Tobin Bell

Bell in 2005, photo by PRPhotos

Birth Name: Joseph Henry Tobin, Jr.

Place of Birth: Queens, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: August 7, 1942

Ethnicity:
*father – Irish
*mother – Irish, possibly English

Tobin Bell is an American actor and producer. He is known for his role as John Kramer / Jigsaw in the Saw universe, one of the biggest series of horror films of the 21st century; all the way through Saw X. He has also appeared in the films Mississippi Burning, The Firm, Malice, Dark House, and The Call (2020), on the shows Walker, Texas Ranger; The Sopranos, and 24, and in the made-for-tv movie Unabomber: The True Story. He has alternatively been credited as Joseph Tobin.

Tobin’s father, Joseph Henry Tobin, was born in Massachusetts, of Irish descent; Joseph built and established the radio station WJDA in Quincy, MA. Tobin’s mother, Eileen Bell (Eileen Julia Bell), an actress, was born in Paddington, London, England, of at least half Irish ancestry. Tobin has two children with his former wife.

Tobin’s paternal grandfather was Charles Augustin Tobin (the son of David Tobin and Eliza Jane Moran). Charles was born in Massachusetts. David was Irish, from Limerick, the son of Edmond Tobin and Mary Meade/Mead. Eliza was born in Massachusetts, to Irish parents, John Moran and Teresa Keough.

Tobin’s paternal grandmother was Grace Agnes Conlin (the daughter of Edward C. Conlin and Susan Catherine Kane/Keene). Grace was born in Massachusetts. Edward and Susan were Irish. Edward was the son of John Conlin and Susan. Tobin’s great-grandmother Susan Kane/Keene was the daughter of Patrick Kane/Keene and Susan.

Tobin’s maternal grandfather was named Frank H. Bell.

Tobin’s maternal grandmother was named Julia Gandon. Julia was born in Cork, Ireland.

Sources: Tobin’s father, Joseph Henry Tobin, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Birth record of Tobin’s paternal grandfather, Charles Augustin Tobin – https://familysearch.org

Tobin’s paternal grandfather, Charles Augustin Tobin, on the 1900 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org