'Tommy' Haynes

Actor

Active: 1953

About 'Tommy' Haynes

Tommy Haynes was a minor American actor who appeared briefly in Ed Wood's notorious 1953 exploitation film Glen or Glenda. His career appears to have been extremely limited, with Glen or Glenda representing his only known film credit. Like many actors who appeared in Wood's low-budget productions, Haynes was likely a local talent or friend of the director who was cast in a small role. The film itself was a controversial and poorly received exploitation piece about transvestism, starring Bela Lugosi in a bizarre framing narrative. Haynes' appearance in the film was minimal, as was typical of many supporting players in Wood's productions. Beyond this single film credit, virtually no information exists about Haynes' life, career, or background, making him one of the more obscure figures in classic cinema history.

The Craft

Milestones

  • Appeared in Ed Wood's Glen or Glenda (1953)

Best Known For

Must-See Films

  • Glen or Glenda (1953)

Working Relationships

Worked Often With

  • Ed Wood

Why They Matter

Impact on Culture

Tommy Haynes' cultural impact is minimal, limited to his participation in what would become one of the most infamous 'so bad it's good' films in cinema history. Glen or Glenda has gained cult status over the decades, making even its most obscure contributors part of film history by association.

Lasting Legacy

As a bit player in Ed Wood's notorious Glen or Glenda, Tommy Haynes represents the many anonymous actors who populated low-budget exploitation films of the 1950s. His legacy is tied to the film's eventual cult status and its place in cinema history as an example of outsider filmmaking.

Who They Inspired

Given his extremely limited filmography, Tommy Haynes had no discernible influence on other actors or filmmakers. His contribution to cinema remains confined to his brief appearance in a film that would later be celebrated for its camp value and outsider artistic vision.

Off Screen

Very little is known about Tommy Haynes' personal life, as he appears to have been a one-time film actor with no significant public profile beyond his brief appearance in Glen or Glenda.

Did You Know?

  • Appeared in only one known film during his entire career
  • Was part of Ed Wood's ensemble of local talent and friends
  • Glen or Glenda was his sole film credit
  • The film was initially titled I Changed My Sex
  • His role was uncredited in the film
  • The movie was financed by a producer who wanted to capitalize on the Christine Jorgensen sex change story
  • Ed Wood reportedly cast friends and local actors to keep costs down
  • The film was a commercial failure upon release

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Tommy Haynes?

Tommy Haynes was a minor American actor who appeared in only one known film, Ed Wood's Glen or Glenda (1953). He was likely a local talent or friend of the director cast in a small role.

What films is Tommy Haynes best known for?

Tommy Haynes is known exclusively for his appearance in Glen or Glenda (1953), which was his only film credit.

When was Tommy Haynes born and when did he die?

The birth and death dates of Tommy Haynes are unknown, as he was such a minor figure in cinema that no biographical information has been preserved.

What awards did Tommy Haynes win?

Tommy Haynes did not receive any awards or nominations during his brief film career.

What was Tommy Haynes' acting style?

Given his extremely limited filmography consisting of a single bit role, there is insufficient information to determine Tommy Haynes' acting style or approach.

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Films

1 film