Although he had nothing against comedy (he acted in several), he always said the part he always refused to play was any sort of satire or parody of Eliott Ness. He always wanted to play the part seriously.
As a child, his mother introduced him to movie stars like Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy so they could act as surrogate father figures to him. They often took him hunting and fishing.
Before he was cast as Eliot Ness in "The Untouchables" (1959) Van Johnson and Van Heflin were considered for the role.
Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume 7, 2003-2005, pages 524-526. Farmington Hills, MI: Thomson Gale, 2007.
Born at 4:40pm-PST
By late December 1955, it was announced that Stack was to star in The Proud Ones (1956) but eventually the role was played by Robert Ryan.
Father of Charles Stack and actress Elizabeth Stack.
Had been diagnosed with prostate cancer the year before his death.
He met the real-life Mrs. Eliot Ness when his biography was presented on "This Is Your Life" (1952) in 1960. He was clearly touched at her praise of his portrayal of her late husband.
His ancestors were among the first to settle in California.
His grandfather Modini was not really an Italian. He had changed his name to further his career as an opera singer.
In 1937, he was the U.S. 20-gauge champion skeet marksman, and held the record for more than 350 consecutive hits
In 1999, he received the John F. Kennedy National Award.
Initially thought "The Untouchables" (1959) TV series would not work and only took it just to prove his point. Instead, the show became a hit, and lasted four years.
Portrayed Gen. Joseph W. Stilwell in 1941 (1979), 'John Paul Jones' in John Paul Jones (1959), and 'Eliot Ness' in "The Untouchables" (1959) TV series, three real-life figures from American history.
Served as a gunnery officer in the U.S. Navy for more than three years during World War II.
Veteran of the Second World War who was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, Expert Rifle Ribbon, and Expert Pistol Ribbon
Was a friend of Ronald Reagan, and made monetary contributions to Reagan's presidential campaigns.