Jason Robards (1922-2000) was one of the most distinguished American actors of the twentieth century, making his mark in both theater and film. The son of an actor, Robards first made a name for himself in the late 1950s with impressive performances in the plays of Eugene O'Neill. He went on to win two Academy Awards for best supporting actor and a Tony Award for best actor, one of eight Tony Awards for which he was nominated.

Robards was born in Chicago on July 26, 1922, son of Jason Nelson, an actor, and Hope Maxine (Glanville) Robards. When he was only 5, his parents divorced, and young Robards moved with his father and brother to Los Angeles. Growing up he showed little interest in following in his father's footsteps, focusing instead on a possible career in sports. He was a star athlete at Hollywood High School, playing baseball, basketball, football, and...