I admit it - I love Tony Randall. Okay, not Cary Grant love, but love nonetheless!
The minute Tony Randall walks onto a scene, the entire movie is elevated. He is a delight, a smile, the guy you are always happy to see. Come on - didn't he really deserve Doris much more than Rock?
So, what is it about the wonderful Mr. Randall?
Well, for one thing, he's kinda cute in a non-Rock Hudson-ish puppy dog kind of way.
Don't you think?
Next, he speaks the American version of the King's English all the while acting the buffoon.
Kind of an irresistible combination, no?
He was a fine actor, a fine comedian and best of all, a terrific supporting actor who always made his co-stars look better.
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| What a trio of pros - Rock, Doris and Tony |
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| Giving MM some great support in "Let's Make Love" |
But, he could play the leading man when called upon.
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| Tony with Debbie Reynolds in "The Mating Game" - they were so cute! |
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| Tony and Jayne Mansfield in "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" |
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| Barbara Eden's love interest, not "Master" in "The Brass Bottle" |
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| 7 Tony Randalls - my favorite TR film! |
He wore plaids, tweeds and houndstooth with great flair!
I love his humor, his wit, his charm and most of all, that twinkle in his eye. Not bad for a guy from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
It was so much fun to see him in his last film, 2003's "Down With Love," which was a homage to those Doris-Rock-Tony films of the 60s.
Thanks for everything,Tony (including the definitive Felix Unger). Now, shouldn't he have gotten Doris at least once?
It was so much fun to see him in his last film, 2003's "Down With Love," which was a homage to those Doris-Rock-Tony films of the 60s.
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| "Down With Love" - Always Adding a Touch of Class |
22 comments:
I can't call him the definitive Felix Unger -- because Art Carney originated the part on Broadway, and I never had a chance to see Carney in the role, and by all accounts he was brilliant, and for that reason I don't feel comfortable crowning either Lemmon or Randall in a character that is, probably, one that must share the crown. But I am a fan of Mr. Randall in a big way, and 7 FACES OF DR LAO is a must, must see, a true American fantasy, and honestly I can't think of any other actor who could have pulled it off. So -- I raise my glass to Tony, while (respectfully) demurring on the Felix Question!
I have to say, his work in Pillow Talk and Lover Come Back is absolutely award worthy. He cracks me up.
"You don't realize how completely he dominated me ever since I was a little boy. Just once I spoke back to him. He cut a switch from a tree and gave me such a whipping, in front of this girl. It was a shattering experience."
"Pete, all kids get whippings."
"But I was twenty five, the girl was my fiancee."
@Freder: He will always be my Felix, as I am a sucker for anything he did. Although I love Jack Lemon, His Felix was overshadowed by Matthau's Oscar. Randall and Klugman complemented one another perfectly.
@MM: yes, he was a funny, charming personality...and a real class act.
Yes! Tony Randall is one of my favorite parts of any of the Rock/Doris movies. He's just so funny that he almost steals every scene his in. I haven't seen much of his work outside of that, though. Must remedy that one of these days!
Tony did a lot of movie work in the 50s & 60s , as well as tv and his beloved theater. He was always a joy in all mediums.
FlickChick, you don't have to confess to me! I adore Tony Randall, always have, and the movies in which he appeared would have been less than they were without him. Nobody could touch him in his talent for the kind of persona he played so well. I'm with you -- all he had to do was appear on the screen and you knew it was going to be fun!
Comedy is so hard to pull off, and is rarely recognized with awards, or even for the richness a good comedian brings to a movie. Tony Randall deserves your wonderful tribute.
At last I can admit it! Thank you, Becky, for giving me the courage to confess my utter adoration of the fabulous Mr. R!
I confess, I love Tony Randall too.
Thanks for reminding me.
Aww - how could you not?
Who doesn't love a witty, attractive man? Who doesn't love Tony Randall?
We saw him years ago on stage in "The Music Man" and twice with Jack K. in "The Odd Couple". A joy each time.
I think his later sitcoms, "The Tony Randall Show" and "Love Sidney" were both fabulous and cancelled too soon.
@ CW - yes! Especially since those witty, handsome fellows are in such short supply. Tony seemed forever young. I was so gad he found happiness in a family at the end of his life - he gave such joy to his audiences.
Nice tribute to a marvelous performer! My favorite of his performances is as Rock Hudson hilarious boss in LOVER COME BACK. But he was often underrated, especially in some of his offbeat films like THE 7 FACES OF DR. LAO.
Thanks, Rick. Underrated is right! 7 Faces of Dr. Lao is great fun.
Who does not love, rubber-faced comedian (who reminds me a little of Jim Carrey) who scored his greatest fame as the fussbudget Felix Unger in "The Odd Couple"
Hi Dawn - apparently everyone loves Tony. Who knew?
I have to chime in with everyone else and say "I love Tony Randall." I can't think of anything he did that I didn't enjoy, tho I particularly liked his supporting turns in the Doris Day/Rock Hudson "sex romps" - and loved his appearance in the 2003 homage to those romps, "Down With Love" (David Hyde Pierce did a really fine job in the classic "Randall role")...
Ya know, I never really thought of TR as a guy to watch but Flick Chick, your reasons to love him give me pause for thought.
He's a keeper.
FlickChick, our whole family has loved Tony Randall all the way, from his 1960s comedies with Rock Hudson and Doris Day to his final film, DOWN WITH LOVE! Classy, funny, talented -- what's not to love? And Caftan Woman, lucky you, getting to see Randall live onstage! Now that our cable provider has MeTV, we're delighted to be able to enjoy Randall on the TV version of THE ODD COUPLE regularly again! What a wonderful post; kudos to you!
Lucky you, Dorian! Isn't he just a darling?
Well I actually loved him! I'm his widow and I miss him
all the time. Seeing these comments fills me with happiness and I'm so glad our kids will get to see these comments and understand how much he was admired and loved. Tonight is Tony Randall night on Turner Classics should anyone read this in time. Heather
Heather, you and your children were so fortunate to have had a wonderful man like Tony for a husband & father. We are so thankful for the joy he gave to us for decades.
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