An American actor of theatre, radio, film and television, Ed Begley built a solid career as a character performer specializing in authoritarian, corrupt or tormented men. His great recognition came with the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for 'Sweet Bird of Youth' (1962), where he played the ruthless political boss Boss Finley opposite Paul Newman. He had earlier left his mark as one of the jury members in '12 Angry Men' (1957), a choral portrait of the judicial system. He also worked in 'Odds Against Tomorrow' and in numerous television productions of the golden age. Of powerful voice and forceful presence, he was the father of fellow actor Ed Begley Jr. and a reliable pillar of the supporting casts of his generation. Read more