Versatile Film, TV Actor Jack Warden

Jack Warden, shown in 1983, made more than 100 movies in his career. (Associated Press)

Jack Warden, 85, the veteran movie and television actor who put a gift for portraying physical force and gruff irascibility to good use in both drama and comedy, died July 19 in a hospital in New York.

In a telephone interview from Los Angeles, Sidney Pazoff, his business manager for 27 years, said that Mr. Warden had been ill for a while and that "things were breaking down."

Among Mr. Warden's memorable roles were those of an impatient juror in "12 Angry Men," a football coach in "Brian's Song" and a hard-driving top editor at The Washington Post in "All the President's Men."

Those who saw him as bluster, bluntness or even physical menace saw only one side of his abilities and did not perceive his true personality, Pazoff said. "He was a very fine actor" and was also "a kind and gentle man."

Harry M. Rosenfeld, the Post metropolitan editor played by Mr. Warden, recalled last night how the actor "sat in my office" in the newsroom, watching him at work as part of his preparation.

"I play a part," Rosenfeld recalled Warden telling him. "I don't play you."

"All the President's Men" was based on The Post's pursuit of the story of the Watergate scandal.

The editor described Mr. Warden as a skilled performer and a splendid fellow who possessed a strong personality and yet seemed "rather shy" for an actor.

While in Washington, Rosenfeld said, Mr. Warden made friends quickly and beat the editor badly at tennis. He said news of the death left him "deeply saddened."

Over a career that lasted 50 years, Mr. Warden made more than 100 movies. For two of them, "Shampoo" (1975) and "Heaven Can Wait" (1978), he received Academy Award nominations in the Best Supporting Actor category.

He won an Emmy Award for his performance as George Halas, coach of the Chicago Bears, in "Brian's Song" (1971), a made-for-TV movie.

He also appeared in "The Replacements" (2000), another football film.