Jack Warden

Jack Warden

Jack Warden Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 21, 2006.
LOS ANGELES (AP) _ Jack Warden, an Emmy-winning and Academy Award-nominated actor who played gruff cops, coaches and soldiers in a career that spanned five decades, has died. He was 85.

Warden, who lived in Manhattan, died Wednesday at a hospital in New York, Sidney Pazoff, his longtime business manager, said here Friday.

''Everything gave out. Old age,'' Pazoff said. ''He really had turned downhill in the past month; heart and then kidney and then all kinds of stuff.''

Warden was nominated twice for best supporting actor Oscars in two Warren Beatty movies. He was nominated for his role as a businessman in 1975's ''Shampoo'' and the good-hearted football trainer Max in 1978's ''Heaven Can Wait.''

He won a supporting actor Emmy Award for his role as Chicago Bears coach George Halas in the 1971 TV movie ''Brian's Song'' and was twice nominated in the 1980s for best leading actor in a comedy for his show ''Crazy Like a Fox.''

Warden, with his wild white hair, weathered face and gravelly voice, was in demand for character parts for decades.

In real life, the former boxer, deckhand and paratrooper was anything but a tough guy.

''Very gentle. Very dapper,'' Pazoff said.

''Most of them (actors) are pretty true to the characters that they play. He was one who was not,'' Pazoff said.

Warden was born John H. Lebzelter in 1920 in Newark, New Jersey. He was still in high school during the Depression when he tried his hand at professional boxing under his mother's maiden name of Costello.

He had 13 welterweight bouts in the Louisville area before joining the Navy, where he was sent to China and patrolled the Yangtze River.

He also had jobs as a nightclub bouncer, a lifeguard and a deck hand on an East River tugboat.

In 1941, he joined the Merchant Marine. He served in the engine room as his ship made convoy runs to Europe.

''The constant bombings were nerve-racking below decks,'' he recalled for a 1976 studio biography.

He quit in 1942 and enlisted in the Army. He was a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division but shortly before D-Day he broke his leg during a nighttime practice jump in Britain.

''They sent me back to the States,'' he recalled in a 1988 Associated Press interview. ''I was in a hospital for nearly a year.''

A fellow soldier who had been an actor gave him a play to read and he was hooked. He recovered enough to take part in the Battle of the Bulge and, after the war, went to New York to pursue an acting career.

He attended acting classes and did Tennessee Williams plays in repertory companies and moved on to appear in live TV shows such as the famed ''Studio One.''

During the 1950s his career flourished. In addition to TV work, he appeared on Broadway in shows such as Clifford Odets' ''Golden Boy'' and Arthur Miller's ''A View From the Bridge.''

He had small roles in 1953's Oscar-winning ''From Here to Eternity'' and the submarine thriller ''Run Silent, Run Deep'' but his breakthrough role was as Juror No. 7, a salesman who wants a quick decision in a murder case, in 1957's ''Twelve Angry Men.''

Over the next decades he had a number of recurring or starring TV roles. He was a major in ''The Wackiest Ship in the Army''; the coach on ''Mr. Peepers''; a coach again on the small-screen version of ''The Bad News Bears,''; detectives in ''Asphalt Jungle,'' ''N.Y.P.D.'' and ''Jigsaw John''; and a private investigator in ''Crazy Like a Fox.''

His numerous big-screen roles included a news editor in 1976's ''All the President's Men,'' Paul Newman's law partner in 1982's ''The Verdict' and the president in the 1979 Peter Sellers movie ''Being There.''

His later roles were in Woody Allen's 1994 ''Bullets Over Broadway''; Beatty's 1998 political satire ''Bulworth'' and the 2000 football movie ''The Replacements.''

Pazoff said Warden is survived by his longtime girlfriend, Marucha Hinds; estranged wife, Vanda; a son, Christopher; and two grandchildren.

At Warden's request, no funeral services were planned, Pazoff said.

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May 30, 2025

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November 16, 2024

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November 26, 2023

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213 Entries

Linda Wolske

May 30, 2025

I love watching him on movies he is great. ❤

Lu Doyle

November 16, 2024

Just saw you tonight in Heaven Can Wait on PBS. A stellar cast, and you were the touchstone, making everyone look better. So glad you didn't stick to the Merchant Marines but found your destiny--to quote Mr. Howard.

