Jeff Corey: Movies & Box Office

Jeff Corey (born Arthur Zwerling; August 10, 1914 – August 16, 2002) was an American stage and screen actor. Corey, originally named Arthur Zwerling, changed his name early in his career upon the recommendation of his agent. He started his career in mid-1930s by acting with the Clare Tree Major Children's Theater of New York. Before he was blacklisted in the 1950s, he worked with several politically liberal theatrical personalities including Jules Dassin, Elia Kazan, and John Randolph. A World War II veteran, he served in the United States Navy and was an active member of the Communist Party, however, he never formally joined the Party. His career came to a halt in the 1950s when he refused to give names of alleged communists during the House Un-American Activities Committee hearings. As a result, he was blacklisted for 12 years.

When blacklisted, Corey used his past experience in various actors' workshops to become an acting teacher. Some of his notable students include Robert Blake, Carol Burnett, James Dean, Jane Fonda, and Bruce Lee. His career sprang back to life in the 60s, and he continued to be active in film and TV work up to the 90s. He had notable roles in True Grit, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and Seconds. Besides his work in films, he made guest appearances on various television series like The Outer Limits, Star Trek, and Babylon 5. He was busy in the radio era as well and portrayed Detective Lieutenant Ybarra on the crime drama The Adventures of Philip Marlowe.