Tony and Me: An Interview with Jack Klugman

JFD: Have you ever got that reaction with actors working with you?

Jack Klugman: Yeah, well I've heard a few during rehearsals say "God, it's so wonderful to be able to work with you, I never thought that I would be working with you. I love that, I love to see young talent. I don't know many young actors anymore and it's wonderful when I'm working with them. I worked with a girl in a play about the black list. And, she was wonderful. Just made me feel good. Usually I act with guys like Louie Zorich who was so wonderful. The older actors. That's who I usually work with. I love talent.

JFD: Have you turned a role down that you later wish you hadn't?

Jack Klugman: No, I have no regrets about anything. I turned down "Where's Poppa?" If the guy was as good as Ron Liebman I was happy about it. If I turned down a part and somebody was bad in it. I turned down "I'm Not Rappoport" in the beginning. But, then I saw an actor do it who was terrible! So I replaced him because I wanted to show him how I felt it should be done. But, no, I have no regrets.

JFD: What's the greatest performance or actor you remember seeing?

Jack Klugman: Lee Cobb in "Death of a Salesman," was the greatest performance I've ever seen. And Marlon Brando in "A Streetcar Named Desire," but Marlon Brando had a natural gift. It was just given to him. Lee Cobb knew his craft. Lee Cobb was a craftsman and Marlon Brando was an intuitive actor, but together they gave me two of the most exciting evenings of my life.

JFD: It must have been marvelous to see them live.

Jack Klugman: Oh, God! On stage! I saw "Streetcar" seventeen times. Ten times I second acted it and seven times I paid. I tell you I was thrilled every time I saw it. I saw "Death" 5 times and it was exciting every time.

JFD: I thank you very much for your time today, Mr. Klugman. I really have appreciated this.

Jack Klugman: My pleasure.