David Sanchez

November 26, 2023

It was a pleasure to meet your acquaintance we met at the hardware store where I worked my name is David I work at straight hardware corner of West 43rd Street and 9th avenue across the street from where you live I sat and see that you are on a wheelchair when we met we had great laughs enjoy your company it was a pleasure knowing you and an honor rest in peace Jack your friend David

Lynn Gold

July 10, 2023

So sad to hear of your death, Jack.You knew Bob Gold,my father-in-law had passed before you.It was so nice to sit with you and your son, Christopher that August day talking about...what else...my love of movies.You were just going to make And Justice for All with Al.I think it was one of your best!One of the sweetest things you did was ask AL to send me a note.And he did!I loved hearing from you too after.You played these rough around the edges kind of guys, yet you were so tender and sweet.You will be greatly missed.Prayers for your girlfriend& Christopher & his family.Thank you for touching my life.

Jim Vineyard

April 25, 2020

I was just quoting you from your movie "Presidio", where sitting on a rooftop with Sean Connery, you reminded him that "There's not a whole lot of PERFECT going around", when discussing his daughter's investigation. I used to remind many a senior curator at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History, of your quip. I also, much to my supervisor's chagrin that a PhD after your name didn't make them smart, just EDUCATED, lol. Reading your full bio, it's easy to see why I always loved everything you did. I look forward to meeting you in Heaven, for you are surely there, and likely a most sought after dinner guest, with engagements for ETERNITY! Your work is a statement unequalled.

Joan T h ompson

February 23, 2019

As a little girl my parents would take me to the Margo Jones Theatre in the Round in Dallas where Jack Warden and so many others received their acting career under TWU graduate Margo. I saw Jack first in Learned Ladies. The actors's costumes would brush against one as the audience was part of the theatre. I watched his careervover the years. Thank you, Jack you were a great actor. Joan Mulcahy Thompson

Stephen Simeone

February 27, 2018

God Bless you Jack you were a great actor and a kind man. Marucha's Mom told me, I am an old friend of Maruchas family, if any one knows her please give her my name and phone # please.
Steve P. Simeone 813-401-1384 Thank you

Marietta Satifka

March 19, 2017

Thinking of you Jack. I always will.

Erna Woodward

September 24, 2016

Thank you for the wonderful acting you did in All the President's Men. You carried the film. I just loved you!

Harry Simpson

July 21, 2016

Godspeed and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Rest Jack, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Fair winds and following seas sailor.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Charles H

December 27, 2015

An actor who made every movie he worked in a step up; I loved Jack especially in "Heaven can Wait"; he made me laugh and cry; a great comedic and dramatic actor ...

Diana Morgan

August 17, 2014

Rest in peace, you were the best.....

sidney

June 24, 2014

Realmente deixou saudades, sinti muito sua ida, mas sei que estará muito bem em sua nova carreira.

May 8, 2014

I loved jack

helen geddes

July 7, 2013

Rest in Peace

March 18, 2010

For Jack...

WEEP NOT FOR ME


Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.

Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.

I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.

Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.

Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.

Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.


© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California

February 20, 2010

The World will miss another legend , now Heaven doesn't have to wait.

Edward Peterson

February 20, 2010

The World will miss another legend , now Heaven doesn't have to wait.

Lee

February 8, 2010

Loved Jack Warden's performances.

Thought he deserved a lifetime achievement award.

The only Warren Beatty pictures I ever liked, had Jack in prominent roles.

I miss him.

Cynthia Mendoza

August 31, 2007

RIP...

Jana M.

August 16, 2007

I was fortunate to see Jack at a cast party in Baltimore after filming "And Justice for All." Great actor! He is sorely missed.

nick carvotta

May 9, 2007

As an actor one of the best!! His work will live on forever,you will be missed...a legend

Bess Black

September 13, 2006

Since I was a young girl, Jack Warden has always been a great favorite of mine. From "The Wackiest Ship in the Army" to his last TV and movie appearances, he was the consummate actor. He made eveything he was in, and everyone he acted with, better whenever he was on screen. I met him years ago in Philadelphia while he was walking nonchalantly to a theatre to appear in "The Man In The Glass Booth." He was an absolute doll, arranging for me to have tickets for one of his performances and even giving me a sweet kiss on the forehead as a goodbye. I've always been sorry I was too shy to visit him later after his wonderful performance; I'd like to think we'd have become friends. My sympathy to those he did hold dear and my thanks for years of solid gold acting. I'll miss you, Jack.

