Jack Warden, 85, the veteran movie and television actor who put a gift for portraying physical force and gruff irascibility to good use in both drama and comedy, died July 19 in a hospital in New York.Over a career that lasted 50 years, Mr. Warden made more than 100 movies. For two of them, "Shampoo" (1975) and "Heaven Can Wait" (1978), he received Academy Award nominations in the Best Supporting Actor category.He won an Emmy Award for his performance as George Halas, coach of the Chicago Bears, in "Brian's Song" (1971), a made-for-TV movie.He was born Jack Warden Lebzelter in Newark in 1920.As a high school student during the Depression, he earned needed cash in the boxing ring. He had 13 fights as a welterweight.He joined the Navy, then did a stint in the Merchant Marine and, shortly after the nation entered World War II, enlisted in the Army.While in the 101st Airborne Division, he broke a leg during a practice jump. In the hospital, someone pressed a copy of a play on him. That, it was said, kindled his interest in acting. He returned to active duty in time to serve in the Battle of the Bulge.After the war, he pursued acting, which took him to classes, to a theater company in Texas and to roles on Broadway.
