E.G. Marshall
back| Full Name | Everett Eugene Grunz |
| Stage Name | E.G. Marshall |
| Born | June 18, 1914 |
| Birthplace | Owatonna, Minnesota, USA |
| Died | August 24, 1998 |
| Buried | Middle Patent Rural Cemetery, Banksville, New York |
| Married to | Helen Wolf (1939–1953), Judith Coy (1958–1998) |
| Children | Jill, Degen, Sarah, Sam, Jed |
| Notable films | 12 Angry Men (1957) - The Caine Mutiny (1954) - Compulsion (1959) - Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970) - Superman II (1980) |
E.G. Marshall
The Quintessential Authority Figure of Hollywood
E.G. Marshall (born Everett Eugene Grunz, June 18, 1914 – August 24, 1998) was a distinguished American actor known for his commanding presence and intellectual depth. He gained fame as Juror No. 4 in 12 Angry Men (1957) and won two Emmy Awards for his role as defense attorney Lawrence Preston in The Defenders (1961–1965).
Marshall excelled in playing authoritative figures, from judges to presidents, in films like The Caine Mutiny (1954), Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970), and Superman II (1980). A founding member of the Actors Studio, he also narrated CBS Radio Mystery Theater.
Passionate about social issues, he advocated for national healthcare. His final film, Absolute Power (1997), showcased his enduring gravitas. Marshall passed away from lung cancer in Bedford, New York, leaving behind a legacy of precision, intelligence, and quiet intensity in acting.
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E.G. Marshall (1914 – 1998)
Biography and Movie Career
Born Everett Eugene Grunz on June 18, 1914, in Owatonna, Minnesota, E.G. Marshall was a man of mystery in many ways, even down to his name. Throughout his life, he never publicly confirmed what “E.G.” stood for, preferring to keep an air of intrigue around his identity. His father, Charles G. Grunz, was of German descent, and his mother, Hazel Irene Cobb, came from a modest Midwestern background. Raised in a small-town environment, Marshall grew up with a deep respect for intellect and discipline, qualities that later defined the types of roles he played on screen and stage.
While some sources claim that Marshall attended Carleton College and the University of Minnesota, no concrete records confirm his enrollment. What is known, however, is that his thirst for knowledge and fascination with the arts led him to acting, despite it not being an obvious career path for a young man from rural Minnesota.
Early Years and Path to Success
Marshall’s early life remains somewhat enigmatic, but by the 1940s, he had made his way into the world of theater. He honed his craft on Broadway, where his deep, authoritative voice and sharp intellect made him a natural fit for dramatic roles. One of his first major stage performances was in Thornton Wilder’s "The Skin of Our Teeth" (1942-1943), an ambitious production that explored human resilience. This role, along with subsequent performances in "Jacobowsky and the Colonel" (1944-1945) and Eugene O’Neill’s "The Iceman Cometh" (1946-1947), helped establish Marshall as a formidable presence in theater.
His career took a significant leap in 1948 when he became an original member of the Actors Studio, where he trained alongside legends like Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift. His work in Broadway productions such as "The Crucible" and "Waiting for Godot" solidified his reputation as an actor who could bring depth and gravity to every role.
Breakthrough in Film and Television
Although theater was his first love, it wasn’t long before Hollywood took notice. Marshall made his film debut with an uncredited role in "The House on 92nd Street" (1945), a World War II espionage thriller. However, his true breakthrough came in the 1950s, when he became known for playing authoritative figures, such as military officers, lawyers, and judges.
In 1954, he starred as Lieutenant Commander Challee in "The Caine Mutiny", a gripping naval courtroom drama alongside Humphrey Bogart. However, it was in 1957 that Marshall delivered one of his most iconic performances—as Juror No. 4 in "12 Angry Men." Playing the highly analytical, unshakable stockbroker, Marshall stood out among the all-star cast, holding his own against Henry Fonda and Lee J. Cobb.
His most notable television role came in "The Defenders" (1961-1965), where he played defense attorney Lawrence Preston. The show tackled socially and politically charged issues, including abortion, civil rights, and capital punishment, earning widespread acclaim. For his performance, Marshall won two Emmy Awards, cementing his status as a television heavyweight.
