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Regis Toomey | |
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| Born | John Francis Regis Toomey (1898-08-13)August 13, 1898 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | October 12, 1991(1991-10-12) (aged 93) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Pittsburgh |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1929–1987 |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
John Francis Regis Toomey (August 13, 1898 – October 12, 1991) was an American film and television actor.[1]
Born inPittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was one of four children of Francis X. and Mary Ellen Toomey, and attendedPeabody High School. He initially pondered a law career, but acting won out and he established himself as a musical stage performer.
Educated in dramatics at theUniversity of Pittsburgh, where he became a brother ofSigma Chi, Toomey began as a stock actor and eventually made it toBroadway.[2] Toomey was a singer on stage until throat problems (acutelaryngitis) while touring in Europe stopped that aspect of his career. In 1929, he appeared in his first films, starting out as a leading man, but finding more success as acharacter actor,sans histoupee.
In 1941, Toomey appeared inYou're in the Army Now, WithJane Wyman. In the same year, Toomey appeared inMeet John Doe where he makes a key speech in front of Gary Cooper.
In 1956, Toomey was cast as the Reverend Arnold Grumm in the episode "Lifeline" of the religionanthology series,Crossroads. Toomey appeared in a number of episodes ofRichard Diamond, Private Detective as Lt. McGough.
About this time, he appeared on the NBC Western series,The Tall Man, starringBarry Sullivan andClu Gulager. He also made two guest appearances onPerry Mason, including the role of murderer Sam Crane in the 1960 episode, "The Case of the Loquacious Liar", and as Andy Grant in the 1965 episode "The Case of the 12th Wildcat".
From 1963 to 1966, Toomey was one of the stars of theABC crime drama,Burke's Law, starringGene Barry. He played Sergeant Les Hart, one of thedetectives assisting the murder investigations of the millionaire police captain Amos Burke. Toomey also appeared in the CBS western series,Rawhide episode "Incident of the Tinkers Dam" as TJ Wishbone. He guest-starred on dozens of television programs, including the popular "Shady Deal at Sunny Acres" episode of ABC'sMaverick.
In 1968, after the death ofBea Benaderet, who played Kate Bradley, Toomey played a transitional role in the CBS seriesPetticoat Junction. Appearing as Dr. Stuart, who cared for the citizens of Hooterville, the character decided to take on a partner in his medical practice. Dr. Janet Craig, played byJune Lockhart, was introduced as the new female lead for the show in the episode "The Lady Doctor".
Toomey died at age 93 on October 12, 1991, while in residence at theMotion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital, inWoodland Hills, California.[3]
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