Victor Jory was born in Dawson City, Yukon, Canada, where his burly physique would later become a hallmark of his wrestling and boxing prowess during his military service in the United States Coast Guard. After a few appearances on Broadway, he embarked on a Hollywood journey in the early 1930s, marking the beginning of a 50-year acting career that would span nearly 200 films and TV series.
Initially, Jory was cast in romantic roles, but his "black eyes" and imposing physique soon led to a shift towards villainous parts. This transformation was likely due to his intimidating presence, which made him a formidable on-screen antagonist. He is particularly remembered for his roles as the ruthless overseer Jonas Wilkerson in Gone With the Wind and as Lamont Cranston in The Shadow.
Jory's extensive filmography includes a notable appearance as Oberon in the 1935 film version of A Midsummer Night's Dream. He also appeared in seven Hopalong Cassidy films between 1941 and 1943, often playing the villain or a right-hand man. However, he departed from his usual "bad guy" persona in Riders of the Timberlane, where he played a hot-blooded, broad-shouldered lumberjack.
In addition to his film career, Jory's distinctive voice led to an extensive career in radio. He was the lead role in the radio series Dangerously Yours and narrated children's programs such as Tubby the Tuba and Bumpo the Ballerina.
As the 1950s and 1960s unfolded, Jory transitioned to television series while continuing to work in films. He starred as Detective Howard Finucane in the police drama series Manhunt, which aired from 1959 to 1961. In 1962, he played Helen Keller's father in the film The Miracle Worker, for which his co-stars Patty Duke and Anne Bancroft won Oscars.
Jory's involvement in Project Prayer in 1964 saw him testify before the United States Congress alongside fellow actors Susan Seafourth and Coleen Gray, advocating for an amendment to restore school prayer. This amendment aimed to reverse the elimination of school prayer in the early 1960s.
Victor Jory continued acting until his retirement in 1980. He was married to Jean Inness Jory from 1928 until her death in 1978, and they had two children, Jon and Jean. At the age of 79, Jory passed away on February 12, 1982, due to a heart attack in Santa Monica, California.
