Lawrence Tierney: Hollywood's Real-Life Tough Guy

Lawrence Tierney (1919–2002) was the kind of actor whose natural swagger and gruff disposition made him the perfect fit for the Hollywood "tough guy" archetype. Known for his erratic and oftentimes violent nature, Tierney drew upon his bellicose reputation throughout his career—a reputation that made him one of the most feared and mythologized characters in the industry.

Born in Brooklyn to Irish American parents, Tierney worked in theater productions in New York before moving to Hollywood,...