Glenn Ford's films have been entertaining audiences for six decades, and his loyal fans still loved him even after his retirement. We celebrated his 90th birthday in May, 2006, and he passed away on August 30. He will be greatly missed.
Glenn Ford appeared in 106 films during his long career, the latest in 1992, as well as some memorable TV series. He was particularly known for playing strong, silent, and believable heroes, but he also had a flair for romantic comedy.
Ford began his career in 1939 in Heaven With a Barbed Wire Fence, and always said that his favorite movies were Westerns. (He was reportedly "the fastest gun alive.") But his one favorite movie, and the one that made him a star, was Gilda (1946), in which he starred with Rita Hayworth, beginning a partnership that made them one of Hollywood's favorite romantic couples.
In the 1940s, 50s, and 60s he appeared in a variety of roles, including The Big Heat (1953), Blackboard Jungle (1955), The Teahouse of the August Moon (1956), 3:10 to Yuma (1957), Imitation General (1958) The Gazebo (1959), The Courtship of Eddie's Father (1963) and Advance to the Rear (1964). He turned to television in the 1970s, most notably in Cade's County (1971-72) and several mini-series.
On a personal note, Glenn was married to actress/dancer Eleanor Powell from 1943 to 1959, and until his death lived in Beverly Hills with his son Peter and his family. He also distinguished himself in military service, being the only actor ever to serve with both the Green Berets and the French Foreign Legion.
His fans had been asking The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for a Lifetime Achievement Award for Mr. Ford. He certainly deserved it, and it would have been great for it to be presented during his lifetime.
There is a list of Web sites and pages devoted to Glenn Ford, beginning with a site set up especially to promote his 90th birthday celebration, starting on page two of this four-part article.
Part I: Introduction
Part II: Glenn Ford Tributes and Other Pages
Part III: Movie Reviews & Where to Find His Movies
Part IV: Photos, Art, and Posters
