Jack Haley
Actor
About Jack Haley
Jack Haley was a versatile American vaudevillian, actor, comedian, and singer who achieved cinematic immortality as the Tin Man in the 1939 classic 'The Wizard of Oz.' Born into a working-class family in Boston, he began his career on the vaudeville circuit, honing a 'nice guy' persona and a talent for song-and-dance comedy that eventually led him to Broadway. He made his feature film debut in the early talkie era with 'Follow Thru' (1930), reprising his stage role as Jack Martin, which established him as a reliable comedic lead in musical comedies. Throughout the 1930s, he starred in a string of successful films for 20th Century Fox and MGM, often playing the affable, slightly bewildered romantic foil to stars like Shirley Temple and Alice Faye. His casting as the Tin Man came after Buddy Ebsen suffered a near-fatal allergic reaction to the aluminum powder makeup; Haley's gentle, soulful performance and distinctive singing voice became the definitive portrayal of the character. After the peak of his film career in the 1940s, he transitioned into real estate and guest appearances on television, maintaining a reputation as one of Hollywood's most well-liked and professional performers until his death in 1979.
The Craft
On Screen
Haley was known for his 'Everyman' appeal, characterized by a gentle, earnest, and often self-deprecating comedic timing. He possessed a clear, melodic tenor voice and a light-footed dancing style that made him a staple of the musical comedy genre. His performance as the Tin Man showcased his ability to project deep emotion and vulnerability through heavy prosthetic makeup and a restrictive costume, relying on vocal inflection and expressive eye movements.
Milestones
- Headlined major vaudeville circuits including the Keith-Albee-Orpheum circuit
- Starred in the Broadway hit 'Follow Thru' (1929) and its 1930 film adaptation
- Cast as the Tin Man in 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939) after Buddy Ebsen's departure
- Hosted the 32nd Academy Awards in 1960
- Starred alongside Shirley Temple in 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm' (1938)
- Inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to radio
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star (Radio) - 6435 Hollywood Blvd
Nominated
- Delta Kappa Alpha Honorary Member (1970s)
Special Recognition
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Inductee in the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame (posthumous)
- Special recognition at the 50th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Jack Haley's portrayal of the Tin Man has become a permanent fixture of global popular culture, representing the universal quest for empathy and 'heart.' His performance in 'The Wizard of Oz' is studied for its technical difficulty, as he had to convey warmth and humanity while encased in a stiff, metallic suit. Beyond Oz, he was a key figure in the transition of vaudeville comedy to the silver screen, helping to define the musical comedy format of the 1930s.
Lasting Legacy
Haley's legacy is primarily tied to the enduring popularity of 'The Wizard of Oz,' which is arguably the most-watched film in history. He is remembered as a consummate professional who bridged the gap between the stage and the screen. His son's marriage to Liza Minnelli (the daughter of Haley's Oz co-star Judy Garland) created a poetic link between the legacies of the film's two most beloved characters.
Who They Inspired
He influenced future generations of character actors and musical performers by demonstrating how to balance comedy with genuine pathos. His ability to maintain a successful career and financial independence through real estate served as a model for later actors seeking to navigate the volatility of the studio system.
Off Screen
Jack Haley was a devout Roman Catholic and was known for his stable personal life, which was a rarity in Hollywood. He was married to Florence McFadden for 58 years until his death. His son, Jack Haley Jr., became a highly successful film producer and director, notably producing the 'That's Entertainment!' documentaries. Haley was also a shrewd businessman, investing his film earnings into Southern California real estate, which made him one of the wealthiest actors of his era.
Education
Attended local schools in Boston; trained in vaudeville and musical theater.
Family
- Florence McFadden (1921-1979)
Did You Know?
- He replaced Buddy Ebsen as the Tin Man after Ebsen was hospitalized due to the aluminum dust makeup.
- To avoid the same fate as Ebsen, the makeup department switched to an aluminum paste for Haley, though he still suffered a severe eye infection.
- He was the godfather of John Lahr, the son of his 'Oz' co-star Bert Lahr (The Cowardly Lion).
- Haley spoke at the funeral of his 'Oz' co-star Judy Garland in 1969.
- He was a very successful real estate investor, owning several blocks of prime property in Los Angeles.
- His last public appearance was at the 1979 Academy Awards, just months before his death.
- He originally played the role of Jack Martin in the Broadway production of 'Follow Thru' before the film version.
- He was known for his 'patter' style of singing, which was common in vaudeville.
In Their Own Words
I don't have a heart... I've got a heart, but it doesn't beat. It's made of tin.
Working on 'The Wizard of Oz' was no fun. It was hard work. But it was worth it to see the joy it brings to children.
A heart is not judged by how much you love; but by how much you are loved by others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jack Haley?
Jack Haley was a famous American actor and vaudevillian best known for playing the Tin Man in the 1939 film 'The Wizard of Oz.' He was a versatile performer who excelled in musical comedies and radio during the Golden Age of Hollywood.
What films is Jack Haley best known for?
While 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939) is his most iconic work, he is also well known for 'Follow Thru' (1930), 'Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm' (1938), and 'Alexander's Ragtime Band' (1938).
When was Jack Haley born and when did they die?
Jack Haley was born on August 10, 1897, in Boston, Massachusetts, and passed away on June 6, 1979, in Los Angeles, California.
Was Jack Haley the first choice for the Tin Man?
No, Buddy Ebsen was originally cast as the Tin Man but had to be replaced after the aluminum powder makeup caused his lungs to fail. Haley took over the role with a modified paste-based makeup.
What was Jack Haley's acting style?
He was known for a friendly, 'nice guy' persona with excellent comedic timing and a soft-shoe dancing style. He was particularly skilled at playing earnest, likable characters in musical settings.
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Films
1 film
