Glenn Ford

Glenn Ford

Glenn Ford Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 30, 2006.
BEVERLY HILLS, California (AP) - Actor Glenn Ford, who played strong, thoughtful protagonists in films such as "The Blackboard Jungle," "Gilda" and "The Big Heat," has died, police said. He was 90.

Paramedics called to Ford's home just before 4 p.m. Wednesday found Ford dead, police Sgt. Terry Nutall said, reading a prepared statement. "They do not suspect foul play," he said.

Ford suffered a series of strokes in the 1990s.

"It comes to mind instantly what a remarkable actor he was," actor Sidney Poitier, who also starred in "The Blackboard Jungle," said Wednesday evening. "He had those magical qualities that are intangible but are quite impactful on the screen. He was a movie star."

Failing health forced Ford to skip a 90th birthday tribute on May 1 at Hollywood's historic Grauman's Egyptian Theatre. But he did send greetings via videotape, adding, "I wish I were up and around, but I'm doing the best that I can.... There's so much I have to be grateful for."

At the event, Shirley Jones, who co-starred with him in the comedy "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," called Ford "one of the cornerstones of our industry, and there aren't many left."

Ford appeared in scores of films during his 53-year Hollywood career. The Film Encyclopedia, a reference book, lists 85 films from 1939 to 1991.

He was cast usually as the handsome tough, but his acting talents ranged from romance to comedy. His more famous credits include "Superman," "Gilda," "The Sheepman," "The Gazebo," "Pocketful of Miracles" and "Don't Go Near the Water."

An avid horseman and former polo player, Ford appeared in a number of Westerns, "3:10 to Yuma," "Cowboy," "The Rounders," "Texas," "The Fastest Gun Alive" and the remake of "Cimarron" among them. His talents included lighter parts, with roles in "The Teahouse of August Moon" and "It Started With a Kiss."

On television, he appeared in "Cade's County," "The Family Holvak," "Once an Eagle" and "When Havoc Struck." He starred in the feature film "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," which later became a TV series featuring Bill Bixby.

A tireless worker, Ford often made several films a year, Ford continued working well into his 70s. In 1992, though, he was hospitalized for more than two months for blood clots and other ailments, and at one point was in critical condition.

"Noel Coward once told me, 'You will know you're old when you cease to be amazed.' Well, I can still be amazed," Ford said in a 1981 interview with The Associated Press.

After getting his start in theater in the 1930s, he got a break when he was signed by Columbia Pictures mogul Harry Cohn.

In 1940, he appeared in five films, including "Blondie Plays Cupid" and "Babies for Sale." After serving with the Marines during World War II, Ford starred in 1946 as a small-time gambler in "Gilda," opposite Rita Hayworth.

The film about frustrated romance and corruption in postwar Argentina became a film noir classic. Hayworth plays Ford's former love, a sometime nightclub singer married to a casino operator, and she sizzles onscreen performing "Put the Blame on Mame."

Ford speaks the memorable voiceover in the opening scene: "To me a dollar was a dollar in any language. It was my first night in the Argentine and I didn't know much about the local citizens. But I knew about American sailors, and I knew I'd better get out of there." Two years later he made "The Loves of Carmen," also with Hayworth.

"It was one of the greatest mistakes I ever made, embarrassing," Ford said of the latter film. "But it was worth it, just to work with her again."

Among his competitors for leading roles was William Holden. Both actors, Ford said, would stuff paper in their shoes to appear taller than the other. "Finally, neither of us could walk, so we said the hell with it."

Ford also played against Bette Davis in "A Stolen Life."

One of his best-known roles was in the 1955 "The Blackboard Jungle," where he portrayed a young, soft-spoken teacher in a slum school who inspires a class full of juvenile delinquents to care about life.

"We did a film together, and it was for me a great experience because I had always admired his work," recalled Poitier. "When I saw him in films I had always marveled at the subtlety of his work. He was truly gifted."

In "The Big Heat," 1953, a gritty crime story, Ford played a police detective.

"Acting is just being truthful," he once said. "I have to play myself. I'm not an actor who can take on another character, like Laurence Olivier. The worst thing I could do would be to play Shakespeare."

He was born Gwyllyn Samuel Newton Ford on May 1, 1916, in Quebec, the son of a railroad executive. The first name reflected his family's Welsh roots. When Ford joined Columbia, Cohn asked him to change his name to John Gower; Ford refused but switched his first name to Glenn, after his father's birthplace of Glenford.

He moved to Southern California at 8 and promptly fell in love with show business, even sneaking onto a Culver City studio lot at night. He took to the stage at Santa Monica High School. His first professional job was as a searchlight operator in front of a movie house.

He started his career in theater, as an actor with West Coast stage companies and as Tallulah Bankhead's stage manager in New York. In 1939, he made his first Hollywood film opposite Jean Rogers in the romance "Heaven With a Barbed Wire Fence."

