Before Jack Warden became a legendary actor, he had quite an interesting journey. From being expelled from school for fighting to becoming a welterweight boxer, a bouncer, a deckhand on a tugboat, and serving in both the Navy and the Army, Warden’s life was anything but ordinary. After shattering his leg during a training exercise, he decided to pursue an acting career, and the rest is history. Let’s take a look at the top 5 roles that showcased Jack Warden’s incredible talent.
5. Problem Child – Ben Healey
In Problem Child, Warden plays the role of Ben Healey, a jerk and one of the bad guys. He doesn’t take to Junior at all and even openly challenges him, which, as anyone who has watched the movie knows, only leads to trouble on a scale that few people could withstand. And yet, he never learns his lesson as he continues to be the biggest heel in the entire movie.
4. The Replacements – Edward O’Neil
In The Replacements, Warden portrays Edward O’Neil, a faithless owner who looks only at the bottom line and not at what’s still possible. When his team goes on strike to try to renegotiate their contracts, replacement players from all over are brought in to give Washington a chance at making the playoffs, which is apparently something this team hasn’t done in years.
3. Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead – Joe Heff
As Joe Heff in Things To Do In Denver When You’re Dead, Warden serves as the narrator of this story about a group of friends tasked to do one more job together. However, things go awry, and the consequences are dire for all of them. This movie is a bit odd unless you really get into it, and some of the content can be a little cringe-worthy due to its graphic nature.
2. Brian’s Song – Coach George Halas
Brian’s Song is the true story of two men, Gayle Sayers and Brian Piccolo, who trained and played together on the Chicago Bears. Although it didn’t do that well in theaters, it was well-received as an ABC movie. Warden’s portrayal of Coach George Halas in this heartfelt story is considered by many to be one of the best stories ever told.
1. 12 Angry Men – Juror #7
In 12 Angry Men, Warden plays Juror #7, a character who is supposed to be impartial and able to dispense justice based on the facts alone. However, when one juror starts to take a trial personally or look at the matter from anything but an objective standpoint, their reliability immediately comes into question. During a murder trial, 12 jurors have to come to terms with the decision they’re about to make and how it will affect the defendant and all of them in the long term.
Jack Warden was a fine actor who left an indelible mark on the cinematic universe. He passed away in 2006, but his legacy lives on. Rest in peace, sir.
Follow Us
