There was something magical about Tony Curtis, the legendary actor who could charm anyone with just a smile. Even when miles apart, he always found a way to make his daughters laugh. “He was one of the funniest people I’ve ever known,” Allegra Curtis reveals in a heartfelt interview with Closer magazine, now on newsstands. She shares a hilarious memory of her dad leaving voice messages like, “Allegra, this is Dracula. How long is your neck?” It’s these little moments that remind us of the playful side of the Hollywood icon.
Remembering Tony Through His Daughter’s Eyes
For Kelly Curtis, Tony’s eldest daughter, the memories of her father are vivid and deeply personal. She recalls the scent of his favorite cologne, Vetiver by Guerlain Paris, and the way he dressed in midnight blue velvet blazers during what she calls his “Italian count” phase. “He had this unique way of blending elegance with charisma that made him unforgettable,” Kelly says. These small details paint a picture of a man who wasn’t just a star but a devoted father in his own way.
From the moment Tony Curtis stepped into Hollywood, he was destined to shine. With his irresistible charm, good looks, and unmatched talent, he quickly rose to fame in the 1950s and 1960s. Whether starring in dramatic masterpieces like Sweet Smell of Success, comedic hits like Some Like It Hot, or epic films like Spartacus, Tony’s career was nothing short of legendary. “I think my dad’s greatest achievement was becoming a major star and using that success to provide for his family,” Allegra reflects. “He had this incredible ability to bring everyone together, no matter what.”
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The Challenges of a Blended Family
It wasn’t always easy being the father of six children from six different marriages. While Tony adored his kids, his relationships with women often complicated things. As Peter Golenbock, co-author of Tony’s 2008 memoir American Prince, explains, “Once children entered the picture, Tony sometimes struggled to stay grounded.” Despite this, his daughters remain fiercely loyal to their dad. Kelly, now 64, and Jamie Lee, 62, were born during his marriage to Janet Leigh, the iconic actress from Psycho. Later, Allegra and her sister Alexandra joined the family after Tony married German actress Christine Kaufmann. “When I was born, I think my dad was like, ‘Oh my goodness, another one!’” Allegra jokes, highlighting the lighthearted bond she shared with her father.
Tony’s third marriage to actress Leslie Allen brought him the sons he longed for: Ben, 47, and Nicholas, who tragically passed away at 23 in 1994. “Tony was utterly heartbroken by Nicholas’s death,” says Barry Paris, co-author of Tony Curtis: The Autobiography. “It was as if a piece of him had been torn away.” But tragedy wasn’t new to Tony. Born Bernard Schwartz to Hungarian Jewish immigrants in New York, he faced hardships early in life, including a schizophrenic mother and being placed in state care because his parents couldn’t afford to feed him. “Despite everything, he idolized his father and loved his mother deeply, but he never truly felt cared for,” Kelly explains.
A Sensitive Soul Amidst the Hustle
Even as a young man running with street gangs in the Bronx, Tony retained his sensitivity and artistic eye for beauty. “He had this remarkable ability to describe the world around him in ways that made you see it differently,” Allegra recalls. “He taught me that it’s okay for men to cry and express their emotions.” As a father, Tony took his responsibilities seriously. “He provided for us financially, which was incredibly honorable,” Jamie Lee says. Although he wasn’t always physically present, he instilled in his children the self-determination that helped him succeed in Hollywood.
Kelly, whom Tony affectionately called “Number One” for being his firstborn, remembers her dad’s high expectations. “There was no arguing with him. He taught me humility and self-reliance, lessons that have stayed with me throughout my life,” she says. At other times, Tony could be incredibly generous. Allegra remembers how her dad invited her to live with him in Hawaii during the mid-1980s when she was 22 and unsure about her future. “That was the time we were closest,” she shares. “He encouraged me to go to college and supported me in every way.”
