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Hume Cronyn

Hume Blake Cronyn (July 18, 1911 - June 15, 2003) was a stage and film actor.

He was born in London, Ontario, Canada, one of three children of Hume Blake Cronyn (a businessman and a Member of Parliament for London, and for whom Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory is named) and his wife Frances Amelia Labatt, of the brewing company family. His great-grandfather was Bishop Benjamin Cronyn, founder of Huron College at the University of Western Ontario.

Hume Cronyn studied drama at McGill University, and continued his acting studies under Max Reinhardt and at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. In 1934, he made his Broadway debut as a janitor in "Hipper's Holiday" and became known for his versatility, playing a number of different roles on stage.

His initial Hollywood film was in 1943 in Hitchcock's Shadow of a Doubt; he later appeared in that director's Lifeboat, and was a writer for the screenplays of Rope and Under Capricorn. He was nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actor for his performance in The Seventh Cross in 1944.

Cronyn was married to actress Jessica Tandy from 1942 until her death in September 1994, and appeared with her in many of their more memorable dramatic outings, including The Gin Game, Foxfire, and Cocoon.

He became an American citizen late in life. His 1991 autobiography was called A Terrible Liar (ISBN 0688128440). He married author Susan Cooper in July 1996.

He died at age 91 of prostate cancer at his home in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Broadway appearances

Film appearances