One of the most prolific performers on stage, screen and in television since the late 1950s, Rip Torn was a versatile character actor and occasional lead who brought prodigious, often overpowering energy and confidence to every role he embodied – no matter how dramatic or insignificant the project. He left his native Texas in the late 1950s to make his name in show business, but found the task more daunting than imagined, so he headed for New York to train under Lee Strasberg and soak up experience in theater. His reputation as a formidable talent brought him back to Hollywood, where he
Broadway debut as understudy and replacement for Alex Nicol (as Brick) in the original production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof"
1956
Made film debut in Elia Kazan's "Baby Doll"
1958
Earliest TV appearance, the NBC anthology series, "The Alcoa Hour"
1958
Appeared in the Tennessee Williams dramas, "Orpheus Descending" and "Sweet Bird of Youth" (as Tom Finley Jr.); earned a Tony nomination for Featured Actor in a Play for the latter
1959
Earliest prominent feature supporting role in "Pork Chop Hill" as the brother-in-law of Gregory Peck's character
