Lee Tracy
Biography
Lee Tracy was an American actor known for fast-talking, wisecracking roles as reporters, press agents, lawyers, and salesmen. Born in Atlanta in 1898, he grew up in several places because his father was a railroader. He broke through on Broadway, debuting in The Show-Off in 1924, starring in the play Broadway for which he received a New York Drama Critics Award, and earning acclaim as reporter Hildy Johnson in The Front Page in 1928. He moved to Hollywood in 1929, freelanced among studios, and drew praise as a gossip columnist in Blessed Event (1932). He appeared in Dinner at Eight (1933). His career was disrupted when he was removed from Viva Villa! during its production. From 1936 to 1940 he made seven features for RKO. Later he starred in Martin Kane: Private Eye from 1949 to 1954 and New York Confidential in 1958. He was nominated for a Tony in 1960 and an Academy Award for The Best Man (1964).
70years old at death
- Born Atlanta
- Died Santa Monica
- Star sign: AriesThe sign runs March 21 to April 19
- Also credited as William Lee Tracy
Movie Career
- Films
- 4
- Career span
- 32 years1932 to 1964
Every film, newest first
- 1964The Best ManIMDb rating 7.6
- 1947High TideIMDb rating 6.5
- 1933Dinner at EightIMDb rating 7.5
- 1932Doctor XIMDb rating 6.4
Genres
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A role that slipped away
Tracy was not cast in the 1931 film version of The Front Page despite his acclaimed Broadway performance as reporter Hildy Johnson; producers thought he lacked star power and gave the part to Pat O'Brien.
First role
Tracy's Broadway debut came in 1924, when he appeared in the original staging of The Show-Off, a play written by George Kelly.
Behind the camera
In 1942 Tracy said he would work with Jack Schwarz to co-produce feature films for PRC release, but he dropped the deal after the U.S. Army accepted him for military service.
Lee Tracy movies on Netflix
Worked with
Lee Tracy shares two films with Harry Beresford, and one with each of the others. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Harry Beresford's page
Henry Fonda's page
Regis Toomey's page
Franklyn Farnum's page
Kevin McCarthy's page
Lionel Barrymore's page
All films by George Cukor
Michael CurtizDirector, 1 film, 1932
All films by Michael Curtiz
All films by Franklin J. Schaffner
Awards
One award and honor.
| Year | Award | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other honors | |||
| Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame | Honored | ||
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.