Bobbie Neff

September 11, 2006

I am sad to learn of Jack Warden's death.He was in so many movies I enjoyed, it's kind of like losing an old uncle.

During last year's Oscars scar - winning movies, winning-movie reviews I noticed that many of them had Mr. Warden in the clip, making the "stars" better, and bringing his considerable abilities to give more depth to each of the winning movies.

Katherine Runyan

August 3, 2006

At age 50, I can look back and say," I enjoyed your work all of my life." A wonderful charactor actor and kind soul , you will be missed.

Mike

August 3, 2006

Thoughts & prayers for all those who were close to him.What a life he had ? To be celebrated.Another great from a past generation of real legends.What a man ! Well done Jack !

Ginny Cerar

August 3, 2006

A man with a heart of gold will be truely missed. His sweet heart could never be disguised no matter what role he played.May your family & friends carry your warm memories forever.Safe journey!!

steven tiggers

August 3, 2006

his work stands as a never ending tribute. thank you jack

Larry Hamm

August 3, 2006

Sad to see him pass. My heart goes out to those who knew and loved him.

Marietta Satifka

August 3, 2006

Dearest Jack, what I wonderful actor and dear man you were.

You are my angel.

Thank you sharing your life with us and for the gift of you. For everything.

Tami

August 3, 2006

My thoughts & prayers are with his family sorry for the loss he will be missed

J. Brian Dwyer

August 3, 2006

I enjoyed Jacks work. He was the kind of actor who doesn't get the credit he deserves because he is so good you don't even think of him as acting.

Staci McCall

August 2, 2006

You will be greatly missed. One of the best actors I have seen.

Janette Martin

August 2, 2006

"And Justice For All" a great movie. Thank You Jack for all the years..........I'll miss you!

Franco Cabading

August 2, 2006

J.W.



Thanks for the memories.

I always felt like you were who you portrayed in the movie i was watching.

I'll miss your sincere professionalism.

Peace-

God Bless your Family.

Marty Fredricksen

August 2, 2006

Thank You Jack for sharing your life and entertaining my family and I.

greg wagner

August 2, 2006

you will be sadly missed in this household.rest in peace.

Gladys Demson

August 2, 2006

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Donna Edwards

August 2, 2006

Thanks for the professionalism that you brought to every role you played.

Corletta Hardy

August 2, 2006

I,enjoyed,watching,Mr.Jack Warden,whatever,he,played,in.Jack,w

ill,be,truly,miss,sleep,own,Jack.Do

n't,make,them,laugh,to,hard.To,the,

family,be,encourage,and,rember,the,

good,times,and,the,laugh.Sleep,own,

Jack.

Linda B

August 2, 2006

Great Actor, watched you many of times, you will be missed.

Karen Dailey

August 2, 2006

Thank You Jack





...RIP

HELENE LOCANTORE/MASON

August 1, 2006

MY SYMPATHY TO JACK WARDENS FAMILY.I SAW HIM JUST TWO NIGHTS AGO,IN "THE VERDICT" WHAT A LOSS TO THE MOVIE INDUSTRY.HE WAS A GREAT ACTOR.

nancy curnell

August 1, 2006

god bless you we'll miss you @ your work.

Carol Ehrgott

August 1, 2006

What a consummate performer -- always gave 110% in all of his roles. It was a pleasure to watch him on screen -- too bad these up and coming actors/actresses can't hold a candle to him and others that have passed. Thank you Jack for some great watching. You will be missed

HELEN LOCANTORE

August 1, 2006

WHAT A LEGEND!HE WAS GREAT IN,"AND JUSTICE FOR ALL" GOD BLESS YOU'JACK.

Myra Utley

July 31, 2006

Jack was a very good actor. I enjoyed him in all the movies he had done. Thanks for the memories Jack you will be missed. God Bless your family.

Vincent Santoro

July 31, 2006

A pro's pro..

Carol Brennan Midgette

July 31, 2006

To the Warden Family, I remember him in "Crazy Like a Fox". That was the only reason why I watched the show. Be strong & know he will watch over you always. You are in my prayers. Respectfully, Carol

Randy Hood

July 31, 2006

I always enjoyed watching him preform. I will sadly miss seeing him act in anything new.

Erica Higgins

July 31, 2006

Jack was a great actor and I never got tired watching him in shows and movies. He will be missed.

Bernard Whitchurch

July 31, 2006

He always made you laugh and feel good. He was one of my favorite actors and will be missed.

