Jack Klugman was an American actor best known for his versatile performances on stage, television, and film. He stepped into the entertainment industry in 1950 and spent over five decades, portraying various roles.
Jack earned widespread recognition for his roles in iconic shows like The Odd Couple and Quincy, M.E. Klugman. People loved him for his natural acting style and relatable characters. Even though he passed away a decade ago, his legacy continues to live on through his work. In this post, we have covered details about his life and career journey.
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Early Life
Jack Klugman was born on 27th April 1922, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to parents Max and Rose Klugman. He was the youngest child in the family and grew up in a working-class family. As per online sources, Jack’s parents were Russian-Jewish immigrants. While his mother was a milliner, his father worked as a house painter.
As for his education, Jack attended South Philadelphia High School. After completing his graduation, he enrolled in Carnegie Institute of Technology where he studied drama. His time at the institute helped him develop a strong foundation in acting. However, his career was interrupted during World War II, when he had to serve in the U.S. Army.
Beginning of Career
Jack Klugman’s acting career began in the late 1940s when he started performing in small theatre productions. He moved to New York City and took small roles to gain experience. In 1949, Jack made his Broadway debut in the play Stewed Prunes.
The 1950s were a busy time for Klugman as he began appearing on television. He made guest appearances in popular live dramas like Studio One and The Philco Television Playhouse. Additionally, he appeared in films like 12 Angry Men, which helped him make a name for himself in Hollywood.
Shot to Fame
Jack Klugman’s big break came in 1970, the year he was cast as Oscar Madison in the television adaptation of The Odd Couple. His chemistry with co-star Tony Randall made the show a hit.
After The Odd Couple ended in 1975, Klugman took on another iconic role in the medical drama Quincy, M.E. His role as Dr Quincy in the drama not only entertained audiences but also raised awareness about social issues like drunk driving.
Relationships
Jack Klugman married actress Brett Somers in 1953. The couple had three children together. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1977. Later, Klugman was in a long-term relationship with Peggy Crosby, whom he married in 2008. Peggy stood by his side during his later years and was with him until he died in 2012.
Major Source of Income and Net Worth
By the time of his passing, Jack Klugman had an estimated net worth of $25 million. His primary source of income was his acting career. Through his roles in television, he earned a substantial amount. Shows like The Odd Couple and Quincy, M.E. contributed significantly to his financial status. In addition to television, Klugman made money from his film roles and stage performances. He was also involved in voice-over work and commercials, which added to his income.
