Tom Helmore
Percy Thomas Helmore ( born January 4, 1904 in London, England; † 12 September 1995 Longboat Key, Florida ) was a British- American actor.
Life
Helmore worked as an apprentice in his father's company while he worked as an extra on the side with the British film. He made his debut in Alfred Hitchcock's silent film The World Champion. His most famous film role was played by Helmore 30 years later again under Hitchcock's direction as friendly -appearing, but secretly evil businessman Gavin Elster in Vertigo - From the realm of the dead. He was the first choice for the role, according to Hitchcock. However, the brown-haired actor of medium size embodied otherwise mostly comedic men rich and noble origins, which it does not succeed to conquer the women. So he loses example, Lauren Bacall to Gregory Peck in Why did I say yes? (1957). By the end of his career in 1972 he performed in various television series, including Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Dr. Kildare. On Broadway, he appeared also, the musical The Day Before Spring Helmore paved the way to Hollywood in 1945.
With his first wife Evelan Hope he was married from 1931 to 1945. A year later she married horror star Boris Karloff, was friends with the Helmore. With his second wife, Mary Drayton he was married from 1945 until her death in 1994. Drayton and Helmore had a child. Tom Helmore died at age 91 in Longboat Key in California.