Tony Curtis, Hollywood Legend of Some Like It Hot, Dies at 85

Tony Curtis, the Hollywood icon known for Some Like It Hot and Spartacus, passed away at the age of 85. His legendary career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry.

The Life and Career of Tony Curtis

Born Bernard Schwartz on June 3, 1925, in The Bronx, New York, Tony Curtis rose to fame as one of Hollywood’s most charismatic leading men. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before pursuing acting, attending the Dramatic Workshop in New York.

Curtis gained attention in the 1950s with roles in Houdini, The Sweet Smell of Success, and The Defiant Ones, the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination. His versatility shone in Some Like It Hot, where he starred alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon in one of cinema’s most celebrated comedies. He also played a key role in Spartacus (1960), proving his range as an actor.

Outside of acting, Curtis was also an accomplished painter, and his works were widely exhibited. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated to be around $60 million.

The Death of Tony Curtis

Tony Curtis passed away on September 29, 2010, at the age of 85. His death was attributed to cardiac arrest.

He died at his home in Henderson, Nevada, surrounded by his family. In his later years, Curtis had struggled with health issues, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Curtis was laid to rest at Palm Memorial Park in Las Vegas, Nevada. His passing marked the end of an era for Hollywood, but his performances and contributions to cinema continue to be celebrated by fans and film historians alike.

Quotes

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“I can’t sit around and wait for the telephone to ring.” (Tony Curtis)

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“Now I’m a painter. That was another opportunity I was able to pursue, I’ve been painting all my life, now it’s become a second career because of my success in the movies.” (Tony Curtis)

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“I wouldn’t be caught dead marrying a woman old enough to be my wife.” (Tony Curtis)

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“Like an opera singer, I am able to sing out my song in paint.” (Tony Curtis)

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“Even on a personal note, my dressing table downstairs is crowded with things, like a mini landscape. It’s a city with buildings and towers and roads. There’s a pool and a little park. When I move something around it becomes a different tableau.” (Tony Curtis)