Tom Tryon

Tom Tryon (January 14, 1926 - September 4, 1991) was an American film and television actor, as well as author of several science fiction, horror, and mystery novels. He was born Thomas Tryon in Hartford, Connecticut. He is usually credited and listed as an author under his birth name. He was the son of silent screen actor Glen Tryon.

Acting Career

Tryon's film roles were mostly in B-horror and science fiction films, most notably I Married a Monster From Outer Space (1958) and Moon Pilot (1962), and in westerns, especially Three Violent People (1956), with Charlton Heston, and Winchester '73 (1967). His best role, however, is considered by many to have been in the 1965 film, In Harm's Way, which is itself considered one of the best films set in the period of World War II.

Related Topics:
I Married a Monster From Outer Space - 1958 - Moon Pilot - 1962 - Three Violent People - 1956 - Charlton Heston - Winchester '73 - 1967 - 1965 - In Harm's Way - World War II

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In 1962, Tom Tryon was cast to play the role of Stephen Burkett ("Adam") in the unfinished Marilyn Monroe comedy film, Something's Got to Give, directed by George Cukor, but lost that role after Monroe was fired from the movie. The part went to Chuck Connors when the film was finally completed as Move Over Darling with Doris Day. (Completed footage from the original version has recently been released on video and DVD.) He was also considered but eventually passed over for the role of Janet Leigh's lover, Sam Loomis, in the classic thriller, Psycho. Television roles included the Texas John Slaughter series which ran on The Wonderful World of Disney in the 1950s, guest appearances on The Virginian and The Big Valley, and a live television performance of The Fall of the House of Usher. He also co-wrote a song, "I Wish I Was," which appeared on an obscure record by Dick Kallman, star of the short-lived and now largely forgotten 1965 television sitcom, Hank.

Related Topics:
1962 - Marilyn Monroe - Something's Got to Give - George Cukor - Chuck Connors - Move Over Darling - Doris Day - Video - DVD - Janet Leigh - Sam Loomis - Psycho - Texas John Slaughter - The Wonderful World of Disney - 1950s - The Virginian - The Big Valley - The Fall of the House of Usher - Dick Kallman - 1965 - Sitcom - Hank

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Tryon was nominated for a Golden Globe in 1963 for his role in The Cardinal, but the honor barely compensated for the trauma and abuse he suffered at the hands of director Otto Preminger. At one point during filming, Preminger actually fired Tryon in front of his parents when they visited the set, then rehired him after being satisfied that Tryon had been sufficiently humiliated.

Related Topics:
Golden Globe - 1963 - The Cardinal - Otto Preminger

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