Russ Tamblyn American theater and film actor Date of Birth: 30.12.1934 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Career
2. Breakthrough and "West Side Story"
3. Television Success and Other Projects
4. Later Career and Personal Life

Early Life and Career

Russell Irving "Russ" Tamblyn was born on December 30, 1934, in Los Angeles, California. He is the son of actors Sally Triplett and Eddie Tamblyn, and the older brother of Larry Tamblyn, the organist for the popular 1960s band The Standells.

At the age of ten, Tamblyn was discovered by actor Lloyd Bridges in an amateur theatrical production. With Bridges' help, he made his film debut in 1948 with a small role in "The Boy With Green Hair." Throughout the early 1950s, he appeared in several notable films, including "Samson and Delilah," "Gun Crazy," and "Father of the Bride."

Breakthrough and "West Side Story"

Tamblyn's breakthrough role came in the 1954 musical "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," in which he played the youngest of the Pontipee brothers, Gideon. His athleticism and acrobatic skills helped him secure the part.

In 1961, Tamblyn became a star after starring as Riff, the leader of the Jets gang, in the film adaptation of the iconic musical "West Side Story." His performance earned him widespread recognition and cemented his place in film history.

Television Success and Other Projects

In the 1960s, Tamblyn began appearing on television in popular series such as "Tarzan," "Burke's Law," and "Twin Peaks." He also wrote and choreographed the 1982 comedy "Human Highway" with Neil Young.

Later Career and Personal Life

Tamblyn continued to work in both film and television throughout his career. In 2010, he starred in the sitcom "The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret."

He has been married three times and has three children from his second and third marriages. He was briefly married to Venetia Stevenson in 1957. In 1960, he married Elizabeth Kempton, a Las Vegas dancer, and had two children with her. His third wife is folk singer Bonnie Murray.

Tamblyn's daughter Amber Tamblyn, born in 1983, is an actress who currently stars as a doctor on "House M.D."