Rip Torn

**Elmore Rual "Rip" Torn Jr.** was an esteemed and widely recognized American actor whose expansive career spanned for over six decades. Notable for his roles in numerous high-profile films and television series, Torn showcased his acting prowess by engaging in a wide variety of roles. Perhaps one of his most prominent performances was his portrayal of Marsh Turner in the movie Cross Creek (1983), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He also achieved remarkable success on the television series **The Larry Sanders Show**, receiving six Emmy Award nominations and winning once. Throughout his career, Torn appeared in a wide range of roles, from Judas Iscariot in King of Kings (1961), to Zeus in Disney's Hercules (1997), to the MIB agency boss Zed in the film series Men in Black (1997, 2002). Torn's acting journey began in his early years, his talent cultivated and sharpened by his experiences at Texas A&M University Corps of Cadets and later at University of Texas. Under the guidance of the Shakespeare professor B. Iden Payne, Torn honed his acting skills only to exhibit them brightly throughout his career in theater, films, and television series. His dedication to the craft of acting was evident in his enduring performances. From his role as a corrupt millionaire Slade in The Cincinnati Kid (1965), his appreciable portrayal of a poor neighbor in Cross Creek (1983), to his voice over as the god Zeus in Disney's Hercules, Torn's versatile acting skills never ceased to amaze the audiences and the critics alike. He rose to fame in Broadway and off-Broadway productions before venturing into directing. His directorial work **The Telephone**, was critically acclaimed and screened at the Sundance Film Festival.