Rip Torn: Biography

A success on stage, screen, and television, supporting, character, and occasional lead actor Rip Torn originally took up acting as a means to buy a ranch. Born Elmore Rual Torn -- his father nicknamed him Rip -- in Temple, TX, he studied animal husbandry at Texas A & M and the University of Texas. After hitchhiking to Hollywood, his naïve notions of instant stardom were quickly replaced by the reality of having to take odd jobs to survive until he managed to snag the occasional television role. Torn made his feature film debut with a small part in Baby Doll (1956). More parts followed until Torn moved to New York to study under Lee Strasberg at the Actor's Studio. Torn also went to Martha Graham for dance lessons. On television, he made a name for himself between 1957 and 1960 appearing on such prestigious live shows as Omnibus, Playhouse 90, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. A burly man, Torn frequently played volatile, violent, and highly sensitive characters. Most of his roles have been dramatic, but occasionally he jumps into comedy roles. Fans of the acclaimed cable sitcom The Larry Sanders Show (1992- ) will recognize Torn for playing talk show producer Arthur. This role has earned Torn a pair of Cable Ace Awards, three Emmy nominations, and one Emmy for Best Supporting Actor in a comedy series. Torn made his feature film directorial debut with the critically panned The Telephone (1987). His acting career continued to flourish; in 1997, he appeared in four major features, including the popular Men in Black. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide