Thomas McAdam Beck was a talented actor who rose to fame in the mid to late 1930s. Born on December 28, 1909, in New York City, he grew up in the Forest Park section of Baltimore, Maryland, where he was known for his striking good looks, earning him the attention of many girls at Forest Park High School.
Beck's early life was marked by a passion for the arts. He studied science at John Hopkins University, but his true interests lay in music and art. He studied piano at the Peabody Conservatory of Music and painting at the Maryland Institute of Fine Arts, while also appearing in numerous plays with a Baltimore theater group founded by Henry Fonda.
After graduating from university, Beck turned to acting, making his professional stage debut with a Massachusetts theater company. His breakthrough role came in 1934 when he was cast in John Charles Brownell's play "Her Majesty the Widow," which caught the attention of film executives.
Beck was soon signed by Fox Films and went on to appear in 28 films throughout his career. Notable roles include his portrayal of romantic leads in the Charlie Chan and Mr. Moto film series, as well as appearances in films such as "Life Begins at Forty," "Under Two Flags," and "Heidi."
Despite his success, Beck's career was marked by challenges. He was lost in the merger between Fox and 20th Century Pictures, and his wages were not increased. He eventually left the studio in 1939, citing his dissatisfaction with the studio system and his own struggles with his sexuality.
After his departure from Hollywood, Beck continued to work in the entertainment industry, appearing on stage and in film. He also served in the Army during World War II, rising to the rank of major.
In the years following the war, Beck turned to advertising and real estate, working for 17 years in the former profession before operating a real estate office in Connecticut with his longtime companion.
Beck's later years were marked by a renewed passion for the arts. He published a book of poetry, "Astride the Wind," in 1990, and continued to paint and write until his death on September 23, 1995, at the age of 85. He is buried at Loudon Park Cemetery in Baltimore, alongside his family.
