Russ Tamblyn was born on December 30th, 1934

Written by: Thomas Blackwood

Russ Tamblyn: The Dazzling Dancer and Actor of Hollywood's Golden Age

Russ Tamblyn, born Russell Irving Tamblyn on December 30, 1934, is an American film and television actor and dancer, best known for his iconic roles in the classic musicals Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) and West Side Story (1961), as well as his versatility in various film genres and television dramas.

Early Life and Training

Tamblyn was born in Los Angeles, California, to actors Sally Aileen Triplett and Edward Francis "Eddie" Tamblyn. His younger brother, Larry Tamblyn, was the organist for the 1960s band the Standells. Growing up in a family of performers, Tamblyn was a hyperactive child with a penchant for gymnastics and performing. He took the stage during intermissions at the local movie theater and gave tumbling performances.

Rise to Fame: Child Acting and Musicals

Tamblyn's professional career began at the age of ten, when he was cast by actor Lloyd Bridges in a play called The Stone Jungle. This led to his film debut in The Boy With Green Hair (1948). Throughout the 1950s, Tamblyn established himself as a talented young actor, appearing in films such as Samson and Delilah (1949), The Winning of Barbara Worth (1950), and The Story of Three Loves (1953).

Breakthrough Roles: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and West Side Story

In 1954, Tamblyn starred as Gideon Pontipee in the celebrated musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, opposite Jane Powell. His energetic performance earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim. Seven years later, Tamblyn took on the role of Riff, the leader of the Jets gang, in the groundbreaking musical West Side Story, directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise. This performance cemented his status as a Hollywood leading man.

Versatility and Exploitation Films

In the 1960s and 1970s, Tamblyn continued to appear in a wide range of films, including dramas, comedies, and exploitation films. Notable titles from this period include The Haunting (1963), The War of the Gargantuas (1966), and Dance of the Dwarfs (1983). Tamblyn also worked as a choreographer during the 1980s, further demonstrating his versatility in the entertainment industry.

Television and Later Career

In 1990, Tamblyn starred as Dr. Lawrence Jacoby in David Lynch's television drama Twin Peaks, a role he reprised in the show's 2017 revival. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Tamblyn appeared in various television shows and films, including General Hospital, The Profiler, and Django Unchained (2012).

Awards and Legacy

Tamblyn received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Norman Page in the drama Peyton Place (1957). He has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. With a career spanning over seven decades, Russ Tamblyn remains an enduring figure in American cinema, celebrated for his boundless energy, impressive dancing skills, and memorable performances in some of Hollywood's most iconic films.

Personal Life and Family

Tamblyn has been married to actress Venita Oakland since 1981. His daughter, Amber Tamblyn, is also an actress, known for her roles in General Hospital and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005).

Trivia and Fun Facts

• Russ Tamblyn's acrobatic skills were showcased in the 1954 musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, where he performed an impressive sequence of backflips and tumbling passes.
• Tamblyn's brother, Larry Tamblyn, was the organist for the 1960s band the Standells, known for their hit single "Dirty Water."
• Russ Tamblyn's daughter, Amber Tamblyn, is a poet and has published several collections of poetry, including Free Stallion (2005) and Dark Sparkler (2015).

Russ Tamblyn's remarkable career, marked by his exceptional dancing abilities, memorable performances, and versatility in various film genres and television dramas, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.