Rod Steiger, American soldier and actor (d. 2002)

Rodney Steiger: A Master of Intensity and Method

Rodney Stephen Steiger, born on April 14, 1925, and passing on July 9, 2002, was an American actor whose powerful presence and distinctive style left an indelible mark on Hollywood. He became particularly renowned for his captivating portrayals of often offbeat, volatile, and even crazed characters, earning him a reputation as "one of Hollywood's most charismatic and dynamic stars." Steiger was a quintessential practitioner of method acting, an immersive approach that required him to deeply embody the psychological and emotional states of his characters. While this commitment often resulted in profoundly authentic performances, it could also, at times, lead to notable clashes with directors and co-stars who found his intensity challenging.

His impressive career included several iconic roles that solidified his standing as a dramatic powerhouse. He famously played Charley, Marlon Brando's conflicted mobster brother, in Elia Kazan's classic On the Waterfront (1954). A decade later, he delivered a searing performance as Sol Nazerman, the titular character in Sidney Lumet's gripping drama The Pawnbroker (1964), a role that garnered him widespread critical acclaim. However, it was his unforgettable portrayal of the bigoted, yet ultimately evolving, police chief Bill Gillespie opposite Sidney Poitier in the seminal film In the Heat of the Night (1967) that earned him the coveted Academy Award for Best Actor, cementing his legacy in cinematic history.

Early Life, Theatrical Roots, and Breaking into Television

Rodney Steiger's journey began in Westhampton, New York, where he was born into the world of entertainment as the son of a vaudevillian. His childhood, however, was far from glamorous; marked by considerable difficulty, he ran away from home at the tender age of 16, seeking escape from an alcoholic mother. After bravely serving his country in the South Pacific Theater during World War II, Steiger turned his focus to acting, launching his career with television roles in 1947. This burgeoning medium proved to be fertile ground for his talent, and he soon garnered significant critical acclaim for his compelling portrayal of the main character in the influential teleplay "Marty" (1953), which was later adapted into an Oscar-winning film starring Ernest Borgnine. Before his television success, Steiger had already made his stage debut in 1946, appearing in a production of Curse you, Jack Dalton! at the Civic Repertory Theatre of Newark. His theatrical experience further broadened with roles in notable productions such as Henrik Ibsen's An Enemy of the People (1950), Clifford Odets's Night Music (1951), Seagulls Over Sorrento (1952), and Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon (1959), showcasing his versatility across different dramatic forms.

A Career Defined by Memorable Film Roles

Steiger's transition to the big screen began with his film debut in Fred Zinnemann's Teresa in 1951. He quickly established himself as a prominent character actor, appearing in a diverse range of films including the cutting Hollywood satire The Big Knife (1955), the classic musical Oklahoma! (1955) where he played the villainous Jud Fry, the Western Jubal (1956), the British noir thriller Across the Bridge (1957), and the biographical crime drama Al Capone (1959), in which he took on the demanding title role. His performance in The Pawnbroker (1964) as Sol Nazerman, an embittered Jewish Holocaust survivor working as a pawnbroker in New York City, was particularly groundbreaking for its raw intensity and its unflinching exploration of trauma, earning him his first Academy Award nomination.

He continued to impress with a starkly different role as an opportunistic Russian politician in David Lean's sweeping epic Doctor Zhivago (1965). However, it was his transformative performance in In the Heat of the Night (1967) that would define a pinnacle of his career. The film itself was a critical and commercial triumph, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Steiger's nuanced portrayal of Bill Gillespie, a Mississippi police chief grappling with his own prejudices while forced to collaborate with an African-American detective (Sidney Poitier) on a murder investigation, was universally lauded. His ability to convey a character's internal struggle and eventual growth resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor. The following year, he demonstrated his chameleon-like acting prowess again, embodying a serial killer who assumes many guises in the dark comedy-thriller No Way to Treat a Lady.

Later Career, Personal Challenges, and Enduring Legacy

As the 1970s unfolded, Steiger increasingly sought out more demanding and unconventional roles, often turning to European productions. This period saw him take on historical figures like Napoleon Bonaparte in Sergei Bondarchuk's colossal war film Waterloo (1970) and Benito Mussolini in Last Days of Mussolini (1975). He also showcased his range as a Mexican bandit in Sergio Leone's spaghetti Western Duck, You Sucker! (1971) and concluded the decade by playing a disturbed priest in the horror phenomenon The Amityville Horror (1979). By the 1980s, however, Steiger faced significant personal and professional challenges. Heart problems and debilitating depression began to take a considerable toll on his career, making it difficult for him to secure substantial roles. Consequently, he often found himself agreeing to appear in lower-budget B movies, a testament to his continued passion for acting despite the career downturn.

Towards the end of his life, Steiger enjoyed a poignant reunion with his In the Heat of the Night director, Norman Jewison, in one of his final and critically well-received roles. He played Judge H. Lee Sarokin in the compelling prison drama The Hurricane (1999), a performance that reminded audiences of his enduring talent. Throughout his life, Rodney Steiger was married five times. He was a father to an accomplished opera singer, Anna Steiger, and a son, Michael Steiger. On July 9, 2002, Rodney Steiger passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 77. His death was attributed to pneumonia and kidney failure, complications arising from surgery for a gall bladder tumor. He was survived by his fifth wife, Joan Benedict Steiger, leaving behind a remarkable body of work that continues to influence and inspire.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rodney Steiger

What was Rodney Steiger best known for in his acting career?
Rodney Steiger was primarily known for his intense, often volatile, and deeply psychological portrayals of characters. He was a prominent practitioner of method acting, which involved fully immersing himself in his roles, leading to incredibly raw and authentic performances.
Did Rodney Steiger win an Academy Award?
Yes, Rodney Steiger won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1968 for his powerful performance as Police Chief Bill Gillespie in the 1967 film In the Heat of the Night.
What were some of Rodney Steiger's most iconic film roles?
Among his most iconic roles are Charley in On the Waterfront (1954), the title character Sol Nazerman in The Pawnbroker (1964), Police Chief Bill Gillespie in In the Heat of the Night (1967), and an opportunistic Russian politician in Doctor Zhivago (1965).
How did method acting influence Rodney Steiger's career?
Method acting was central to Steiger's craft, allowing him to deliver highly nuanced and emotionally charged performances. While it brought him critical acclaim and memorable roles, his intense commitment to his characters occasionally led to creative differences or clashes with directors and co-stars.
What challenges did Rodney Steiger face in his later career?
In the 1980s, Rodney Steiger battled significant health issues, including heart problems, and depression. These challenges made it difficult for him to secure prominent roles, leading him to accept parts in numerous low-budget films during that period.
When and how did Rodney Steiger pass away?
Rodney Steiger passed away on July 9, 2002, at the age of 77 in Los Angeles. His death was caused by pneumonia and kidney failure, which were complications arising from surgery for a gall bladder tumor.