Larry parks actor biography samples

Primary Sources

(1) Larry Parks agreed to talk about his own involvement in the Communist Party but was at first unwilling to give the names of other former members when he testified in front of the House of Un-American Activities Committee (21st March, )

I would prefer not to mention names, if it is at all possible, of anyone. I don't think it is fair to people to do this. I have come to you at your request. I have come and willingly tell you about myself. I think that, if you would allow me, I would prefer not to be questioned about names. And I will tell you everything that I know about myself, because I feel I have done nothing wrong, and 1 will answer any question that you would like to put to me about myself. I would prefer, if you will allow me, not to mention other people's names The people at that time as I knew them-this is my opinion of them. This is my honest opinion: That these are people who did nothing wrong, people like myself And i

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Larry Parks Autographs, Memorabilia & Collectibles

LARRY PARKS

Born: December 13, in Olathe, Kansas

Died: April 13, in Studio City, California

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Larry Parks (December 13, - April 13, ) was an accomplished American actor known for his compelling work in both film and stage during the midth century. Born in Olathe, Kansas, Parks rose to prominence in Hollywood before his career was impeded by the Hollywood blacklist in the s.

After attending the University of Illinois, Parks started his acting career with small roles in B-movies and serials in the late s and early s. His big break came in when he starred in the title role of the biographical film "The Jolson Story," a performance which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Parks reprised his role as Al Jolson in the sequel, "Jolson Sings Again," continuing to solidify his reputation. His other notable films during this period include "Down to Earth" () and "The Swordsman" ()

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Columbia Makes Old Show Biz New 

Would Larry Parks have become a major star but for HUAC heave-ho? He was an admitted Communist and named names, but damage was done and he left screens for a decade other than television, stage/club work, and a Brit obscurity called Cross-Up, which might have been a title given Larry's own biopic, had they done for him what he did for Jolson. Parks worked like a hound perfecting lip sync to Al's voice in not one, but two, Jolson stories, thefirst such a hit as to insist upon encore of Jolson Sings Again. It was soon after when April showers turned stormy for Parks, his testimony widely reported and few on either side applauding him for it. Variety's headline of his confessional hearing read "Jolson Sings Again," a cruel dig on the disapproving trade's part. Outcome was Larry Parks remembered, if at all, for impersonating Al Jolson, and though he did that superbly, it was no engine to sustain stardom, insiders wondering if Par