Martin Landau

Biography

Martin Landau (June 20, 1928 – July 15, 2017) was a distinguished American actor whose career spanned over six decades, marked by his versatility and compelling portrayals across film, television, and stage.   

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Landau initially pursued a career as a cartoonist for the New York Daily News for five years. However, his passion for acting led him to a different path. He gained acceptance into the prestigious Actors Studio in 1955, alongside Steve McQueen, where he honed his craft under Lee Strasberg.   

Landau's early career saw him in numerous television anthologies during the 1950s. His film debut came in 1959 with "Pork Chop Hill," but his role as the menacing Leonard in Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller "North by Northwest" brought him significant recognition. He continued to build a diverse filmography with roles in epics like "Cleopatra" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told."   

A significant turning point in his career came with the television series "Mission: Impossible" (1966-1969), where he starred as the master of disguise, Rollin Hand. This role earned him a Golden Globe Award in 1968 and multiple Emmy Award nominations. Later, he starred in the British science fiction series "Space: 1999."   

After a period where he appeared in smaller roles, Landau experienced a career resurgence in the late 1980s. His compelling performance in Francis Ford Coppola's "Tucker: The Man and His Dream" (1988) earned him his first Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe Award. He received another Oscar nomination for Woody Allen's "Crimes and Misdemeanors" (1989).   

The pinnacle of his career arrived with his portrayal of Bela Lugosi in Tim Burton's "Ed Wood" (1994). This critically acclaimed performance garnered him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.   

In his later years, Landau continued to work in film and television, with notable appearances in "The Majestic" and as a guest star in series like "Without a Trace" and "Entourage," earning further Emmy nominations.   

Martin Landau's long and varied career solidified his reputation as a talented and respected character actor, capable of bringing depth and nuance to a wide range of roles. He passed away in 2017, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.