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Frank GorshinAmerican actor
Date of Birth: 05.04.1933
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Frank Gorshin
Frank John Gorshin Jr. was born in 1933 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His father worked as a railroad worker, while his mother was a seamstress. From the age of 12, Frank became deeply interested in acting and discovered his talent for making people laugh. As a schoolboy, he worked as an usher at a movie theater and idolized actors such as James Cagney, Cary Grant, and Edward G. Robinson, even imitating them in front of his friends.
Early Career
At the age of 17, Gorshin won a talent contest in Pittsburgh, which earned him a week-long opportunity to perform at the 'Carousel' nightclub in New York City. Despite the tragic death of his younger brother just two days before the prize, Frank's parents encouraged him to continue with the show and seize his chance. Gorshin went on to study at Carnegie-Mellon Tech School of Drama in Pittsburgh, working in nightclubs during his studies. He also served in the army for two years, participating in the Korean War, where he continued to pursue his acting career.
Rise to Fame
After his military service, Gorshin used his connections to enter the film industry. His first film role came in 1956 in the war drama "The Proud and Profane." He also began appearing in various television series such as "Toast of the Town," "General Electric Theater," "Disneyland," and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents." In 1957, Gorshin was involved in a car accident while rushing to an audition with Clark Gable. He woke up in the hospital several days later with a fractured skull. The role he was pursuing went to another actor, and a Los Angeles newspaper even published his obituary. Despite this setback, Gorshin continued to work in Hollywood nightclubs.
Iconic Role as The Riddler
Perhaps Gorshin's most famous role was as the character "The Riddler" in the television series "Batman." He portrayed the villainous master of riddles, the first major antagonist to the legendary Batman. He first played the role in the mid-1960s and reprised it multiple times in the series, documentaries, and chronicles. Gorshin once said in an interview, "When I was first offered the role of The Riddler, I thought it was a joke. Then I discovered that the show had a great script and agreed to the role. Now, I adore the character."
Later Career and Legacy
Throughout his acting career, Gorshin appeared in nearly 150 works, including films like "Underground Aces" (1981), "Hot Resort" (1985), "Midnight" (1989), "Body Trouble" (1992), and "Mail Order Bride" (2003). He also gained recognition from his appearances on entertainment shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show with Steve Allen." Gorshin's final on-screen appearance was in an episode of the series "C.S.I.: Grave Danger." He passed away on May 17, 2005, at the age of 72, after battling cancer. He was buried at the Roman Catholic Calvary Cemetery in Pittsburgh.
Frank Gorshin's talent for comedy and his memorable portrayal of The Riddler have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. He will always be remembered as a skilled actor who brought laughter and excitement to audiences around the world.
