Lithuanian-born and South African-reared talent Laurence Harvey became a distinguished actor in the UK and US. Of course, it didn’t hurt that he was incredibly handsome. The dashing chap possessed a lean physique, strong jaw, and a thick head… of dark hair. Known for his debonair presence on camera, the 6′1″ stunner scored an Academy Award nomination for his performance opposite Oscar winner Simone Signoret in Room at the Top (1959). Laurence also helped Elizabeth Taylor win an Oscar while romancing her onscreen in BUtterfield 8 (1960). The same can be said of Julie Christie in Darling (1965). Instead of an Academy Award, Harvey’s co-star Angela Lansbury received a Golden Globe for The Manchurian Candidate (1962). The political thriller was definitely thrilling when Harvey flaunted his naked chest while lounging around in his bathing trunks! If that’s not hot enough, the topless hottie exposed his sense of humor (among other things) in the comedy The Magic Christian (1969). The PG rated romp features Peter Sellars, Roy Scammell, Lincoln Webb, and Laurence’s perfect pecs! Off screen, Harvey was rumored to be gay despite having married three different women (Margaret Leighton, Joan Perry, Paulene Stone) during his lifetime. A heavy drinker and smoker, Laurence died from stomach cancer when he was just 45. But he leaves behind a legacy on stage (Henry V, Camelot); on film (Two Loves, Walk on the Wild Side, The Running Man) and on TV (Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Columbo, Night Gallery). Too bad he never worked in the porn industry.
