Remembering Jack Haley, the iconic Tin Man from “The Wizard of Oz” on his 127th anniversary of his birth
What became the most memorable role of his career wasn’t initially offered to the actor
Remembering Jack Haley, the iconic Tin Man from “The Wizard of Oz” on his 127th anniversary of his birth
Jack Haley, born John Joseph Haley Jr., was born on August 10, 1897, in Boston, Massachusetts. He grew up in a working-class Irish Catholic family and developed an interest in entertainment at a young age. Haley initially pursued a career in vaudeville, where he honed his skills as a singer, dancer, and comedian. His stage presence and talent quickly earned him recognition, paving the way for his transition to the silver screen.
Haley’s career in entertainment began in vaudeville during the 1920s, where he gained popularity for his comedic performances and musical talents. By the early 1930s, he had transitioned to film, making his debut in Broadway “Madness” (1927). He became known for his likable, everyman persona and was frequently cast in musical comedies, where his singing and dancing skills were put to good use.
Throughout the 1930s, Haley appeared in numerous films, including “Sitting Pretty” (1933), “Wake Up and Dream” (1934), and Alexander’s “Ragtime Band” (1938). He was often cast in lighthearted roles that showcased his versatility as both a singer and a comedian. Haley became a familiar face in Hollywood, known for his charm and affability on screen.
Jack Haley’s most iconic role came in 1939 when he was cast as the Tin Man in the classic film “The Wizard of Oz.” Interestingly, Haley was not the original actor cast for the role. Buddy Ebsen was initially set to play the Tin Man but had to withdraw after suffering a severe allergic reaction to the aluminum makeup. Haley stepped in and made the role his own, delivering a memorable performance that has since become one of the most beloved in cinema history. His portrayal of the Tin Man, particularly the song “If I Only Had a Heart,” endeared him to audiences and secured his place in Hollywood history. Haley did not remember the makeup or the costume fondly, and despite that many fans assumed making the film was a fun experience he once said “Like hell it was. It was work!” To develop his character of Tin Man, Jack Haley spoke in the same soft tone he used when reading bedtime stories to his children.
Following “The Wizard of Oz,” Haley continued to work steadily in film, though none of his subsequent roles achieved the same level of iconic status. He appeared in films such as “Moon Over Miami” (1941), “George White’s Scandals” (1945), and “People Are Funny” (1946). Although the demand for musical comedies waned in the post-war years, Haley remained active in the industry, eventually transitioning to television in the 1950s.
Jack Haley was married to Florence McFadden from 1921 until his death in 1979. The couple had two children, Jack Haley Jr. and Gloria Haley-Parnassus. Jack Haley Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps and became a successful film and television producer and director, best known for his work on documentaries like “That’s Entertainment!” (1974).
Haley was known for his strong Catholic faith, and he was deeply involved in charitable work throughout his life. He was also a dedicated family man, often choosing projects that would allow him to spend more time with his loved ones.
In his later years, Jack Haley largely retired from acting, although he made occasional appearances on television and in film. One of his final screen appearances was in “Norwood “(1970), where he played the role of a man who befriends a young soldier returning from Vietnam and his last film appearance was in 1977’s “New York, New York” in the lavish “Happy Endings” musical number, alongside his then-daughter-in-law, Liza Minnelli. which was directed by Martin Scorsese and also starred Robert De Niro.
Jack Haley passed away on June 6, 1979, at the age of 81, in Los Angeles, California. His death was attributed to a heart attack, but it was later revealed that he had been suffering from cancer. Despite his passing, Haley’s legacy lives on, particularly through his role in The Wizard of Oz, which continues to be celebrated by audiences of all ages.
Look back at Jack Haley performing his most memorable moment as Tin Man in the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz”
Watch more movies related videos
Images and photographs can be from different ranges of sources such as Pinterest, Tumblr etc. except when/where noted. If you are the copyright holder and would like them removed or credited, please get in touch.