Later Career and Notable Roles
Even as he aged, Marshall remained a prolific actor. He took on roles in a variety of films and TV series, proving his versatility. Some of his most memorable later roles include:
• "Tora! Tora! Tora!" (1970) – a historical war drama about the attack on Pearl Harbor
• "Superman II" (1980) – as the President of the United States
• "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation" (1989) – a comedic turn as Art Smith, Clark Griswold’s grumpy father-in-law
• "Nixon" (1995) – as John Mitchell, the former U.S. Attorney General
• "Absolute Power" (1997) – a political thriller starring Clint Eastwood, marking one of Marshall’s final performances
Beyond film and television, Marshall also became the voice of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater (1974-1982), adding his distinguished narration to over 1,500 episodes.
Personal Life and Passions
Despite his commanding presence on screen, Marshall was known to be a private and introspective individual. He was married twice—first to Helen Wolf (1939-1953), with whom he had children, and later to Judith Coy (1958-1998), his partner until his death. He was the father of five children: Jill, Degen, Sarah, Sam, and Jed.
Marshall was deeply interested in politics and social issues, particularly in healthcare reform. He was an advocate for government-provided healthcare and served as a member of the Committee for National Health Insurance. In the 1968 presidential election, he supported Democratic candidate Hubert Humphrey.
Unlike many of his Hollywood contemporaries, Marshall did not seek the spotlight outside of his acting career. He preferred to live quietly and was more interested in intellectual and philosophical discussions than the glitz of show business.
Final Years and Death
Even in his later years, Marshall remained active in the industry, though he slowed down in the mid-1990s. His final film appearance was in "Absolute Power" (1997), where he once again played a powerful authority figure.
On August 24, 1998, E.G. Marshall passed away at the age of 84 from lung cancer at his home in Bedford, New York. His death marked the end of an era for Hollywood’s classic character actors. He was laid to rest at Middle Patent Rural Cemetery in Banksville, New York.
Legacy
E.G. Marshall left behind an extraordinary body of work, spanning over five decades. Whether playing a sharp-witted juror, a principled attorney, a commanding military officer, or a no-nonsense president, Marshall brought an unparalleled sense of authority, intelligence, and gravitas to every role.
He is remembered as a dedicated performer who valued his craft over fame, a man who brought depth and dignity to his characters, and an actor who left a lasting impact on American film, television, and theater.
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Final Thoughts
E.G. Marshall may not have been the most flamboyant star of his era, but he was undoubtedly one of its most dependable and commanding actors. His legacy lives on in the countless classic films and TV shows in which he played some of the most compelling and intelligent characters of the 20th century.
Height and Body Features
E.G. Marshall stood at a height of approximately 1.73 meters (5 feet 8 inches).
He possessed a distinctive presence characterized by his authoritative demeanor and expressive features. His deep-set eyes and deliberate expressions contributed to his portrayal of complex characters, often in positions of authority. Marshall's commanding voice and measured speech further enhanced his ability to embody roles that required gravitas and intellectual depth.
Impact of the Hollywood Blacklist on E.G. Marshall
Analysis of E.G. Marshall’s Acting Style
E.G. Marshall was a master of understated intensity, a character actor who commanded the screen with a quiet authority rather than theatrical bravado. His acting style was defined by precision, intelligence, and restraint, allowing him to play figures of power—judges, lawyers, military officers, and presidents—with an air of credibility that few actors could match.
A Presence of Authority
Marshall had a naturally commanding presence, not through exaggerated gestures or bombastic delivery, but through his measured speech, deliberate pacing, and piercing gaze. His voice—a rich, resonant baritone—had a calm yet firm quality, lending itself perfectly to roles requiring gravitas. Whether he was questioning witnesses in a courtroom or deliberating in a jury room, his delivery was methodical, giving the impression of a mind constantly at work.
