Tucker Smith; Career Began in ‘West Side Story’
Tucker Smith, who became known briefly in the entertainment world after appearing as Ice in the film version of “West Side Story” in 1961, has died. He was 52 and died of neck and jaw cancer at UCLA Medical Center on Thursday.
Born in Philadelphia, Smith was discovered by director Robert Wise, who won an Oscar for “West Side Story,” a modern version of the “Romeo and Juliet” legend highlighted by Leonard Bernstein’s music.
After appearing as a member of the Anglo gang, the Jets, in the film, Smith went on to make such other pictures as “The Producers” in 1967, “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” in 1976 and “To Be or Not to Be” in 1983. On Broadway he was seen in “Anyone Can Whistle.”
Survivors include three sisters.
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