Actor. Best known for his strong supporting roles, often cast as heavies or sympathetic types, he received an Academy Award for "Cool Hand Luke" (1967). He began his career in entertainment during his early youth and acquired experience on radio prior to enlisting with the United States Army during World War II. After the war, he remained with the Army and served with the Armed Forces Radio. Following his discharge, he found a position as technical adviser for the "Sergeant Bilko" TV program. After launching his film career in 1961, he became one of Hollywood's sought-after supporting actors which led to a wide-range of pictures including "Lonely are the Brave" (1962), "Charade" (1963), "Hush Hush....Sweet Charlotte" (1965), "In Harm's Way" (1965), "Mirage" (1965), "The Sons of Katie Elder" (1965), "Flight of the Phoenix" and "The Dirty Dozen" (1967). During the 1970s, he was associated with the "disaster film" genre which included the films "Airport" (1970), "Earthquake" (1974) and "Airport '77" (1977). Additional films include "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" (1974) and "The Eiger Sanction" (1975) both which starred Clint Eastwood. During the 1980s, Kennedy became associated with the "Naked Gun" film series. His notable TV work includes the series "Sarge" (1971 to 1972), "Dallas" (1988 to 1991) and "The Young and the Restless." He received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in 1991.
Actor. Best known for his strong supporting roles, often cast as heavies or sympathetic types, he received an Academy Award for "Cool Hand Luke" (1967). He began his career in entertainment during his early youth and acquired experience on radio prior to enlisting with the United States Army during World War II. After the war, he remained with the Army and served with the Armed Forces Radio. Following his discharge, he found a position as technical adviser for the "Sergeant Bilko" TV program. After launching his film career in 1961, he became one of Hollywood's sought-after supporting actors which led to a wide-range of pictures including "Lonely are the Brave" (1962), "Charade" (1963), "Hush Hush....Sweet Charlotte" (1965), "In Harm's Way" (1965), "Mirage" (1965), "The Sons of Katie Elder" (1965), "Flight of the Phoenix" and "The Dirty Dozen" (1967). During the 1970s, he was associated with the "disaster film" genre which included the films "Airport" (1970), "Earthquake" (1974) and "Airport '77" (1977). Additional films include "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot" (1974) and "The Eiger Sanction" (1975) both which starred Clint Eastwood. During the 1980s, Kennedy became associated with the "Naked Gun" film series. His notable TV work includes the series "Sarge" (1971 to 1972), "Dallas" (1988 to 1991) and "The Young and the Restless." He received a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in 1991.
Bio by: C.S.
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