His director, Ricardo Cortez, told Ford he would never amount to anything and the actor returned to New York. He didn't stay away from Hollywood long, though, signing a 14-year contract with Columbia Pictures.

He married actress-dancer Eleanor Powell in 1943; the two divorced in 1959. They had a son, Peter. A 1965 marriage to actress Kathryn Hays ended quickly. In 1977, he married model Cynthia Hayward, 32 years his junior. They were divorced in 1984.


Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press

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449 Entries

April 9, 2025

I love your movies.

Jack Wagerman

December 14, 2024

May he RIP.

Jack Wagerman

August 25, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Barrie Marchetta

September 10, 2023

Glenn was my actor, who truly was a great talent, with outstanding looks. He was made to be
in the movies. He only had to be himself when portraying a role. I miss him more then words can
evolve. Rest in peace Glenn with all the angels. May our heavenly father welcome you into paradise.

Harold Schiffer

August 20, 2023

Besides being a great natural actor he was a patriot having our country in three wars and attaining the rank of Brigadier General!

Malcolm Novar

June 12, 2023

Great guy!!

Barrie Marchetta

July 12, 2022

Mr. Ford was a giant among actors. His acting ability was second to none. His good looks and beautiful smile were everlasting. He had a long gifted life and entertained millions of fans and the public with his 85 movies. He remains one of my favorite actors. July 1, 1922.

Angie M Petersen

February 26, 2021

To a wonderful actor and man. You had that wit about you and of course that stunning smile.

leonardo pires

September 10, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Jerry Bradshaw

April 28, 2020

Wonderful man , Actor ! They dont make em like him anymore ! RIP

DENISE WHITE COSTANTINO

March 10, 2020

I WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH HIS LOOKS, HIS MANNERISMS. E.G. HOW NAIVE HE WOULD APPEAR IN ONE MOVIE & HOW TOUGH HE WOULD APPEAR IN OTHER MOVIES. I SAW HIM ON A RETRO "TATTLETALES 70'S. AND EVEN THOUGH HE WAS OLDER, HE STILL HAD A SHY HONEST WAY ABOUT HIM, WHEN HE WAS. ANSWERING QUESTIONS.

March 1, 2020

Wonderful actor loved his films especially the old cowboy films ,guess whose coming to dinner RIP

Linda Kuchar

January 24, 2020

Glen Ford was one of the great stars of Hollywood. He had the nicest smile.

john godfrey

September 5, 2019

very good actor will be mist john

Monica Majeau

July 30, 2019

TCM has been playing Glenn's movies this month . I'm watching The last Challenge right now . And one I've never seen before last night , Rage . I love his acting !! I didn't know he was Canadian as well !! As a fellow Canuck I'm sure proud !!

Kristine Venlet

July 27, 2019

Thank you so much for your many hours of enjoyment you have given so many people! Much loved, much missed!

Donna Richardson

June 1, 2019

I thought Mr. Ford was such a tenaciously passionate actor! You could feel and hear his heart pound in every character he played. It must have often been very painful for him especially in films where emotional struggles ran high - particularly in the movie, Ransom! Will miss him immensely, but I am grateful his movies transcend time! Rest In The Arms of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Esther Lopez

May 14, 2019

RIP, Glenn, I see you in TCM a lot, just so Gilda last night! YOU ARE GREAT!

April 1, 2019

Mr.Glen Ford, was a great actor and a very nice looking man. My mom, Elsie Tibbs (86yrs) stills Loves to watch his movies. RIP Donna Miller, Dublin Va.

Aaron Johnson

February 4, 2019

God bless you sir

Peggy Gorman

September 20, 2018

Loved watching Glen Ford. He was an excellent actor.

Joan Watson

June 18, 2018

I was around 9 when I first saw Gallant Journey. It was at the sight of you I first fell in love. You were so beautiful! I dreamed about you so often. I made sure to see every movie you ever made. Even memorized your name in the movie, your co-star and year made. I wrote you often. I received 2 autographed pictures from you that are treasured. Wish I could have shook your hand and gaze into those beautiful blue eyes. RIP You were, and are, loved.

Judy Dickens

June 3, 2018

Love this MAN

frederick schoenk

June 2, 2018

After seeing the movie on TV, I made my diction to be a teacher. 1971- 2002 art teacher in the Allentown School District. Glenn was my inspiration & James P. Musselman , my high school art teacher. I thank both for my career. Both men are sadly missed & loved. . . . . Respectfully, Fred Schoenk , artist & teacher

Diane B.

April 15, 2018

I loved your acting
When I was very young I was going to grow up and marry you. I watched blackboard jungle yesterday and saw what a great actor.you were

John Stuart

February 2, 2018

"3:10 to Yuma". What a great movie. You were the best, Mr. Ford. Thanks for the memories.

