From the Associated Press:
Tony Curtis, who defiantly worked to mold himself from a 1950s movie heartthrob to a respected actor with such films as "Sweet Smell of Success," "The Defiant Ones" and "Some Like It Hot," has died. He was 85.
The Oscar-nominated actor died about 9:25 p.m. PDT Wednesday at his Henderson, Nev., home of a cardiac arrest, Clark County Coroner Mike Murphy said Thursday.
In February of last year, Tony was my guest on the "Spirit of Magic" podcast in which we discussed his love of magic and his portrayal of Houdini.
Tony studied with George L Boston before starring in the 1953 film. His enthusiasm for magic continued far beyond his role in the film and he was a frequent participant at the AMA's annual annual award banquets. In fact, he presented Cardini with the Masters Fellowship, the Academy of Magical Arts highest honor.
In spite of the fact that the film portrayed a highly fictionalized account of Houdini's career, many still consider it to be one of the best "Houdini Films" yet to be made.
His memorial service will be Monday, Oct 4, at 11AM at the Palm Mortuary located at 7600 S Eastern Ave in Las Vegas and is open to the public.
Personally, I would like to say that I am honored by the connection that I had with this Hollywood Legend and that my thoughts and prayers are with he and his loved ones.
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