Pittsburgh-born and -raised character actor Regis Toomey, of Irish descent, took an early interest in the performing arts and initially studied drama at the university of his home town. One of four children of Francis X. and Mary Ellen Toomey, John Regis Toomey initially pondered a law career, but acting won out and he gradually established himself as a musical stage performer. Dropping his first name for acting purposes, he was touring in a production of "Little Nellie Kelly" in England when he developed an acute case of laryngitis. The severity of the problem forced a serious rethinking of his career goals. With the birth of sound pictures, Toomey made an auspicious debut with _Alibi to Kathryn Scott produced two children. They met in 1924 when he appeared in a musical production of "Rose Marie" that Kathryn assistant choreographed. Toomey died of natural causes on October 12, 1991, at the Motion Picture Country House in Woodland Hills, California at age 93.
Was a close friend to Ronald Reagan and Nancy Reagan.
Musical buffs will remember him as Uncle Arvide of The Salvation Army in the film version of Guys and Dolls .
He had starring roles in the classic pre code films, Alibi and Other Mens Women .
He appeared as a member of the clergy in Elvis Presley s final (non concert) film, Change of Habit .
Was a lifelong conservative Republican.
