Actor Jack Warden dead at 85

By M&C News Jul 21, 2006, 21:28 GMT

The twice Oscar-nominated actor, Jack Warden, born John Lebzelter, a native of Newark, New Jersey, has died at age 85 according to his longtime business manager Sidney Pazoff.

Warden, best known for starring alongside Warren Beatty in Shampoo and Heaven Can Wait, also appeared in dozens of films and won an Emmy award as the star of the 1980s TV series Crazy Like a Fox.

Warden’s early jobs included being a lifeguard and nightclub bouncer.  He also fought as a professional boxer under the name Johnny Costello. Warden was a veteran and served his country in the 101st Airborne Division during World War II.

Warden made his television debut in 1948 on The Philco Television Playhouse and Studio One. His film debut was in You're in the Navy Now, a 1951 movie which debuted actors Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson as well.

According to his biography on Wikipedia, “Warden appeared in over one hundred movies during a career which lasted six decades. He received an Emmy Award for his performance as George Halas in Brian's Song (1971), and was nominated for Academy Awards as Best Supporting Actor for his performances in Shampoo (1975) and Heaven Can Wait (1978). He also appeared in Problem Child (1990) and its sequel (1991).”