GIG YOUNG?

GIG YOUNG (1913–1978) born Byron Elsworth Barr is an American actor known for his wide range of roles. While doing community theatre, he was discovered by a Warner Bros. talent scout. Like so many other stage actors when first coming to Hollywood, Byron Barr learned that there was already some other actor using his given name. He did several bit parts under his real name and as an extra went uncredited, before he landed the role of "Gig Young" in the film The Gay Sisters (1942). It was after making this film that he used his character's name of Gig Young for all future credits. Beyond Gig Young's work on the silver screen which earned him one Academy Award and two nominations, he had quite the prolific career in television making several made-for-television movies, one of which he was nominated for an Emmy. I first saw him Gig Young on the local drive-in screen when I was nine in his Oscar winning role in They Shoot Horses, Don't They? As my love for classic movies grew through watching the films of other favorite stars, I saw Gig Young in many of their comedies. Never the leading man that got the girl in these films, he was always vital to the story. I loved him most as the likable best friend of the leading man or the leading man's failing opposition. Gig Young's characters are always memorable. His delivery is excellent. He truly is someone that I hope you'll get to know and like as I have through watching his wonderful films.


Haven't you seen Teacher's Pet (1958)? Gig Young plays Dr. Hugo Pine in this Doris Day and Clark Gable romantic comedy. Here Gig Young is the boyfriend to Doris Day's character and opposition for Clark Gable's.

Watch this and then see these other four films.


That Touch of Mink (1962) He plays Roger in this romantic comedy starring Cary Grant and Doris Day. Gig Young plays friend and employee of Cary Grant's character.
Desk Set (1957) Gig Young plays Mike Cutler in this romantic comedy starring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. He plays the boyfriend of Katharine Hepburn's character.
Strange Bedfellows (1965) He plays Richard Bramwell in this romantic comedy starring Rock Hudson and Gina Lollobrigida. Gig Young plays the friend to romantic lead Rock Hudson.
Kid Galahad (1962) He plays Willy Grogan in this musical sports drama starring Elvis Presley. Elvis is Kid Galahad and Gig Young is his likable friend that gambles too much.


*Contributed by: "Elizabeth Van Cleve" Date: Sat, Jul 23 2010 / 20:41:07 PST

Academy Awards®
© A.M.P.A.S.®
1970 Won Best Actor in a Supporting Role: THEY SHOOT HORSES, DON'T THEY?
1959 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: TEACHER'S PET
1952 Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role: COME FILL THE CUP