Talbot Jennings was born on August 25, 1894, in Shoshone, Idaho, and subsequently graduated from Nampa, Idaho High School. Following his service in the Army during World War I, Jennings pursued higher education at the University of Idaho, where he achieved a remarkable academic feat by graduating Phi Beta Kappa in 1924. During his time at the university, he held the prestigious positions of student body president and editor of both the university's yearbook and literary publication. Jennings' academic pursuits did not end there, as he went on to earn a master's degree at Harvard University and later attended the renowned Yale Drama School.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jennings demonstrated exceptional narrative skills, effortlessly transitioning between the stage, screen, and television. His Hollywood career was largely spent at MGM, where he showcased his versatility by working in various genres, including historical costume dramas and westerns. Jennings' outstanding work earned him two Academy Award nominations.
In recognition of his achievements, Jennings received an honorary doctorate from the University of Idaho in 1939. He remained a lifelong friend to the university, actively supporting its efforts to expand the library in the 1950s and generously donating hundreds of books, as well as his personal script collection, to the library itself.