His performance as Juror #4 in "12 Angry Men" (1957) is a masterclass in this approach. Playing a rational and unemotional stockbroker, Marshall portrays a man who clings to logic in the face of heated emotions. Unlike some of his more demonstrative co-stars, he remains poised and detached, his arguments precise, his expressions subtle but meaningful. His ability to convey intellectual confidence without arrogance made his character both formidable and compelling.
Controlled Emotion, Deeply Felt
Despite his reserved approach, Marshall was not devoid of emotion—he simply channeled it inward, allowing tension to simmer beneath the surface. This was particularly evident in courtroom dramas such as "The Defenders" (1961-1965), where he played defense attorney Lawrence Preston. In moments of moral conflict, he conveyed an inner turmoil with the smallest shifts in expression, a flicker of doubt in his eyes, or a pause before delivering a verdict-altering argument.
His portrayal of a father struggling with family dynamics in "Interiors" (1978) showcased a different side of his talent. In this introspective drama by Woody Allen, Marshall softened his usual authority, playing a man caught between duty and personal longing. Here, his restraint took on a different texture—instead of legal logic, it was quiet emotional repression, making his character’s pain all the more palpable.
The Art of Subtle Gestures
Marshall had a way of using body language sparingly but effectively. Unlike actors who filled the screen with large gestures, he often made small, deliberate movements—adjusting his glasses, shifting his weight, folding his hands—each action serving a purpose. His posture was often upright and composed, reinforcing the idea of a man in control. Yet in moments of vulnerability, a simple slump of the shoulders or a deep sigh could convey more than words ever could.
Versatility within Restraint
Though many of his roles were legal or political figures, Marshall’s versatility shone through in the way he differentiated each character. In a film like "Tora! Tora! Tora!" (1970), where he played Colonel Rufus S. Bratton, his military precision and sense of urgency stood in stark contrast to the calculating, icy demeanor he brought to his role as the President in "Superman II" (1980).
In horror films like "Creepshow" (1982), Marshall’s controlled style took on a sinister edge, especially in "They're Creeping Up on You," where he played a ruthless, germophobic businessman trapped in a sterile apartment overrun by cockroaches. Here, his calm, almost clinical delivery made his character’s arrogance and eventual downfall feel chillingly inevitable.
An Actor Who Listened
One of Marshall’s greatest strengths was his ability to listen and react in the moment. He was never an actor who simply waited for his next line—he was actively engaged in every scene, his expressions subtly shifting in response to his co-stars. This made his performances feel organic and deeply rooted in realism, as seen in "12 Angry Men," where his reactions to the changing jury dynamic were as vital as his own dialogue.
The Enduring Legacy of E.G. Marshall
Marshall’s acting was unflashy yet unforgettable. He did not rely on theatrical tricks or dramatic outbursts to hold attention—he earned it through his quiet intensity, intelligent delivery, and absolute authenticity. He was an actor who made every role feel lived-in and real, whether as a reluctant father, a steadfast attorney, a calculating judge, or a doomed businessman.
His legacy is one of intellectual depth, restrained power, and nuanced emotion, making him one of the finest character actors of his generation.
Personal Reflections:
• "My full name is E.G. Marshall. I am known by no other."
• "I try to think what the character is thinking. Then, hopefully, I begin to feel it. I act and react not because I'm recalling a dog killed by a fire engine, but because I'm concentrating on what the character is going through."
Film Roles:
• As Juror #4 in 12 Angry Men (1957):
o "I'll take the testimony from right after the murder, when he couldn't remember a thing about the movies, great emotional stress or not."
o "I have. Now sit down and don't open your mouth again."
• As Art Smith in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989):
o "The little lights... they aren't twinkling."
o "So do washing machines."
Awards and Recognition
Primetime Emmy Awards:
• 1962: Marshall won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Series (Lead) for his portrayal of defense attorney Lawrence Preston in The Defenders.
• 1963: He received the same award again, underscoring his exceptional performance in the series.
Golden Globe Awards:
• 1964: Marshall was nominated for a Golden Globe in the category of Best TV Star – Male for his role in The Defenders.
CableACE Awards:
• 1988: He was nominated for a CableACE Award for Actor in a Dramatic Series for his performance in Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1985), specifically for the episode "The Impatient Patient".
