TCM Celebrates Tony Curtis's 100th

Turner Classic Movies is celebrating the 100th birthday of Tony Curtis on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Starting at 8:00 pm, TCM will show five of Curtis’s best known films, including Some Like It Hot and The Vikings. Curtis was born on June 3, 1925, and died in 2010.

Below is the schedule of the Tony Curtis tribute on June 3 on TCM; all times are Eastern.

8:00 PM Some Like it Hot (1959). Two musicians on the run from gangsters masquerade as members of an all-girl band. Director: Billy Wilder, Cast: Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, George Raft.
10:15 PM Sweet Smell of Success (1957). A crooked press agent stoops to new depths to help an egotistical columnist break up his sister’s romance. Director: Alexander Mackendrick, Cast: Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis.
12:15 AM The Defiant Ones (1958). Two escaped convicts chained together must overcome their racial prejudices in order to elude the police. Director: Stanley Kramer, Cast: Tony Curtis, Sidney Poitier, Theodore Bikel, Charles Mcgraw.
2:00 AM The Vikings (1958). Viking half-brothers fight over a throne and a beautiful captive. Director: Richard Fleischer, Cast: Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Ernest Borgnine, Janet Leigh.
4:00 AM The Great Race (1965). A bumbling villain plots to win an early 20th-century auto race. Director: Blake Edwards, Cast: Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, Maggie DuBois, Peter Falk.

More Tony Curtis Movies

In addition to TCM, many of Curtis’s films and TV appearances are available on

A documentary about Curtis, “Tony Curtis: Driven to Stardon,” was released in 2012.

Tony Curtis’s Life and Career

Tony Curtis, born Bernard Schwartz on June 3, 1925, in Manhattan, New York, was one of Hollywood’s most charismatic and versatile actors. Rising to fame in the 1950s, Curtis captivated audiences with his striking looks, undeniable charm, and impressive acting range. His career spanned over six decades, during which he starred in more than 100 films, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

Curtis had a challenging childhood, growing up in poverty as the son of Hungarian Jewish immigrants. His early years were marked by hardship, including a brief stay in an orphanage. Despite these struggles, Curtis found solace in movies, which fueled his dream of becoming an actor. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he pursued acting, eventually landing a contract with Universal Pictures.

His breakthrough came in the 1950s with films like Sweet Smell of Success (1957), where he played a morally ambiguous press agent, and The Defiant Ones (1958), which earned him an Academy Award nomination. Curtis showcased his comedic prowess in Some Like It Hot (1959), starring alongside Marilyn Monroe and Jack Lemmon. His ability to seamlessly transition between drama and comedy solidified his reputation as a Hollywood powerhouse.

In the 1960s, Curtis continued to shine with roles in Spartacus (1960) and The Boston Strangler (1968), proving his dramatic depth. However, as the decade progressed, his career began to decline. Despite this, Curtis remained active in television, starring in The Persuaders! alongside Roger Moore. His later years saw him embracing painting, a passion that brought him personal fulfillment.

Curtis’s personal life was as eventful as his career. He was married six times, most notably to actress Janet Leigh, with whom he had two children, including actress Jamie Lee Curtis. His relationships and struggles with addiction often made headlines, but he remained a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Beyond his film legacy, Curtis was known for his philanthropy and dedication to veterans. He supported various charitable causes and remained a vocal advocate for the arts. His contributions to cinema and his larger-than-life persona ensured his place among Hollywood’s greats.

Tony Curtis passed away on September 29, 2010, at the age of 85. His legacy endures through his films, his artistic endeavors, and the impact he had on generations of actors and fans. Whether playing a comedic rogue or a dramatic hero, Curtis’s presence on screen was unforgettable, cementing his status as one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars.

Complete TCM Schedule, Highlights

For TCM schedules and more information see the links below.

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Below is a trailer for one of Curtis’s most famous films, Some Like It Hot.