Rip Torn was an acclaimed American actor known for roles in films like Men in Black and TV shows such as The Larry Sanders Show. However, later in life he had multiple run-ins with the law that resulted in jail time. In 2010, at age 78, Torn was sentenced to prison for breaking into a bank while intoxicated. This article will examine the events that led to Rip Torn’s incarceration late in his acting career.
Background on Rip Torn
Rip Torn was born Elmore Rual Torn Jr. in 1931 in Texas. He had an extensive career in theater, television, and film:
- Stage career began in 1956 in plays like Sweet Bird of Youth
- Appeared in classic films such as Payday (1973) and Cross Creek (1983)
- Emmy winner for The Larry Sanders Show (1996)
- Appeared in Disney’s Hercules (1997) and the Men in Black movies (1997, 2002)
Torn was nominated for an Oscar for his role in Cross Creek and had over 100 acting credits during his long career. However, alcohol abuse issues plagued the actor both personally and professionally.
History of Violent Behavior and Substance Abuse
While Rip Torn was well respected professionally, he struggled with controlling his temper and alcohol abuse. Some early warning signs included:
- 1967 – Torn admitted during testimony that he had broken the nose and fractured the cheek of actor Norman Mailer during an argument.
- 1970 – During filming of Maidstone, Torn struck director and actor Norman Mailer in the head with a hammer.
- 2004 – He was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in New York. His license was revoked.
Torn had the reputation for being volatile and getting into drunken brawls and fights. His substance abuse clearly contributed to multiple arrests and offenses later in life.
Bank Break-In and Arrest
In January 2010, at age 78, a highly intoxicated Rip Torn broke into a Connecticut bank carrying a loaded revolver. Details of the incident:
- Police responded to a burglary alarm at the Litchfield Bancorp in Salisbury, CT late at night.
- They found Torn inside near the teller area; he had broken a window to illegally enter.
- Torn was carrying a loaded .22 caliber revolver and was so intoxicated he thought he was home.
- Police had to subdue Torn after a brief scuffle inside the bank.
He was arrested and pleaded not guilty to charges of carrying a pistol without a permit, carrying a firearm while intoxicated, first-degree burglary, second-degree criminal trespassing and third-degree criminal mischief.
Sentencing and Aftermath
With a lengthy history of violence and substance abuse, a judge sentenced Rip Torn to prison time for the drunk bank break-in despite his age:
- In March 2010, he changed his plea to guilty on the burglary charges.
- Sentenced to 2.5 years in jail – Although elderly, his prior offenses contributed to prison time.
- Released after serving 88 days – He completed a substance abuse program in prison.
- Probation for 3 years – His release was conditional on remaining sober.
Following his release, Torn appeared in a few final roles before passing away in 2019 at age 88. He is remembered for his erratic behavior and struggles with alcohol as much as his acclaimed acting work.
Conclusion: Substance Abuse Led to Imprisonment
In summary, Rip Torn’s 2010 incarceration for breaking into a bank was the culmination of a lifelong struggle with alcohol addiction and violent tendencies. His drunken delusion that he was entering his own home showcased the extremity of his substance abuse issues. While Rip Torn’s talent earned him acting accolades, his unchecked drinking ultimately led to his imprisonment late in life following a bizarre burglary attempt.
Timeline of Rip Torn’s Legal Issues and Arrests
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1967 | Assaulted Norman Mailer, broke his nose |
| 1970 | Struck Norman Mailer with hammer on film set |
| 2004 | Arrested for driving while intoxicated |
| 2010 | Arrested for breaking into bank while drunk |
| 2010 | Pleaded guilty, sentenced to 2.5 years in prison |
| Year | Alcohol/Violence Incident |
|---|---|
| 1967 | Broke Norman Mailer’s nose in fight |
| 1970 | Hit Mailer with hammer during filming |
| 2004 | Arrested for drunk driving |
| 2010 | Broke into bank intoxicated with loaded gun |
Conclusion
In conclusion, acclaimed actor Rip Torn struggled with alcohol addiction and violent tendencies throughout his long acting career. His repeated substance abuse and arrests/assaults foreshadowed more severe legal consequences. Rip Torn’s drunk and delusional attempted bank burglary in 2010 at age 78 resulted in a 2.5 year prison sentence. However, he only served 88 days before completing a rehabilitation program and being released on probation. The bizarre incident shed light on Torn’s severe alcoholism and his inability to control behavior while intoxicated, leading to imprisonment late in life.