Grammy Awards:
• Marshall received a nomination for a Grammy Award in the category of Best Spoken Word, Documentary, or Drama Recording for his work on the album Justice Holmes' Decisions.
Additional Honors:
• Beyond these awards, Marshall was selected as a Fellow of the American Bar Association and served as an officer of the American Judicature Society, reflecting his esteemed portrayal of legal professionals and his impact on the representation of the legal field in media.
Movies with E.G. Marshall
1945
• The House on 92nd Street: Marshall appears uncredited as a morgue attendant in this espionage thriller about an FBI agent infiltrating a Nazi spy ring operating in the United States during World War II.
1946
• 13 Rue Madeleine: In this World War II spy film, Marshall plays Emile (uncredited), contributing to the story of an OSS agent on a mission to uncover a German V-2 rocket site in France.
1947
• Untamed Fury: Marshall portrays Pompano, a dance caller, in this drama centered around a young man's struggle against his overbearing father in the swamplands of the American South.
1948
• Call Northside 777: Marshall has an uncredited role as Rayska in this film noir, which follows a reporter investigating the case of a man imprisoned for a murder he may not have committed.
1952
• Anything Can Happen: Marshall appears as an immigration officer (scenes deleted) in this comedy-drama about a Georgian immigrant adapting to life in the United States.
1954
• Middle of the Night: In a live TV broadcast on the Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse, Marshall plays Jerry in this drama about a widowed businessman who falls in love with a younger woman.
• The Caine Mutiny: Marshall portrays Lieutenant Commander Challee, the prosecutor in the court-martial of a naval officer accused of mutiny during World War II.
• Broken Lance: He plays Governor Horace in this Western drama about a rancher and his complex relationships with his sons.
• Pushover: Marshall takes on the role of Police Lieutenant Carl Eckstrom in this film noir about a cop who becomes entangled with a bank robber's girlfriend.
• The Bamboo Prison: He portrays Father Francis Dolan in this Korean War drama set in a POW camp.
• The Silver Chalice: Marshall plays Ignatius in this biblical epic about a young sculptor tasked with creating a silver chalice to house the Holy Grail.
1955
• The Left Hand of God: Marshall appears as Dr. David Sigman in this drama about a pilot posing as a priest in a remote Chinese village.
1956
• The Scarlet Hour: He plays Lieutenant Jennings in this film noir involving a love affair and a jewel heist.
• The Mountain: Marshall portrays Solange in this adventure drama about two brothers attempting to climb a mountain to reach a crashed plane.
1957
• The Bachelor Party: Marshall plays Walter in this drama about a group of men confronting their personal issues during a friend's bachelor party.
• 12 Angry Men: In one of his most iconic roles, Marshall portrays Juror #4, a logical and analytical stockbroker, in this courtroom drama about a jury deliberating the guilt of a young man accused of murder.
• Man on Fire: He plays Sam Dunstock in this drama about a man fighting for custody of his son.
• Alfred Hitchcock Presents (Season 3, Episode 2: "Mail Order Prophet"): Marshall stars as Ronald J. Grimes in this television anthology series episode.
1958
• The Buccaneer: Marshall portrays Governor William C. C. Claiborne in this historical adventure about the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.
1959
• The Journey: He plays Harold Rhinelander in this drama about a group of Westerners attempting to escape Hungary during the 1956 uprising.
• Compulsion: Marshall takes on the role of District Attorney Harold Horn in this crime drama based on the real-life Leopold and Loeb murder case.
1960
• Cash McCall: He portrays Winston Conway in this romantic drama about a corporate raider who falls for the daughter of a company owner.
1961
• Town Without Pity: Marshall plays Colonel Jerome Pakenham in this courtroom drama about the trial of American soldiers accused of raping a German girl.
1966
• The Chase: He portrays Val Rogers in this drama about a small-town sheriff dealing with the escape of a local convict.
• The Poppy Is Also a Flower: Marshall plays Coley Jones in this crime drama about a United Nations narcotics agent investigating heroin smuggling.
• Is Paris Burning?: He appears uncredited as Intelligence Officer Powell in this war film about the liberation of Paris during World War II.
