Thomas Tryon
Thomas Tryon was an American actor and author, born on January 14, 1926, in Hartford, Connecticut. He was the son of silent film actor Glen Tryon and graduated from Yale University with a degree in fine arts. Tryon began his acting career in the late 1950s, featuring in B-movies such as *Three Violent People* and *I Married a Monster from Outer Space*. He gained recognition with a role in the film *In Harm's Way*, which is often cited as his best performance, and received a Golden Globe nomination for his work in *The Cardinal*. Despite some successes, his acting career faced challenges, including a humiliating experience with director Otto Preminger.
In 1969, Tryon transitioned to writing, becoming well-known for his horror novels, particularly *The Other*, published in 1971, which was later adapted into a film. He followed this success with *Harvest Home* in 1973, which also found its way to television as a miniseries. Additionally, he authored novellas about Hollywood legends and is often regarded for his novel *Lady*, exploring the deep bond between a young boy and a widow. Tryon's literary career continued until his death in 1991, leaving a legacy that contributed significantly to the horror genre.
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Thomas Tryon
- Born: January 14, 1926
- Birthplace: Hartford, Connecticut
- Died: September 4, 1991
- Place of death: Los Angeles, California
Biography
Thomas Tryon was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on January 14, 1926, the son of Glen Tryon, a silent screen actor. Tryon graduated from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts. He began his career as an actor in the late 1950’s, starring in B-movies such as Three Violent People and I Married a Monster from Outer Space.
In 1962, he landed a small role in the film Something’s Got to Give, starring Marilyn Monroe. After Monroe was fired from the project, Tryon also lost his role in the film. Later that year, he starred in a Walt Disney film, Moon Pilot, playing an astronaut who falls in love with an alien. He was considered for the role of Janet Leigh’s lover in the classic horror film, Psycho, but the part eventually went to someone else. In 1965, Tryon was cast in the film In Harm’s Way, a World War II drama, and his performance was considered his best acting role.
In 1963, he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for The Cardinal, directed by Otto Preminger. However, the honor was overshadowed by Preminger’s treatment of Tryon during the film’s production. Preminger fired Tryon in front of his parents, who were visiting the set. Although he was later rehired, Tryon was humiliated by the experience.
In addition to his film work, Tryon also acted in television programs. He starred in Texas John Slaughter, which ran in the 1950’s as part of the Wonderful World of Disney series. He also was a guest star on numerous television shows, including Playhouse 90, Zane Grey Theater, Wagon Train, The Millionaire, The Virginian, and The Big Valley.
In 1969, Tryon retired from acting and began to write. As a writer, he is best known for his horror story, The Other, published in 1971. The book is about a young boy whose deceased, and presumably evil, twin may be responsible for several deaths in a small, rural town during the 1930’s. The book was adapted for film in 1972. Tryon followed The Other with a second horror story, Harvest Home, published in 1973. This book was adapted for a television miniseries starring Bette Davis in 1978.
Tryon wrote several novellas loosely based on Hollywood legends that were published together in the book Crowned Heads. His novel Lady, the story of the friendship between a young boy and a widow and the secret the widow is keeping, is considered Tryon’s best work. He was working on another novel, Night Magic, before his death in 1991; the book was completed by Valerie Martin and John Cullen and published in 1995.