Eduardo Blanco

December 11, 2017

giant as the most giant actor as a person. from Buenos Aires

Eduardo Blanco

December 11, 2017

giant as the most giant actor as a person. from Buenos Aires. Eduardo Luis Blanco

September 25, 2017

Glenn Ford- you were much older than me but I had such a crush on you. You had a way of talking so sexy to women in films; you always had a gentle heart. You are indeed missed - Chris Terbrock

Margaret Arnold

August 18, 2017

What a handsome man I loved watching Glen Ford. I was watching a film just an hour ago and decided to look up what happened to him and just found out he died a few days ago.. Another great gone from us. R. I. P. Glen

Melinda Lopez

August 17, 2017

I loved Glenn Ford since I met him in the movie Dearheart with Geraldine Page. When I was about 10 years old. I purchased the movie and I watch it every now and then. I truly wanted to meet in person, but I never had the opportunity. I miss him. A great movie star. He left us all of his movies and we can continue to watch him and remember him dearly. Always in my heart.

Sue Fishel

June 19, 2017

Love you and miss you. Sue fishel from Dallas.tx

June 18, 2017

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

George and Harriet Hameetman

May 30, 2017

I always admired Glenn Ford in all his movies and as a man. My wife and myself had sent Glenn Ford a picture of ourselves for his birthday. We told him how much, we loved him and Peter Ford told us in a letter, that he hung our pic over his mantle. I hope he did. God Bless. Geo and Harriet Hameetman

Nazarene Mckinney

May 17, 2017

Loved your movies!

pat hughes

April 19, 2017

wonderfull actor loved all his films

Dottie Hall

April 14, 2017

Super actor and like watching his movies every day on TV.

John Potts

February 28, 2017

Tough to watch so many of the great actors and actresses of yesteryear pass away. I grew up watching this great guy in all of his movies and shows. Didn't know he had served in the armed forces until recently; thanks Capt. Ford! God bless.

Karen Rivera

January 20, 2017

I loved Glenn Ford as an actor. He was great in all the movies I've seen him in. I had a "crush" on him, when I was a little girl. I would sat and watch his movies with my Dad. R.I.P. Mr. G. Ford.

John Davis

December 8, 2016

Im a big fan of Mr Glenn Ford.
Im from Canada not fare from is home town.
He was and still is a grat man in the movies.
I no you miss him I no I just lost my Grandma Dec 06-2016 she was 98 years young. My Grandma love Glenn Ford.
John & Janet Davis

So sorry for your lost of a good man.

Patsy Hindley

December 1, 2016

A wonderful actor and person I loved this guy he had a great smile saw everyone of his movies .

Marlena Kills In Water-Martinez

November 24, 2016

To a wonderful person, who will be greatly missed

Harry Simpson

August 30, 2016

Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni.

Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Mary Riffone

August 30, 2016

Thought of him as one of the best actors of his time. Handsome n diversified. Never miss a movie of his. RIP and ThankYou for your service n great movies.

pat whelan

July 23, 2016

One of the greats

Joyce Muir

July 9, 2016

Always loved Glenn Ford. I just turned 80. He reminded me so much of my husband.
What year did he die? Can't wait to watch his movie "Gilda" this Friday, July 15, 2016. Rita was such a vamp. What a combination.

Maria Reyes

June 26, 2016

When I was young I was in love with him but he never knew that I existed but I did he was handsome but I never got to meet him

Richard and Tamara Peters

May 30, 2016

One of the best. Actors ever solid performer!

tony diodato

May 27, 2016

Not just a great,gifted actor but a real man and true patriot.

gerard o,brien

May 1, 2016

100years since his birth .A wonderful actor.

Mary Ives

April 15, 2016

R.i.p. Glen great star,

Ally Noble

February 29, 2016

My fav male actor will be sadly missed loved all his films

Becky Hacker

January 16, 2016

What a wonderful actor .been watching hes movies since I was 10 am 65. Now and still watch them my favorite are his cowboy movies. I will meet you on heaven some day untill than God Bless to a corner stone of the movie world
Becky Hacker of Battle Creek Michigan.

T. Astralia Akbar

December 20, 2015

Mr. Glenn Ford, I write to you posthumously, thanking you for your career of work. You have thoroughly entertained me in the years I've known you, since a child of the 50's. then due to late night movies, and these latter years TCM (Turner Classic Movies ), I continue to enjoy watching the intensity of your performances, in a subtle sort of way.I'm still learning things about you due to the education of Robert Osborne at TCM. You were married to Eleanor Powell and parented your son, Peter Ford. Interesting! I just watched two of her films on TCM. God bless your memory to be preserved, and more than this; I pray you are with The Lord in Christ Jesus, now, you all.

Betty Underwood

October 17, 2015

He was one of the greats! Loved him.

