Robert Ryan

Robert Ryan
Ryan in The Naked Spur (1953)
Born
Robert Bushnell Ryan

(1909-11-11)November 11, 1909
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
DiedJuly 11, 1973(1973-07-11) (aged 63)
EducationLoyola Academy
Alma materDartmouth College (B.A., 1932)
Occupations
  • Actor
  • activist
Years active1940–1973
Spouse
Jessica Cadwalader
(m. 1939; died 1972)
Children3
AwardsSee below

Robert Bushnell Ryan (November 11, 1909 – July 11, 1973) was an American actor and activist. He became known for his roles in film noirs and Westerns, gaining fame for his portrayals of both hardened anti-heroes and ruthless villains.[1] He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Crossfire (1947), and a BAFTA Award for his performance in Billy Budd (1962). He was also an accomplished stage actor, winning a Drama Desk Award for a 1971 revival of Long Day's Journey into Night.

Though he never achieved the A-list stardom of some of his Hollywood peers, Ryan nonetheless remained a popular performer, well-regarded by both critics and his peers. Critic Manohla Dargis wrote, "[Ryan] was the type of next-level star and B-movie stalwart that helped make old Hollywood great" and "born to play beautifully tortured, angry souls."[1]

  1. ^ a b Robert Ryan's Quiet Furies: [Arts and Leisure Desk] Manohla Dargis. New York Times 7 Aug 2011: AR.10.