Arthur Kennedy Movies and Career Information

Arthur Kennedy (February 17, 1914 – January 5, 1990) was an American stage and film actor best known for his performances in Westerns. Kennedy was born John Arthur Kennedy in Worcester, Massachusetts, the son of Helen (née Thompson) and J.T. Kennedy, a doctor. Kennedy graduated from Worcester Academy and Carnegie Mellon School of Drama. An award in Kennedy's honor is now presented every year to a deserving actor at Carnegie Mellon. Kennedy got his break when he was discovered by James Cagney. His first film role was of Cagney's younger brother in City for Conquest in 1940. He was equally adept as hero or villain, and was noted for his mastery of complex, multi-faceted roles. He appeared in many Western films and police dramas. He appeared in many notable films from the early 1940s through to the mid 1960s, including High Sierra, They Died with Their Boots On, The Glass Menagerie, Lawrence of Arabia, Peyton Place, Elmer Gantry and Fantastic Voyage. Of Kennedy's film work, he's perhaps best-remembered for his collaborations with director Anthony Mann and co-star James Stewart on Bend of the River (1952) and The Man From Laramie (1955). In both films he played sympathetic villains. He