Deaths on February 17

Lee Strasberg, American actor and director (b. 1901)

Lee Strasberg, born Israel Lee Strassberg in Poland on November 17, 1901, and passing away on February 17, 1982, was an extraordinary figure in American theatre and film. A multifaceted talent, he was an actor, director, and, most profoundly, a visionary theatre practitioner whose interpretations of acting forever changed the landscape of performance. His journey from a Polish immigrant to the "father of method acting in America" is a testament to his enduring influence.

Pioneering Theatrical Collectives and Revolutionary Acting

In 1931, Strasberg co-founded the trailblazing Group Theatre alongside directors Harold Clurman and Cheryl Crawford. This collective was a groundbreaking endeavor, widely celebrated as "America's first true theatrical collective" and a pivotal force in establishing a new paradigm for ensemble acting and dramatic realism. Their work laid much of the groundwork for what would become known as Method Acting.

His impact deepened significantly in 1951 when he took the helm as director of the non-profit Actors Studio in New York City. This institution quickly garnered a reputation as "the nation's most prestigious acting school," a place where raw talent was meticulously honed. Strasberg's vision expanded further in 1966 with his involvement in establishing Actors Studio West in Los Angeles, extending his reach across the burgeoning American film industry.

The Genesis of Method Acting

While various esteemed teachers developed their own interpretations of what became known as "The Method," it is Lee Strasberg who is universally acknowledged as the "father of method acting in America," a title bestowed upon him by author Mel Gussow. From the 1920s right up until his death in 1982, Strasberg embarked on a profound mission, effectively revolutionizing the art of acting. His approach had an unparalleled influence on performance across American theatre and film, shifting the focus towards a deep, internal exploration of character.

At its core, Method Acting, as interpreted and developed by Strasberg, sought to help actors achieve a deeper, more authentic emotional connection to their roles. He drew heavily from the 'system' of Konstantin Stanislavski, the renowned Russian theatre practitioner, but uniquely filtered it through the ideas of Yevgeny Vakhtangov, adapting it for contemporary American actors. This meant encouraging performers to delve into their own personal experiences and emotions to inform their characters, moving beyond mere imitation to true emotional recall and understanding.

A Mentor to Generations of Stars

From his vibrant base in New York City, Strasberg became an unparalleled mentor, nurturing several generations of theatre and film luminaries. His profound training shaped the careers of iconic figures who would go on to define American acting for decades. The roll call of his students reads like a who's who of Hollywood legends: Anne Bancroft, Dustin Hoffman, Montgomery Clift, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Jane Fonda, Julie Harris, Paul Newman, Ellen Burstyn, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Geraldine Page, and Eli Wallach, among many others. He also guided influential directors such as Andreas Voutsinas, Frank Perry, and the acclaimed Elia Kazan.

Expanding Reach: The Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute

By 1970, with his influence firmly established at the Actors Studio, Strasberg embarked on a new venture. Alongside his third wife, Anna, he opened the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute. With branches strategically located in New York City and Hollywood, the Institute aimed to continue teaching his highly developed interpretation of Stanislavski's 'system'.

The Institute's primary goal was ambitious: "to reach a larger audience of eager and emerging talent" than the notoriously selective Actors Studio could accommodate. Furthermore, it sought to "dispel growing confusion and misrepresentation of the method, preserving what had by now become fundamental discoveries in actor training," as various teachers had begun introducing their own personal interpretations of the discipline. Today, the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute maintains its own rigorous entrance criteria, ensuring a continued commitment to quality and the preservation of Strasberg's legacy.

Enduring Praise and Lasting Impact

The testimonials from those who experienced Strasberg's guidance underscore his immense impact. Former student Elia Kazan, who famously directed James Dean in East of Eden (1955) – a film for which both Kazan and Dean received Academy Award nominations – perfectly captured the sentiment. Dean himself, during his time as a student, enthusiastically proclaimed the Actors Studio to be "the greatest school of the theater [and] the best thing that can happen to an an actor."