1969
• The Bridge at Remagen: Marshall portrays Brigadier General Shinner in this war film about the battle for a strategic bridge during World War II.
• The Littlest Angel: He plays God in this television film about a young boy who becomes an angel.
1970
• Tora! Tora! Tora!: Marshall takes on the role of Colonel Rufus S. Bratton in this historical war film depicting the events leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor.
1971
• The Pursuit of Happiness: He portrays Daniel Lawrence in this drama about a college student involved in a fatal car accident and his subsequent trial.
• Ellery Queen: Don't Look Behind You: Marshall plays Dr. Edward Cazalis in this television movie featuring the famous detective.
• Night Gallery: He appears as Soames, the funeral director, in this anthology series episode.
1976
• Collision Course: Truman vs. MacArthur: Marshall portrays President Harry S. Truman in this television movie about the conflict between the President and General MacArthur during the Korean War.
1975
• The Incredible Machine: Marshall serves as the narrator in this documentary that explores the complexities of the human body, showcasing its functions and marvels.
1976
• Collision Course: Truman vs. MacArthur: In this television movie, Marshall portrays President Harry S. Truman, focusing on the intense conflict between Truman and General Douglas MacArthur during the Korean War.
1977
• Billy Jack Goes to Washington: Marshall plays Senator Joseph Paine in this political drama about a martial artist who becomes a U.S. senator and fights corruption.
1978
• Interiors: In Woody Allen's directorial drama, Marshall portrays Arthur, the patriarch of a troubled family dealing with emotional and psychological complexities.
1979
• Vampire: Marshall takes on the role of Harry Kilcoyne in this television horror film about an architect who becomes a vampire hunter after discovering a vampire in modern-day San Francisco.
1980
• Superman II: Marshall portrays the President of the United States in this superhero film, where Superman faces off against three Kryptonian criminals threatening Earth.
1981
• Gangster Wars: Serving as the narrator, Marshall lends his voice to this crime drama that chronicles the rise of organized crime in America during the early 20th century.
1982
• Creepshow: In this horror anthology film, Marshall stars in the segment "They're Creeping Up on You" as Upson Pratt, a ruthless businessman obsessed with cleanliness who faces a terrifying infestation.
1983
• Kennedy: Marshall portrays Joseph P. Kennedy in this television miniseries that delves into the life and presidency of John F. Kennedy.
1986
• My Chauffeur: Marshall plays Witherspoon in this comedy about a woman who breaks gender barriers by becoming a chauffeur for a prestigious company.
• Power: In this political drama, Marshall portrays Senator Sam Hastings, exploring the influence of media consultants on political campaigns.
1989
• National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: Marshall takes on the role of Art Smith, Ellen Griswold's father, in this beloved holiday comedy about the misadventures of the Griswold family during Christmas.
1990
• Two Evil Eyes: Marshall appears as Steven Pike in the segment "The Facts in the Case of Mr. Valdemar" of this horror anthology film based on Edgar Allan Poe's stories.
1992
• Consenting Adults: Marshall portrays George Gordon in this thriller about two couples entangled in a dangerous game of deception and murder.
1993
• The Tommyknockers: In this television miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's novel, Marshall plays Ev Hillman, a resident of a small town affected by a mysterious object that grants supernatural abilities.
1995
• Nixon: Marshall takes on the role of John N. Mitchell, the former U.S. Attorney General, in this biographical film about President Richard Nixon's political career and personal life.
1997
• Absolute Power: In one of his final film roles, Marshall portrays Walter Sullivan, a wealthy businessman entangled in a political scandal, in this thriller starring Clint Eastwood.
• Miss Evers' Boys: Marshall plays The Senate Chairman in this television film that examines the true story of the Tuskegee syphilis experiment.
• The Defenders: Payback: Reprising his iconic role as Lawrence Preston, Marshall returns in this television movie continuation of the original series, tackling contemporary legal issues.
1998
• The Defenders: Choice of Evils: In his final acting appearance, Marshall once again portrays Lawrence Preston, addressing complex moral and legal dilemmas in this television movie.