Jack Fowley's life journey began in the vibrant borough of the Bronx, New York, where he first took his first breath. As a young man, he made the bold decision to relocate to the City of Angels, Los Angeles, where he pursued higher education at Los Angeles City College. His academic endeavors were interrupted by the tumultuous times of World War II, during which he served in the United States Navy. After his military service, Fowley's passion for the performing arts led him to take on a wide range of roles, showcasing his impressive acting versatility. He had the privilege of sharing the screen with some of Hollywood's most iconic stars, including Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, Esther Williams, Gene Kelly, and Frank Sinatra.
Fowley's extensive filmography boasts a remarkable debut in The Mad Game (1933),where he starred alongside Spencer Tracy and Claire Trevor. One of his most notable performances was in the 1952 musical masterpiece Singin' in the Rain, where he played a film director tasked with helping a silent-film star transition to talkies. His impressive television career spanned multiple decades, with his most iconic role being that of Doc Holliday in the popular ABC western series The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955). Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, Fowley's talent shone brightly on television, with notable appearances in shows such as Perry Mason (1957),The Rockford Files (1974),and The Streets of San Francisco (1972).
In addition to his impressive film and television credits, Fowley also lent his talents to the small screen, starring in the CBS comedy Pistols 'n' Petticoats (1966) as Grandpa Hanks. His final film appearance was in The North Avenue Irregulars (1979). Fowley's remarkable life came to a close at the age of 86, when he passed away at the Motion Picture and Television Country House and Hospital.
