Victor Jory was a Canadian-American actor who had a long and prolific career in stage, film, and television. He was best known for playing villainous or sinister roles, such as Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1935) and Jonas Wilkerson in Gone with the Wind (1939). He also starred in the television police drama Manhunt from 1959 to 1961. He died of a heart attack in Santa Monica, California, on February 12, 1982, at the age of 79
A Versatile and Durable Performer
Victor Jory was born in Dawson City, Yukon, to American parents on November 23, 1902. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard and was the boxing and wrestling champion of the military branch. He graduated from the Martha Oatman School of the Theater in Los Angeles and began his acting career on Broadway. He made his Hollywood debut in 1930 and appeared in over 150 films and dozens of TV episodes. He also wrote two plays and recorded numerous stories for Peter Pan Records
Jory initially played romantic leads, but later found his niche as a character actor who could portray a variety of antagonists, from scheming overseers to ruthless outlaws. He had a distinctive appearance, with seemingly coal-black eyes that gave him a menacing look. He was often cast as the foil to the hero, such as in the Hopalong Cassidy films, where he played seven different villains between 1941 and 1943. He also played the role of Lamont Cranston, or ‘The Shadow’, in the 1940 serial film The Shadow
Some of his most memorable roles were in the adaptations of literary works, such as Injun Joe in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1938), Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1935), and Jonas Wilkerson in Gone with the Wind (1939). He also narrated “Tubby the Tuba” and “Bumpo the Ballerina” for children, which were inducted in the National Recording Registry in 2005
A Heart Attack Ends His Life
Victor Jory was married to actress Jean Inness from 1928 until her death in 1978. They had two children, Jon and Jean. He continued to work until the late 1970s, appearing in various TV shows and movies, such as Papillon (1973) and The Mountain Men (1980). He also starred in the radio series Dangerously Yours, which was later renamed Matinee Theater, where he performed dramatic reworkings of famous literary works
On February 12, 1982, Jory suffered a heart attack and died in Santa Monica, California. He was 79 years old. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the film industry
Victor Jory was a versatile and durable performer who left a lasting impression on the audiences with his villainous or sinister roles. He was a part of some of the most iconic films and shows of his time and entertained generations of fans with his acting skills. He was a legend of the stage, screen, and radio, and his cause of death was a heart attack that ended his life at 79
