Actor. A recognizable supporting performer, he appeared in more than one hundred television programs, motion pictures, and theatre productions from the early 1950s until the early 2000s. Born John Lebzelter, he was raised in Louisville, Kentucky. Some of the occupations he held prior to the entertainment industry include nightclub bouncer, lifeguard, and professional boxer. During World War II, Warden was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division and a participant in the Battle of the Bulge. Upon his return home, he pursued an acting career, beginning with the Dallas Repertory and later making his Broadway debut in the 1952 production "Golden Boy." Many film and television roles of various ranges would follow, beginning with a minor performance in the 1951 picture "You're in the Navy Now." Warden had starring roles in the televisions series "N.Y.P.D." (1967 to 1969) as Lt. Mike Haines, "Jigsaw John" (1976) as John St. John, "The Bad News Bears" (1979 to 1980) as Morris Buttermaker and "Crazy Like a Fox" (1984 to 1986) as Harrison "Harry" Fox, Sr. He received an Emmy Award for his performance as George Halas in the 1971 television-movie "Brian's Song" and was a two-time Academy Award nominee for his roles in the Warren Beatty pictures "Shampoo" (1975) and "Heaven Can Wait" (1978). Among his other film credits include "From Here to Eternity" (1953), "Man with My Face" (1951), "12 Angry Men" (1957), "All the President's Men" (1976), "And Justice For All" (1979), "Being There" (1979), "Used Cars" (1980), "The Verdict" (1982), and the "Problem Child" series. His small screen guest spots include "Mr. Peepers," "The Twilight Zone," "The Untouchables," "The Invaders," and many others. He died from heart and kidney failure.
Actor. A recognizable supporting performer, he appeared in more than one hundred television programs, motion pictures, and theatre productions from the early 1950s until the early 2000s. Born John Lebzelter, he was raised in Louisville, Kentucky. Some of the occupations he held prior to the entertainment industry include nightclub bouncer, lifeguard, and professional boxer. During World War II, Warden was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division and a participant in the Battle of the Bulge. Upon his return home, he pursued an acting career, beginning with the Dallas Repertory and later making his Broadway debut in the 1952 production "Golden Boy." Many film and television roles of various ranges would follow, beginning with a minor performance in the 1951 picture "You're in the Navy Now." Warden had starring roles in the televisions series "N.Y.P.D." (1967 to 1969) as Lt. Mike Haines, "Jigsaw John" (1976) as John St. John, "The Bad News Bears" (1979 to 1980) as Morris Buttermaker and "Crazy Like a Fox" (1984 to 1986) as Harrison "Harry" Fox, Sr. He received an Emmy Award for his performance as George Halas in the 1971 television-movie "Brian's Song" and was a two-time Academy Award nominee for his roles in the Warren Beatty pictures "Shampoo" (1975) and "Heaven Can Wait" (1978). Among his other film credits include "From Here to Eternity" (1953), "Man with My Face" (1951), "12 Angry Men" (1957), "All the President's Men" (1976), "And Justice For All" (1979), "Being There" (1979), "Used Cars" (1980), "The Verdict" (1982), and the "Problem Child" series. His small screen guest spots include "Mr. Peepers," "The Twilight Zone," "The Untouchables," "The Invaders," and many others. He died from heart and kidney failure.
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Bio by: C.S.