films such as "Panic in the Streets," "Night and the City," and "Judgment at Nuremberg." He also starred in several westerns, including "Broken Lance" and "Cheyenne Autumn."

In addition to his film work, Widmark was a frequent guest on television shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "Murder, She Wrote." He also returned to the stage, earning critical acclaim for his performances in productions of "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "Long Day's Journey into Night."

The episode explores the personal life of Widmark, including his marriage to his wife Jean Hazlewood and their two children, as well as his love of sailing and photography. It also touches on Widmark's political activism, including his support of Democratic candidates and his opposition to the Vietnam War.

Throughout the episode, interviews with friends and colleagues of Widmark shed light on his talent as an actor and his kind and generous nature off-screen. The episode concludes with a tribute to Widmark, who passed away in 2008 at the age of 93.

Overall, Biography season 3 episode 19 offers a fascinating look at the life and career of Richard Widmark, a talented actor who left an indelible mark on Hollywood.