our cbs news correspondent, bill whit aker looks back. >> reporter: hollywood runs on good looks and charisma, tony curtis had both in abundance and he'd be the first to tell you. >> i know there was something i won't say special about me but something different that cut me out from all the other guys. >> reporter: something different that led him through a career as a big-screen heart throb, a comedy talent. a dramatic actor. and oscar nominee. curtis lived a true rags-to-riches story, born bernard schwartz to hungarian immigrants in 1925, got-looking young man changed his name and went to acting school on the g.i. bill after serving in the navy during world war ii. he had the looks of a matinee idol. all he had to do was get discovered. when he did, there was no looking back. >> well, see, i had all that dark hair and blue eyes, a nice figure, running around kissing girls, a lot of energy, hip-hop, jumping around, how could you not go for me? i even did. >> reporter: enough star appeal to overlook his pronounced bronx accent. he made legendary films but probably the most famous rol