Renowned playwright Tennessee Williams, the literary genius behind classics like A Streetcar Named Desire, spoke admiringly of Strasberg's actors: "They act from the inside out. They communicate emotions they really feel. They give you a sense of life." This ability to evoke genuine emotion and a deep sense of truth became the hallmark of Strasberg-trained performers. Directors like Sidney Lumet, another former student, frequently and intentionally cast actors skilled in Strasberg's "method," knowing the profound depth they would bring to their roles.

Kazan, in his autobiography, offered a vivid portrait of Strasberg's commanding presence, describing him as carrying "the aura of a prophet, a magician, a witch doctor, a psychoanalyst, and a feared father of a Jewish home." He further emphasized Strasberg's role as "the force that held the 30-odd members of the theatre together, and made them 'permanent'." Today, the non-profit Actors Studio continues its dedication to the development of actors, playwrights, and directors, led by esteemed former students Ellen Burstyn, Al Pacino, and Harvey Keitel, carrying forward Strasberg's monumental legacy.

A Late-Career Turn as an Actor: The Godfather Part II

While his primary legacy lies in teaching, Lee Strasberg also graced the screen as an actor. He is perhaps most famously remembered for his compelling supporting role as the aging gangster Hyman Roth in Francis Ford Coppola's masterpiece, The Godfather Part II (1974). This iconic role, taken at the suggestion of his former student Al Pacino (who himself portrays Michael Corleone), earned Strasberg a well-deserved nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Notably, this came after Elia Kazan had initially turned down the role. Strasberg's performance as Roth, a character inspired by real-life mobster Meyer Lansky, brought a quiet intensity and chilling wisdom that belied his primary career as an acting guru. He also made notable appearances in films such as Going in Style (1979) and ...And Justice for All (1979).

Preserving a Legacy

For those interested in delving deeper into the life and work of this pivotal figure, Lee Strasberg's personal papers, including a rich collection of photographs, are meticulously archived at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., offering invaluable insights into his extraordinary career and profound influence.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lee Strasberg

Who was Lee Strasberg?

Lee Strasberg was a Polish-born American actor, director, and one of the most influential theatre practitioners of the 20th century. He is widely known as the "father of method acting in America" for his revolutionary techniques and his role in training generations of famous actors.

What is Method Acting?

Method Acting, as taught by Strasberg, is an acting technique derived from Konstantin Stanislavski's system. It encourages actors to draw upon their own experiences, emotions, and psychological understanding to create deeply authentic and emotionally truthful portrayals of their characters, moving beyond superficial imitation.

What is the Actors Studio?

The Actors Studio, co-founded by Lee Strasberg, is a prestigious non-profit organization in New York City dedicated to the development of actors, playwrights, and directors. Under Strasberg's directorship from 1951, it became the nation's foremost acting school, fostering many legendary talents.

Who are some famous actors trained by Lee Strasberg?

An extensive list of celebrated actors trained under Lee Strasberg, including Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Paul Newman, Dustin Hoffman, Jane Fonda, Anne Bancroft, Ellen Burstyn, and Eli Wallach, among many others.

Did Lee Strasberg act in films?

Yes, Lee Strasberg had a notable acting career later in his life. He is best known for his Academy Award-nominated supporting role as gangster Hyman Roth in The Godfather Part II (1974), and also appeared in films like Going in Style and ...And Justice for All.

What is the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute?

Founded by Lee Strasberg and his wife Anna in 1970, the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute offers comprehensive training in Method Acting, with branches in New York City and Hollywood. It was created to make Strasberg's teachings accessible to a wider audience and to preserve the integrity of his method.

What was the Group Theatre?

The Group Theatre, co-founded by Lee Strasberg in 1931, was a groundbreaking American theatrical collective. It was instrumental in introducing ensemble acting and a more realistic, emotionally driven approach to performance, profoundly influencing modern American theatre.