Lawrence Tierney Quotes

A collection of quotes by Lawrence Tierney.

Lawrence Tierney (1919-2002) was an American actor known for his tough-guy roles. He was born on March 15, 1919, in Brooklyn, New York. Tierney had a troubled upbringing, with a father who was a police officer and a mother who suffered from mental illness. He dropped out of school at an early age and turned to a life of crime, spending several years in and out of correctional facilities.

Tierney eventually found his way into acting and made his film debut in the 1943 crime drama "The Ghost Ship." He quickly gained attention for his commanding presence and intense performances, often portraying menacing characters. His breakthrough came with the 1945 film "Dillinger," where he starred as the notorious gangster John Dillinger.

Throughout his career, Tierney appeared in numerous noir films such as "Born to Kill" (1947) and "Bodyguard" (1948), cementing his reputation as a tough film noir icon. He also made notable appearances in mainstream films like "Reservoir Dogs" (1992) directed by Quentin Tarantino. However, Tierney's tendency for aggressive behavior and brushes with the law contributed to his difficulty in securing consistent work in Hollywood.

Lawrence Tierney's volatile personality led to a turbulent personal life, including a string of failed marriages and a struggle with alcoholism. Despite his personal struggles, Tierney left a lasting impact on the film industry with his portrayals of tough, formidable characters. He passed away on February 26, 2002, leaving behind a legacy as one of cinema's quintessential tough guys.