Richard Jaeckel Hollywood's Man of Character

<p> Character actor Richard Jaeckel worked five decades in Hollywood alongside the industry's biggest names. Noted for tough-guy portrayals he appeared in such classic westerns and war films as <I>Sands of Iwo Jima </I> (1949) <I>The Gunfighter</I> (1950) <I>3:10 to Yuma</I> (1957) and <I>The Dirty Dozen</I> (1967). Bringing strength and integrity to his roles he was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for <I>Sometimes a Great Notion</I> (1970).</p><p> A World War II veteran and Merchant Marine he was respected in the surfing and fitness communities for his ageless athleticism. His performance as Turk in <I>Come Back Little Sheba</I> (1952) was groundbreaking for iron-pumping actors wanting to be taken seriously for their dramatic abilities.</p><p> This revealing portrait of the life of a working character actor covers Jaeckel's noteworthy career through each of his film and television appearances from <I>Guadalcanal Diary</I> (1943) to <I>Baywatch</I> (1994). Recollections and behind the scenes stories from those he knew and worked with offer an in-depth look at the dedication and professionalism it takes to make it in Hollywood.</p>