Hume Cronyn was born on July 18, 1911 in London, Ontario, Canada.

Hume was in Alfred Hitchock's 1943 SHADOW OF A DOUBT, which was his first movie.  He was also in Hitchcock's LIFEBOAT in 1944 as well contributing to the screenplay for ROPE in 1948 and UNDER CAPRICORN the following year. 

His first Academy Award nomination was for Best Support Actor for his portrayal in the 1944 movie, THE SEVENTH CROSS, with Spencer Tracy, about a group of prisoners escaping from the Nazi's. 

Hume Cronyn was an ensemble player in the 1946 film noir movie THE POSTMAN ALAYS RINGS TWICE, with John Garfield and Lana Turner.

Cronyn continued playing in films throughout his lifetime.  He also made guest appearances in television shows, such as THE BARBARA STANWYCK SHOW, ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS and HAWAII FIVE-O.

In 1985 he played , Joe Riley, in the sci-fi movie COCOON. He reprised his role in COCOON: THE RETURN in 1988.    The movies detail the encounter of a group of seniors with aliens.

Cronyn was married for many years to the award-winning actress, Jessica Tandy, who also appeared in the COCOON movies. Hume Cronyn appeared on stage and screen with her, as well as making many solo appearances.

Hume Cronyn's first film, in 1943, SHADOW OF A DOUBT was followed by many outstanding credits including: