Photo: Friedman-Abeles, New York. Stamp is partial, but the photographer did many New York theater photos; we have quite a few here at Commons. / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
My Take
Tom Ewell is the kind of character actor I treasure. Born Samuel Yewell Tompkins in Owensboro, Kentucky, he won a 1953 Tony before reprising his role as Richard Sherman in the film of The Seven Year Itch, holding the screen opposite Marilyn Monroe with rumpled, everyman comic timing rather than matinee-idol looks. He moved fluently between stage, film and television across a long career until his death in 1994. For me he represents the quiet backbone of mid-century American performance, the dependable, deeply human supporting talent whose warmth makes the stars around him shine brighter.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Tom Ewell
- Name (Japanese)
- トム・イーウェル
- Reading
- とむ・いーうぇる
- Born
- April 29, 1909 – September 12, 1994
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Taurus / Rooster
- Origin
- Owensboro, Kentucky, United States
- Occupation
- stage actor / film actor / television actor / actor / musician
2. Background
- High school
- Owensboro High School
Awards & achievements
- 1953 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play
- Donaldson Awards
- Clarence Derwent Awards
4. Personality
Motto
Private
6. Links
Frequently asked questions
When was Tom Ewell born?
April 29, 1909 – September 12, 1994.
Where is Tom Ewell from?
Tom Ewell is from Owensboro, Kentucky, United States.
What does Tom Ewell do?
Tom Ewell works as stage actor, film actor, television actor, actor, musician.
Stage actor — see all → · Film actor — see all → · More people from United States →
7. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-02
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.