Tony Curtis, the beloved actor from “Some Like it Hot,” “Sex and the Single Girl,” and “The Defiant Ones” has died at his Las Vegas home, he was 85. County Coroners are reporting his death as cardiac arrest.
Tony Curtis was a mainstay in Hollywood, lifting himself from comedic hunk to serious actor, receiving an Oscar Nomination for “The Defiant Ones” in 1958. Curtis became one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood. He had the ability to pull off both drama and comedy, and was heavily praised in both. Curtis also was known for his art, spending his later years mainly focused there. He still appeared in many movies and television, but his art was his true love. Some of his paintings can easily fetch over $20,000, and can be seen in such museums as The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Tony Vanderploeg Gallery in Carmel California.
“He died peacefully here, surrounded by those who love him and have been caring for him,” his wife, Jill Curtis, told The Associated Press outside their home. “All Tony ever wanted to be was a movie star. He didn’t want to be the most dramatic actor. He wanted to be a movie star, ever since he was a little kid.”
His daughter with actress Janet Leigh, Jamie Lee Curtis, spoke in a prepared statement: “My father leaves behind a legacy of great performances in movies and in his paintings and assemblages. He leaves behind children and their families who loved him and respected him and a wife and in-laws who were devoted to him. He also leaves behind fans all over the world.”
We at YakkityYaks would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Actor’s family and friends. He will be missed.