Tom Neal, a man whose life was marked by controversy and scandal, is best remembered for his tumultuous personal life. Prior to his 1938 film debut in "Out West with the Hardies" at MGM, Neal had a diverse background that included being a member of the boxing team at Northwestern University, making his Broadway debut in 1935, and receiving a law degree from Harvard in 1938.
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Neal primarily appeared in low-budget films, often playing tough guy roles. However, his personal life was marred by a tumultuous relationship with actress Barbara Payton, who was also involved with actor Franchot Tone. In 1951, Neal got into a physical altercation with Tone, resulting in a smashed cheekbone, broken nose, and brain concussion.
Following the incident, Neal was essentially blackballed by Hollywood, and he was forced to find alternative employment. He eventually turned to gardening and landscaping, which became a source of income for him.
In 1965, Neal was brought to trial for the murder of his wife, Gale, who had been shot to death with a.45-caliber bullet to the back of her head. Prosecutors sought the death penalty, which at the time meant a trip to the cyanide-gas chamber. However, the jury ultimately convicted Neal of involuntary manslaughter, and he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Neal served six years and was released on parole in 1971. Eight months later, on December 7, 1971, Tom Neal died of heart failure, bringing an end to a life marked by controversy and scandal.
