Anthony Perkins

Anthony Perkins (April 4, 1932–September 12, 1992) was an American actor best known for his role as the serial killer Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. He was the son of American stage and film actor Osgood Perkins (James Ripley Osgood Perkins, 1891–1937) and his wife, Janet.

Related Topics:
April 4 - 1932 - September 12 - 1992 - American - Serial killer - Norman Bates - Alfred Hitchcock - Psycho

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Perkins' first movie was The Actress (1953); he received an Academy Award nomination for his role in his second film, Friendly Persuasion (1956).

Related Topics:
The Actress - 1953 - Academy Award - Friendly Persuasion - 1956

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After other acclaimed performances both in film and on Broadway, he starred in the 1960 film Psycho, which led to his being typecast as the crazy killer (Lovin' Molly notwithstanding). His performances in Psycho and its sequels (Psycho II, Psycho III and ') were effective because of the ambiguity he brought to the role, being both a vulnerable victim and cold killer at different times. This added to the suspense as it was never known by the viewer until the last part of the film whether Perkins' character was responsible for the murders.

Related Topics:
Broadway - 1960 film - Psycho - Lovin' Molly - Psycho II - Psycho III

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In 1978, he contributed a memorable performance to Orson Welles' cinematic adaptation of Franz Kafka's dark satire The Trial.

Related Topics:
1978 - Orson Welles - Franz Kafka - Satire - The Trial

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He went on to star in (and even direct) the sequels and prequel to Psycho and also played a few memorable characters, such as the chaplain in Catch-22 (1970), but most of his later work was made-for-TV movies or films made outside the USA.

Related Topics:
Catch-22 - 1970 - Made-for-TV movie

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