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Jack Warden

Gruff, engaging character actor whose craggy-face and distinctive bass voice are known to two generations for his ubiquitous presence as a supporting character in a number of memorable film and TV roles. Usually cast as the heavy, and later in more comedic turns, Warden has enjoyed a long and productive career. Before embarking on acting, Warden was by age 17 a ranked professional middleweight prizefighter. He served in World War II as a paratrooper and it was while recovering from an injury suffered in a jump that Warden began reading plays and decided to try acting. He moved to New York after his discharge and while working as a lifeguard at a New York hotel pool happened to meet Margo Jones, manager of the celebrated Dallas Alley Theater. Jones invited Warden to join the company and he ended up serving a five-year apprenticeship. Returning to New York, Warden was soon cast in Broadway productions of "Golden Boy," "Sing Me No Lullaby," "Picnic" and "Cages," among others.