Wendy Taylor-Rogers

August 30, 2015

In fond memory of Mr Ford an excellent actor who moved effortlessly through the different genres. I was always fascinated by his good looks beautiful smile and distinctive voice. I am privileged to have known of his presence and existence A true Hollywood legend. Irreplaceable --- Will always remember

Dan Wise

July 30, 2015

An amazing and gifted actor. Just as you dazzled the silver screen in this world. I know you are doing the same in heaven. God bless and Oorah to your memory. Semperfi

July 17, 2015

Loved Glenn in westerns but he was great in all his movies. Can't blame him for loving Rita Hayworth either. God Bless you Glenn.
[Bill, Chilliwack,B.C.]

Barry Wood

May 31, 2015

A fantastic man.is films are the best. Great man

john ward

May 24, 2015

I think he was one brilliant actor, who I loved to watch like many young men he was a hero for me to watch as I was growing up
R.I P Glen

jm.ward Shropshire U.K

May 16, 2015

one of my favorite actors. i loved "pocket full of miracles" also a movie he starred in he thought he had rabies. sorry i don't know the name of it.

Valerie starr

May 10, 2015

I think he was so good looking , loved his movies
R,I p Glenn ,,you sure had a good life

noletta stepps

March 4, 2015

RIP...Glen Ford! You will forever be missed, your legacy will remain forever ♡♡♡

Mary Simpson

February 7, 2015

so many films..loved him in them all...avery lovely man....god bless..xx

Mildred Stockton

January 11, 2015

I love him in your man from Alamo

Judith Musarra

November 22, 2014

I've seen every movie of yours many times..my favorite was Jubal. N Gilda.. What a Fab!! Actor..

rosalind Tennison

November 8, 2014

You was a great actor u will be missed.

jenn

October 27, 2014

Sure love your movies u were Hot!

Harry Simpson

August 30, 2014

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni.

Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Carol Suits

August 24, 2014

What a beautiful, talented man you were ! You are missed and loved by many ! Till we meet again.....

Evelyn Cosby

August 23, 2014

One. Of. The. Great. Actors. Have. Gone. Beyond. This. World. We. Will. Miss. You. Mc.

August 21, 2014

What a wonderful Actor u were...u will be missed X

Mary Fowler

August 11, 2014

He was my "it" man. I loved the "Courtship of Eddies' Father." That is my favorite Glenn Ford movie. May his soul rest in peace!

Joanna Thomas

July 27, 2014

One of the greatest actor's of all time's

john mallard

July 13, 2014

never made a bad movie

Ron DePersia

May 11, 2014

The Fastest Gun Alive is one of my favorites .

Ron DePersis

May 11, 2014

You were the Best of the Best Glenn. I will watch your movies forever

May 1, 2014

Edward Simmonds, A real cowboy, thanks for the movies, never seen one i didn't like..

Tina Woody

April 20, 2014

Glenn Ford was what I call a Real man and true American. When I watch his movies I think What a stand up guy, we need him now. Thank you Glenn for all the great westerns.

Bridget Kitzler

April 1, 2014

I loved the movie 310 to Yuma

Stephen Jones Sr.

March 19, 2014

Goodbye Glen/

R Vanhouten

January 27, 2014

Rip Mr Ford

Heather Finch

January 5, 2014

I was 15 when I saw my first Glenn Ford movie and I fell in love with him, what a fantastic actor hard to believe he's gone. Hope he realized how much he was loved by all. Heather aged 69

December 17, 2013

tom lopez

July 15, 2013

you are still one of my very favorite actors,good in everything but westerns are the best,how I love to watch yo ride a horse and draw a gun, I miss you and that beautiful smile of yours

Justin Ray Junior Seaton

July 15, 2013

To Glenn Ford Have a nice day up there in Heaven. How does it look up there looking down here on Earth.

Susan Telford

July 9, 2013

Watching a glen ford film now
being taken away from all my
worries what a wonderful life.
Thanks for the wonderful smile
and memories.

Martin Burdge

July 6, 2013

I must say this,
I was born in 1958 & have grown up watching glen ford films & would like to say it was a sad day when they announced a true magnificent actor had passed away,
You will be sadly missed & thank you & your family for truly being a fantastic actor m.burdge.

Martin Burdge

July 6, 2013

I must say this,
I was born in 1958 & have grown up watching glen ford films &would like to say it was a sad day when they announced a true magnificent actor hadassed away,
You will be sadly missed & thank you & your family for truly being a fantastic actor m.burdge.

Alice Mitchell

July 1, 2013

I never pass up a movie Glen Ford is in he is always fair but gets the person that needs it my favorits are when hes in love how he cares so much for the person even his children Glend Ford will always be in my heart and i will always watch his movies . God Bess all his loved ones and yes our friend is in a better place ( =

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