Timothy Hutton

Timothy Hutton, born on August 16, 1960, is an esteemed American actor and filmmaker. Remarkably, he holds the distinction of being the youngest individual ever to receive the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, clinching the accolade at a mere 20 years of age for his remarkable portrayal of Conrad Jarrett in Ordinary People (1980). Following this triumph, Hutton's career flourished, marked by notable appearances in a diverse array of films and television productions. He showcased his talent in the drama Taps (1981), the espionage thriller The Falcon and the Snowman (1985), and the chilling horror feature The Dark Half (1993), to name a few.


In the realm of television, Hutton has left an indelible mark with his compelling performances. From 2000 to 2002, he graced the screen as Archie Goodwin in the A&E drama series A Nero Wolfe Mystery. Later, from 2008 to 2012, he captivated audiences as Nathan "Nate" Ford in the TNT drama series Leverage, solidifying his status as a versatile and dynamic actor. Additionally, he made a memorable contribution to the inaugural season of the Amazon streaming drama series Jack Ryan, further showcasing his range and skill.


Timothy Hutton's roots trace back to Malibu, California, where he was born into a family with ties to the entertainment industry. His father, Jim Hutton, was a notable actor, while his mother, Maryline Adams (née Poole), pursued a career in teaching. However, Hutton's early years were marked by family upheaval, as his parents parted ways when he was just three years old. Following their divorce, his mother relocated with him and his older sister, Heidi, first to Boston and later to her hometown of Harwinton, Connecticut. It wasn't until Hutton turned 12 that the family returned to California.


Contrary to popular belief, Hutton's upbringing was not steeped in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. In an interview with Bruce Cook of American Film magazine in 1981, Hutton emphasized the modesty of his upbringing, attributing his mother's decisions to pursue higher education and relocate to Berkeley, California, to broaden their horizons. Despite the challenges of their circumstances, Hutton's mother remained committed to providing her children with opportunities beyond their immediate surroundings, fostering a desire for exploration and growth.


At the age of 15, Hutton sought out his father in Los Angeles and moved in with him. It was during his time at Fairfax High School, where he portrayed Nathan Detroit in a production of Guys and Dolls, that Hutton discovered his passion for acting. Encouraged by both of his parents, he embarked on a journey into the world of television acting.
Tragically, in June 1979, Jim Hutton passed away from liver cancer in Los Angeles, just two days after his 45th birthday. Despite the loss, Hutton's father remained a significant influence on his life and career. In a poignant moment during his Academy Award acceptance speech in 1981, where Hutton was honored for his role in Ordinary People, he expressed gratitude to his late father, underscoring the enduring impact of their bond.


Timothy Hutton's career embarked on an impressive trajectory with appearances in several television movies, notably the acclaimed 1979 ABC TV film Friendly Fire. That same year, he portrayed Donna Reed's son in the Ross Hunter NBC television film The Best Place to Be. His transition to feature films began with two CBS made-for-TV films in 1980: Young Love, First Love alongside Valerie Bertinelli, and Father Figure alongside Hal Linden. However, it was his breakthrough performance as Conrad Jarrett in Ordinary People (1980) that propelled him to stardom, earning him both the Academy Award and the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. His remarkable portrayal also garnered him the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year in a Motion Picture – Male. Following this triumph, he continued to captivate audiences with his role in the acclaimed 1981 ABC television film A Long Way Home.
Hutton's feature film career gained momentum with roles in films such as Taps (1981), where he starred alongside George C. Scott, Sean Penn, and Tom Cruise. While some of his subsequent films struggled at the box office, he achieved success with The Falcon and the Snowman (1985), reuniting him with Sean Penn.


In addition to his acting endeavors, Hutton showcased his directorial skills by directing the music video for The Cars' song "Drive" in 1984. He made his Broadway debut in 1989 opposite Elizabeth McGovern in the A.R. Gurney play Love Letters and continued to tread the boards with roles in Prelude to a Kiss alongside Mary-Louise Parker and Barnard Hughes.
Transitioning back to screen, Hutton took on supporting roles in films like Everybody's All-American (1988) and French Kiss (1995). He delivered a standout performance in the popular ensemble film Beautiful Girls (1996), starring alongside a young Natalie Portman.
Hutton's television career flourished with roles in series such as A Nero Wolfe Mystery (2001–2002), where he portrayed Archie Goodwin, and as Conrad Cain in the NBC series Kidnapped (2006). He starred in the hit series Leverage (2008–2012), captivating audiences as former insurance investigator Nate Ford.
In 2014, Hutton joined the cast of John Ridley's ABC crime drama American Crime opposite Felicity Huffman, showcasing his enduring talent and versatility in yet another compelling role.


Timothy Hutton's diverse interests extend beyond acting, encompassing ventures in the restaurant industry and directing. He is notably one of the proprietors of the iconic New York City establishment, P. J. Clarke's, a renowned restaurant and bar. In 2003, Hutton assumed the role of president at Players, a prestigious actors' club in New York, although he resigned from this position in June 2008 due to professional commitments that required him to be based in Los Angeles.


Hutton has also explored his passion for directing, with notable projects including the acclaimed music video for The Cars' hit single "Drive" in 1984. In 2010, he directed the music video for "The House Rules" by country rocker and Leverage co-star Christian Kane. Additionally, he lent his directorial talents to several episodes of A&E's A Nero Wolfe Mystery, a series in which he also starred.
However, not all of Hutton's endeavors have been met with acclaim. In 2011, he appeared in a Groupon commercial during the Super Bowl, which sparked controversy for its parody of the Tibetan resistance movement. The commercials were swiftly withdrawn from circulation on February 10 due to ongoing public criticism and backlash from activist groups.

References

1.  "Timothy Hutton". Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
2. ^ Gritten, David (February 8, 1982). "Riding on Taps, Teens and Talent". People. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
3. a b Cook, Bruce, "Doing What Comes Naturally." American Film, March 1981, pp. 62–65 and 74.
4. ^ "Timothy Hutton Is Too Good to Be True". Rolling Stone, February 1982.
5. ^ Hutton, Timothy. "Academy Award Acceptance Speech, March 31, 1981". oscars.org. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved February 2, 2016.
6. ^ Herman, James Patrick (September 16, 2019). "How Timothy Hutton Came to Direct the Cars' 'Drive' Music Video". Variety. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
7. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (May 9, 2014). "ABC New Series Pickups: 'Selfie', 'Forever', Galavant', 'Whispers', 'How To Get Away With Murder', 'American Crime', 'Black-ish', Jeff Lowell Comedy". Deadline.com. Retrieved May 12, 2014.