Shepperd Strudwick was born September 22, 1907 in Hillsboro, North Carolina. He was educated at the University of North Carolina and was a member of the university's acting troupe "The Carolina Playmakers.'' He was married to Helen Wynn, Jane Straub, Margaret O'Neill, and Mary Jeffrey. He studied with Leo Bulgakov, Samuel Rosen, and Lee Strasberg.
In his early acting career Strudwick performed at the Surry Playhouse and with the Jitney Players. His first stage appearance was at the Charles Coburn Theatre in New York, October 1928, in a revival of THE YELLOW JACKET. Before his death he had appeared in over 100 plays. He had 35 leading roles on the stage in New York, 28 in road and regional theatre, and 75 in stock. He was nominated for a Tony award for his performance as Jared in TO GRANDMOTHER'S HOUSE WE GO. His last appearance on Broadway was in 1981 when he replaced Gary Merrill in the Tony award winning MORNING'S AT SEVEN. He also appeared in over 50 movies and over 50 television programs. In some films in the early 1940's he used the alternative professional name of John Shepperd. His movie credits include roles in two Academy Award winners ALL THE KING'S MEN and A PLACE IN THE SUN. He also appeared in THE RED PONY. He received awards for his performance as Victor Lord in the television daytime serial ONE LIFE TO LIVE. Strudwick also performed on radio and in commercials.
Strudwick's long career also included teaching. From 1971 to 1972 he was an artist in residence at the University of Detroit. He died January 15, 1983.
From the guide to the Shepperd Strudwick papers, 1927-1983, (The New York Public Library. Billy Rose Theatre Division.)
