I’m jumping ahead a day, but tomorrow, November 24, would have been the 93rd birthday of actor Howard Duff, who was born in 1913. Mr. Duff died back in 1990, and he’s probably best remember now as the husband of actress/director Ida Lupino from 1951 – 1984, and possibly as the definitive portrayer of Sam Spade — on radio, at least, from 1946 on thru 1951, and on all three radio networks. Here’s a picture of Mr. Duff and Miss Lupino as bride and groom, early in their marriage.
He started his career in a slew of B-movies for Universal in the late forties into the mid-fifties, then, perhaps urged on by his talented wife, who had begun to carve out not only a solid acting career but also had moved into directing, he transitioned into primarily a television actor, with a copious collection of credits.
Duff made a memorable film appearance as Dustin Hoffman’s lawyer in the sentimental and acclaimed drama from 1979, Kramer vs. Kramer, and younger TV fans might remember him for a stint on the early 1980s soap opera Flamingo Road. He made guest starring appearances on practically any and every show on TV right up until his death. He was constant presence and a solid performer who might not have the name recognition of a matinee idol, but he always did the job.
And it looks like he was also kind to pussycats, as seen in this adorable picture, the story behind which I can’t begin to imagine!
(And yes, I know what “up the duff” really means, but it was too good to pass up as a title!)
1 Response Up the Duff
Posted By Alan Rode : March 17, 2007 1:06 am
Howard Duff was going to be a cartoonist until he was cast in a high school play. World War II intervened and after working with Armed Forces Radio, Duff ended up in Tinseltown in 1945. At 28 years old, Duff landed the title role on the radio program, The Adventures of Sam Spade. He was subsequently 'discovered' by Mark Hellinger who assigned him with cellmates Burt Lancaster, John Hoyt, Jeff Corey, and Jack Overman in Brute Force. A starring turn in 'The Naked City, a contract to U-I and Ida Lupino followed in a dissimilar order. One of Duff's forgotten roles is in an obscure noir, 'Private Hell No. 36' . He was cast with bad-boy Steve Cochran, Ida Lupino, Dorothy Malone and copper Dean Jagger. Produced by the Filmmakers, (Collier Young and Lupino's production company), the movie had Ida with her current husband, (Duff) and recent ex ( Young) watching her make movie love to Steve Cochran. According to director Don Siegel, the stars availed themselves of 'non-halitosis vodka' and second-guessed every shot he made on the picture.
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n 1990, and he’s probably best remember now as the husband of actress/director Ida Lupino from 1951 – 1984, and possibly as the definitive portrayer of Sam Spade — on radio, at least, from 1946 on thru 1951, and on all three radio networks. Here’s a picture of Mr. Duff and Miss Lupino as bride and groom, early in their marriage.
solid performer who might not have the name recognition of a matinee idol, but he always did the job.
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Howard Duff was going to be a cartoonist until he was cast in a high school play. World War II intervened and after working with Armed Forces Radio, Duff ended up in Tinseltown in 1945. At 28 years old, Duff landed the title role on the radio program, The Adventures of Sam Spade. He was subsequently 'discovered' by Mark Hellinger who assigned him with cellmates Burt Lancaster, John Hoyt, Jeff Corey, and Jack Overman in Brute Force. A starring turn in 'The Naked City, a contract to U-I and Ida Lupino followed in a dissimilar order. One of Duff's forgotten roles is in an obscure noir, 'Private Hell No. 36' . He was cast with bad-boy Steve Cochran, Ida Lupino, Dorothy Malone and copper Dean Jagger. Produced by the Filmmakers, (Collier Young and Lupino's production company), the movie had Ida with her current husband, (Duff) and recent ex ( Young) watching her make movie love to Steve Cochran. According to director Don Siegel, the stars availed themselves of 'non-halitosis vodka' and second-guessed every shot he made on the picture.