Tony Cox (actor)
Tony Cox | |
|---|---|
| Born | Joseph Anthony Cox |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1982–present |
Joseph Anthony "Tony" Cox (born March 31, 1958)[1] is an American actor, known for his comedic performances in Bad Santa, Me, Myself and Irene, Date Movie and Disaster Movie. He is also known for his work in George Lucas's Willow and as an Ewok in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. In the two spin-off films that followed, he played Widdle Warrick. Cox also appeared in the music videos "Just Lose It" by Eminem and "From tha Chuuuch to da Palace" by Snoop Dogg.
Early life and education
Cox is a dwarf, who was born in Manhattan, New York, to Joe and Henrietta Jones Cox. He spent his childhood in Uniontown, Alabama with his grandmother and grandfather, Lottie and Henry Jones. His mother Mrs. Henretta Cox-Penn and stepfather Rudolph (Rudy) Penn currently live in College Park, Georgia. By the age of 10 he became an avid drummer. He met his future wife, Otelia, during high school. They were eventually married in 1981 when Cox was 23 years old.
After graduation from high school, Cox attended the University of Alabama and originally planned to study music. Cox said in a 2003 interview with Jet magazine, "I played by ear. It was exactly like in Drumline. I played against some of the drummers from the school, and they didn't have anything on me. I just couldn't read music."
Career
Shortly thereafter, Cox decided to pursue acting after watching Billy Barty, a little person who was an actor and also founder of the organization Little People of America. Encouraged by relatives and friends, he moved to Los Angeles at age 18. He began taking classes at the Merrick Studio School of Acting with Actress De De Tillman and soon began working in commercials, film, and television roles. He is perhaps, better known for his roles in Date Movie where he played "Dr. Hitch" and in Bad Santa where he played Marcus, the brains of a safe cracking team. As second lead to Billy Bob Thornton, Cox's role in Bad Santa was his first and only role as a starring / main character (as of 2010).
Cox also appeared on the TV show Martin in the first season, playing the character "Bennie", in which he helps his friend "Trey", played by Bushwick Bill, beat up "Tommy" played by Thomas Mikal Ford, over "Tommy" stealing his ex girlfriend.
Personal life
Cox owns a 350-acre (1.4 km2) ranch in Sedona, Arizona. Cox, although otherwise a vegetarian, does consume the meat of his own cows. "I love these animals and they love me," He said in an April 2008 edition of Parade Magazine, "I see it as a tribute that I think they would want... it certainly beats the glue factory!"[citation needed]
Cox currently plays basketball with the Hollywood Shorties. He is also an accomplished table tennis player and is active in martial arts.[citation needed]
Filmography
- Psych (2010)
- The Legend of Awesomest Maximus (2010)
- The Warrior's Way (2010)
- Disaster Movie (2008)
- Who's Your Caddy? (2007)
- Epic Movie (2007)
- Date Movie (2006)
- Bad Santa (2003)
- The Hebrew Hammer (2003)
- Back by Midnight (2002)
- Me, Myself & Irene (2000)
- Friday (1995)
- Willow (1988)
- Beetlejuice (1988)
- I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988)
- Spaceballs (1987)
- Hollywood Zap! (1986)
- Valet Girls (1986)
- Midget Fight (1986)
- Captain EO (1986)
- Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985)
- Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984)
- Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Penitentary 2 (1982)