biography
Born Karl Oscar Tore Johansson in Stockholm, Sweden on October 19, 1903, B-movie legend Tor Johnson began his studio wrestling career in the 1940s as "The Swedish Angel," after
doing many bit parts and uncredited appearances in films in the 1930s. His first film was the Warner Bros./First National drama Registered Nurse (1934; with Bebe Daniels, Lyle Talbot, and Sidney Toler).
By virtue of his potentially frightening visage, height, and weight, he appeared in numerous films. Becoming a cult figure in death, Johnson's 1950s and 1960s horror and science
fiction movies, especially the films of Edward D. Wood Jr, have ensured Johnson's cult actor status. Several key films starring Johnson, including
Plan Nine from Outer Space (1959; with Bela Lugosi and Gregory Walcott), entered the public domain in the 1970s and 1980s and saw lots of
late-night television airplay. Interestingly, Johnson had a longer and more successful career in Hollywood than most of Wood's other regulars, acting in many films and making
a number of appearances on TV into the early 1960s.
Today, Johnson is best known for his appearances in the Edward D. Wood Jr classics Bride of the Monster (1955; with Bela Lugosi and Dolores Fuller) and Plan Nine from Outer Space (1959). However, thanks to Mystery Science Theater 3000, some of Johnson's other films have been rediscovered by cult film fans, such as The Unearthly (1957; with John Carradine, Sally Todd and Allison Hayes) and The Beast of Yucca Flats (1961; directed by Coleman Francis). |
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the films of tor johnsonBehind Locked Doors (1948)
Tor Johnson is sadistically tormented in a sanitarium in the film noir thriller Behind Locked DoorsThe Lemon Drop Kid (1951)
From the Paramount comedy The Lemon Drop Kid with Bob HopeBride of the Monster (1955)
Tor Johnson menaces Loretta King in Bride of the MonsterThe Black Sleep (1956)The Unearthly (1957)  
LEFT: Poster from the Republic horror film The Unearthly. CENTER: Tor Johnson tries to strangle Myron Healy. RIGHT: Johnson as LoboPlan Nine from Outer Space (1959) 
From Ed Wood's best known film Plan Nine from Outer Space. LEFT: With Mona McKinnon. RIGHT: Tor as the undead Inspector ClayThe Beast of Yucca Flats (1961)
Lobby card from The Beast of Yucca Flats, Johnson's last starring role in a film. This film was directed by cult favorite Coleman Francislater yearsDue to his sheer bulk, Johnson had the unfortunate tendency of shattering toilet seats when he sat on them, which explains his habit of stealing toilet seats from the hotel rooms in which he stayed. He also drank copious amounts of beer (usually a case at a time), and dessert for Johnson often included gallons of ice cream. Plagued by heart problems in his later years, Johnson passed away from heart failure at age 67 on May 12, 1971. Tor Johnson's son, Karl, was once a policeman in San Fernando, California; in addition, he appeared in a few of his father's movies, such as The Unearthly and Plan Nine from Outer Space. Karl Johnson passed away on May 15, 1993, at age 69. |
filmographyFILM
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tor johnson trailers now showingtor johnson television appearancestor johnson film now showing |
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This page premiered March 1, 1998.
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