Lee Tracy

Dynamic actor from the Broadway stage who entered film in 1929 and parlayed his success as the antic, fast-talking Hildy Johnson in the 1930 theatrical production of "The Front Page" into a number of screen roles as a hyperactive reporter. Noted for his staccato, nasal delivery, Tracy played a host of commanding leads and supporting roles through the 1940s and won an Oscar nomination for his performance in the 1964 drama, "The Best Man." He also starred in the TV series "Martin Kane--Private Eye" (1952-53) and, again as a reporter, on "New York Confidential" (1958-59).