Fred Owens was born on August 3rd, 1924 in Oakland, California. He was the eldest of four children, and his mother was a schoolteacher and his father a steelworker. After graduating high school, Fred attended San Francisco State University and graduated with a degree in Theatre Arts.
Fred began his career in the entertainment industry as a stage actor in the late 1940s. He made his Broadway debut in 1950 in the play "The Glass Menagerie" and earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance. From there, he went on to star in several other plays including "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" and "The Rainmaker".
After establishing himself as a successful stage actor, Fred made the leap to television and film in the mid-1960s. His first major film role was in the 1966 drama "Cool Hand Luke" which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This was followed by additional roles in films such as "The Boys in the Band", "The Conversation" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest".
Throughout his career, Fred was known for his versatility and willingness to take risks. He worked extensively in both comedy and drama, and was praised for his ability to bring a depth of emotion to his roles. He was also known for his improvisational skills, and he often used them to create memorable characters.
Fred Owens passed away on September 8th, 2019 at the age of 95. He left behind an impressive body of work and a legacy of excellence. He will be remembered for his talent, his commitment to his craft and his passion for entertaining. He will be greatly missed by his many fans and friends.
