Remembering the legendary actor Martin Landau
Landau’s career took off in the 1960s when he starred in the television series “Mission: Impossible” and throughout his 7 decades’career span he also appeared in movies such as Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest,” “Tucker: The Man and His Dream” and “Ed Wood” where his portrayal of Bela Lugosi won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor
Remembering the legendary actor Martin Landau
The legendary actor Martin Landau was born on June 20, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, USA. He grew up in a Jewish family, where he developed an early interest in the arts, particularly drawing and acting. Before pursuing a career in acting, Landau worked as a cartoonist for the New York Daily News, a job he left to chase his passion for the stage and screen.
Landau’s acting career began in the early 1950s when he studied at the Actors Studio under the tutelage of Lee Strasberg. He made his Broadway debut in “Middle of the Night” in 1956, which helped him gain recognition in the theater world. His first major film role was in Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest” (1959), where he played the memorable villain Leonard.
Landau’s career took off in the 1960s when he starred in the television series “Mission: Impossible” (1966-1969). As Rollin Hand, a master of disguise and a key member of the IMF team, Landau received widespread acclaim and earned multiple Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe Award.
After leaving “Mission: Impossible,” Landau faced a period of career stagnation, but he persevered, taking on roles in various films and television series throughout the 1970s and 1980s, most notably the sci-fi series “Space 1999.” His persistence paid off, and he experienced a significant career resurgence in the late 1980s and 1990s.
Landau’s later career was marked by critically acclaimed performances in several notable films including “Tucker: The Man and His Dream” (1988), directed by Francis Ford Coppola, where Landau played the role of Abe Karatz, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, “Crimes and Misdemeanors” (1989), directed by Woody Allen film, where he portrayed Judah Rosenthal, a complex character that garnered him another Academy Award nomination and “Ed Wood” (1994) ,where Landau’s portrayal of Bela Lugosi in Tim Burton’s biographical film won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His performance was widely praised for its depth and poignancy.
Martin Landau was married to actress Barbara Bain from 1957 to 1993, and they had two daughters, Susan and Juliet. Bain and Landau starred together in “Mission: Impossible,” making them one of television’s most famous couples during the show’s run.
Landau was known for his dedication to the craft of acting, often mentoring younger actors and remaining active in the industry well into his later years. He continued to work in both film and television, demonstrating his versatility and enduring talent.
Martin Landau passed away on July 15, 2017, at the age of 89, in Los Angeles, California. His death was due to unexpected complications during a brief hospitalization.
Today, Martin Landau’s legacy is defined by his remarkable range as an actor and his ability to reinvent himself throughout his career. From his early days in theater and film to his iconic television roles and later career triumphs, he is remembered not only for his memorable performances but also for his commitment to the art of acting and his influence on generations of actors.
Watch Martin Landau accepting the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “Ed Wood” in 1995
Also watch Martin Landau in his iconic role of Rollin Hand in the hit series “Mission: Impossible,” 1967
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