Regis Toomey

Born:August 11, 1898

Place of Birth:Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Died:October 12, 1991

Known For:Acting

Biography

John Regis Toomey, born on August 13, 1898, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a versatile American actor known for his work in both film and television. Despite initially considering a career in law, his passion for acting led him to pursue a path in entertainment. Toomey honed his craft at the University of Pittsburgh, where he delved into dramatics and eventually transitioned from the stage to the silver screen.

Throughout his career, Toomey appeared in a remarkable 180 films, showcasing his talent as both a leading man and a character actor. His roles in classics like "The Big Sleep" alongside Humphrey Bogart solidified his presence in the golden age of Hollywood. Notably, he graced television screens in various anthology series and crime dramas, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

One of Toomey's memorable on-screen moments came in 1941 when he shared the longest on-screen kiss in cinema history with Jane Wyman in "You're in the Army Now," clocking in at an impressive 3 minutes and 5 seconds. This iconic scene highlighted his ability to captivate audiences with his performances and chemistry with co-stars.

In 1956, Toomey portrayed a judge in an episode of "The Joseph Cotten Show," showcasing his versatility across different genres. He continued to impress viewers with his acting prowess, landing roles in popular series like "Burke's Law" alongside Gene Barry, where he played Sergeant Les Hart, a detective aiding in murder investigations.

Toomey's dedication to his craft and his ability to seamlessly transition between film and television solidified his status as a respected actor in the entertainment industry. His contributions to the world of cinema and television continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike, showcasing his enduring legacy in the realm of acting.

On October 12, 1991, John Regis Toomey passed away, leaving behind a rich tapestry of work that continues to entertain and inspire audiences to this day. His passion for acting, coupled with his undeniable talent, cements his place as a beloved figure in the history of American entertainment.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Spellbound

Det. Sgt. Gillespie

1945

When Dr. Anthony Edwardes arrives at a Vermont mental hospital to replace the outgoing hospital director, Dr. Constance Peterson, a psychoanalyst, discovers Edwardes is actually an impostor. The man confesses that the real Dr. Edwardes is dead and fears he may have killed him, but cannot recall anything. Dr. Peterson, however is convinced his impostor is innocent of the man's murder, and joins him on a quest to unravel his amnesia through psychoanalysis.

The Big Sleep

Chief Inspector Bernie Ohls

1946

Private Investigator Philip Marlowe is hired by wealthy General Sternwood regarding a matter involving his youngest daughter Carmen. Before the complex case is over, Marlowe sees murder, blackmail, deception, and what might be love.

His Girl Friday

Sanders

1940

Walter Burns is an irresistibly conniving newspaper publisher desperate to woo back his paper’s star reporter, who also happens to be his estranged wife. She’s threatening to quit and settle down with a new beau, but, as Walter knows, she has a weakness: she can’t resist a juicy scoop.

Guys and Dolls

Arvide Abernathy

1955

Gambler Nathan Detroit has few options for the location of his big craps game. Needing $1,000 to pay a garage owner to host the game, Nathan bets Sky Masterson that Sky cannot get virtuous Sarah Brown out on a date. Despite some resistance, Sky negotiates a date with her in exchange for bringing people into her mission. Meanwhile, Nathan's longtime fiancée, Adelaide, wants him to go legit and marry her.

The Errand Boy

Studio Exec with the Baron

1961

Paramutual Pictures wants to know where all the money is going so they hire Morty to be their spy. Morty works for Mr. Sneak and gets a job in the mail room so that he can have access to the lot. But all that Morty ever finds is that he can cause havoc no matter what he does.