Biography
Emmy Award-winning actor Jack Klugman was known primarily for his portrayals of two of television's most memorable characters, although his career also boasted more than 50 years of credits in film and on Broadway. The actor's early years were comprised of work on the stages of New York, on television anthologies such as "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (CBS, 1955-1962), and in features films like "12 Angry Men" (1957), alongside Henry Fonda. Several guest turns on the "Twilight Zone" (CBS, 1959-1971) and a supporting role in the comedy-drama "Goodbye, Columbus" (1969) preceded his long-running portrayal of the cretinous Oscar Madison opposite Tony Randall's fastidious Felix Unger on "The Odd Couple" (ABC, 1970-75). Klugman went on to win two Emmy Awards for his hilarious personification of the sports-loving vulgarian, only to embody another iconic television character in the form of the crime-solving "Quincy, M.E." (NBC, 1976-1983). Although the actor's love of fine cigars led to serious health problems later in life, he persevered, even returning to Broadway for a revival of "The Sunshine Boys" in 1997 and penning a memoir about his former co-star Tony and Me: A Story of Friendship in 2005. Whether remembered for playing a slovenly sportswriter, a tenacious medical examiner, or one of his dozens of other portrayals, Klugman's acting legacy was one of humor, insight and humanity.