Carol Roy

July 31, 2006

Blessings to the Warden family. I just watched "The Replacements" yesterday, wow what a shock. I will miss him. He was a great man.

HX Hanks

July 31, 2006

I loved the guy. One of my all time favs.

So few like him left. Who will fill their shoes?

NoOne of course. All good things must end. The younger generation will not even know what they missed unfortunately.

Donna Van Tassel

July 31, 2006

The first time I can remember Jack Warden was in Donovan'S Reef. I thought he was a great actor, so warm and gentle. I Will miss him. God Bless you and your family.

Tim Donahue

July 30, 2006

Jack Warden was a real gift to the world. He was one of the greatest actors in history. Now he is in heaven and in total peace forever.

July 30, 2006

How sad to see all of these really great actors die. The actors of today sure cannot ever replace them. Thanks for your role model and extreme talent, Jack.

God loves you and so did we.

Debra Mondares

July 30, 2006

You had a special gift, thank you for sharing it with us.

ANITA AZZARELLO

July 30, 2006

I WAS FIRST INTRODUCED TO THIS MAN'S EXCELLENT WORK IN "DONOVAN'S REEF". HE WAS TRULY THE BEST CHARACTER ACTOR I HAVE EVER SEEN. OUR WORLD IS BETTER TO HAVE HAD HIM IN IT, MAY GOD GRANT HIS FAMILY PEACE AND SERENITY AT THEIR TRAGIC LOSS.

Victoria Driver

July 29, 2006

I am truly sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please remember to be abscent from the body is to be present with the lord. God Bless

M.L. Barkley

July 29, 2006

Mr Warden was a great actor. may God take care of his love ones..

Pat NADEAU

July 29, 2006

So sorry to hear of Mr, Warden's passing He always reminded me of my father.His acting was just wonderful and real.

Michael Fanelli

July 29, 2006

Mr. Jack Warden, Thank you for the many movies and the TV shows. My favorite was your role as Mickey in The Verdict when you acted as Frank Galvin's guardian angel/confidant. Please tell the Lord that I love Him and also say hello to my dad. Rest in eternal peace.

camille nelson

July 29, 2006

He was a great actor and man of many talents. He will be greatly missed. In this day of cutout actors, he stands alone as one of our real actors.

Daniel Peters

July 27, 2006

A truly great actor who could play the tough guy with a heart of gold better than anyone. We will dearly miss him.

Madonna Stokes

July 25, 2006

I am so sorry to hear that Mr. Warden has left us. He had such an incredible and enjoyable ability to entertain making every part he played seem so real. The world truly has lost another great person and actor. May God bless and keep his family in the years to come.

Ingrid Griffith

July 25, 2006

With Sympathy and Caring. My condolences to Jack's family and his significant other. I'll remember Jack as a true Spirit, a gentle Soul.

George Gagliardo

July 25, 2006

Always a real man as an actor, I'm going to miss him.

bill

July 25, 2006

As he said at the end of the movie ESCAPE FROM ZARAIN< We must do this again sometime.

JOHN KEOGH

July 25, 2006

MY DEPEST HEART FELT PRAYERS FOR HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS A GREAT MAN AND ACTOR.

Dennis Hogensen

July 25, 2006

To me the irony is that Mr. Warden always made other cast members appear much more realistic and believable. Case in point, who better than Jack Warden could have played the gruff Football trainer to the football player/tycoon character of Warren Beatty in "Heaven Can Wait"?



PS: Now "Heaven" won't have to wait for a great character actor.

VERA CARVOTTA

July 25, 2006

WAS LOOKING FOR ANOTHER FRIEND OF MINE, WHEN I CAME ACROSS JACK.. MY ALL TIME FAVORITE ACTOR. MY HEART WAS BROKEN TO SEE THAT YOU HAVE LEFT US.. I LOVED YOU LIKE CRAZY. I WILL MISS YOU DEARLY, YOU WHERE MY HERO.. MY HEART IS REACHING OUT TO YOU IN SYMPATHY AND PRAYER AND ALSO TO THE FAMILY..

Nancy Autry

July 25, 2006

He will be missed by those who enjoyed his acting ability and entertainment over the years. Blessings to the family.

Linda Viar

July 25, 2006

The entertainment industy has lost a great actor. I loved him in 'Crazy Like A Fox'. May God be with his family.

Daisy Iriel

July 25, 2006

Thank You for being in my life thru the movies. I enjoyed you so much as an actor and a as a person. Thank you most of all for being a protector of our nation. We never give enough Thanks. God be with the Warden Family during their time of sorrow.

Tom Mazula

July 25, 2006

I've always believed that the real worth of an actor was their ability to convince the viewer that the character they were seeing was real. This was never more true than in Jack Warden's portrail of the Fuchs brothers in 'Used Cars'. Roy L. Fuchs as the greedy evil brother trying to buyout his benevolent, gentle twin brother, Luke Fuchs. One minute you dispised him and the next you geninely loved him. Not an easy thing for an actor to pull off.

Jack, you will always be Luke Fuchs to me and I'll never let your evil brother "get his hands on your lot".

George Larner

July 25, 2006

Great Actors can never be replaced. You are one in a million!

BETTY RIVAS &FAMILY

July 25, 2006

MR.WARDEN I ENJOYED ALL YOUR WORK THAT I HAD THE CHANCE TO SEE.YOU WILL BE MISSED.TO THE WARDEN FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAY GOD BE WITH YOU.

Sharon Knowlton

July 25, 2006

So sorry to learn of the death of Jack Warden, you have a special spot in my heart watching you in the movies that you were in. You are going to be missed and I will always will remember you. I felt like you were part of my family in the movies.May you rest in peace and God bless you and your family. Sharon

Teresa Woodward

July 25, 2006

So sorry to hear about Jack.



It Has been enjoyable watching all his movie's all these years.There are not many good men like him left.



I am Proud that he served with the 101st Airborne.My Nephew is soon to be home from Iraq.2rd time there,out of Fort Campbell,Kentucy!



Take Care all of you.Teresa



Many prayers will be said for the Family,and for Jack too!

Ruth Kobes

July 25, 2006

Thank you for becoming a part of lives and bringing so much pleasure through your acting. You will truly be missed.

David Bhaltazhar

July 25, 2006

High Two!

R.I.P.

Wanda Williams

July 24, 2006

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

wayne and melissa and kids lamb

July 24, 2006

he surely will be miss i like all his movies especial problem child and god bless all his family in this time of need.

Steve Spiegel

July 24, 2006

Jack always made it look so easy. Very funny in 'Dirty Work' with Norm Macdonald. Everything Jack did was better simply due to the fact that he was in it. Condolences to his family,friends and fans everywhere.

alan fisher

July 24, 2006

Great Actor Will Be Missed, Thanks Jack

Helena & Neil Perlmutter

July 24, 2006

Another wonderful actor gone. May he rest in peace

Our sympathy to Jack Warden's family.

Janice Keller

July 24, 2006

A fabulous character actor, Jack Warden, you will be missed!

Joni Baker

July 24, 2006

Everyone is mentioning their favorites, and mine were "Shampoo", "Heaven Can Wait", and "Bulworth", which of course featured your buddy Warren Beatty. You two made a great team, kind of like the way Burt Reynolds was with Dom DeLuise or Brian Keith, it was just a good fit. We'll all miss you Mr Warden, you made so many of us laugh and enjoy all your movies to the fullest.

Marion Collins

July 24, 2006

Jack, you will surely be missed in my life time. Fully enjoyed your contribution to the entertainment world.Thanks for everything. You will remain in my memory as an OSCAR that was presented above as a Special Angel.

Charles Reilly

July 24, 2006

Good-bye Jack Warden. You were one of the best actors of your generation and a former paratrooper who served his country in its time of need. One of your funniest roles was as the manager of the hapless Hoboken Zephyres on the "Twilight Zone". It was just one of many that made you a special actor and man. You'll be missed by everyone.

John Paglier

July 24, 2006

Mr. Warden,

Thanks for the wonderful memories.

You will be missed.

Jerry L.

July 24, 2006

Mr. Warden's talent will be sorely missed. He had the ability to make you believe he was, who he was portraying. The Verdict and Used Cars, were my favorites. God bless the family.

Sally McCoy

July 24, 2006

Mr. Warden:

You were a true Actor, a classic. I loved you in "While you Were Sleeping", Thanks for the memories.

Sincere Sympathies to your family and personal friends.

Kimberly Hennessy

July 24, 2006

What a wonderful full life he lived. A great actor and true inspiration to others.

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May 30, 2025

Linda Wolske posted to the memorial.

November 16, 2024

Lu Doyle posted to the memorial.

November 26, 2023

David Sanchez posted to the memorial.