Martin James Landau: A Versatile Icon

Martin James Landau: A Versatile Icon

Early Life and Career:

• Birth and Heritage: Born on June 20, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, to Selma and Morris Landau in a Jewish family.
• Educational Background: Attended James Madison High School and Pratt Institute.
• Cartoonist Career: Worked as an editorial cartoonist at the New York Daily News for five years.

Transition to Acting:

• Actors Studio: Auditioned in 1955, one of two accepted out of 500 applicants.
• Theater Debut: Broadway debut in "Middle of the Night" in 1957.
• Film Breakthrough: Notable role in Alfred Hitchcock's "North by Northwest" (1959).

Friendship with James Dean:

• Close Bond: Shared dreams and discussions about acting with James Dean.
• Acting Influence: Dean's friendship influenced Landau's perspective on the craft.

1960s Film Success:

• Epic Film Roles: Portrayed roles in "Cleopatra" (1963) and "The Greatest Story Ever Told" (1965).
• TV Appearance: Guest-starred in an episode of "Wanted: Dead or Alive" in 1959.
• Mission: Impossible (1966–1969): Starred as Rollin Hand, earning three consecutive Emmy nominations.

Transition to Television (1970s):

• "They Call Me Mister Tibbs!" (1970): Appeared in the Sidney Poitier-starring film.
• Italian Comedy and Westerns: Featured in Italian comedy "Operation Snafu" (1970) and Spaghetti Western "A Town Called Bastard" (1971).
• Columbo (1973): Guest-starred in an episode titled "Double Shock."
• Space: 1999 (1975–1977): Returned to TV with Barbara Bain for the British sci-fi series.

Recognition and Academy Awards:

• Academy Award Nominations: Received nominations for "Tucker: The Man and His Dream" (1988) and "Crimes and Misdemeanors" (1989).
• Ed Wood (1994): Won Academy Award, Screen Actors Guild Award, and Golden Globe for portraying Bela Lugosi.

Later Career and Criticism:

• Post-"Space: 1999" Roles: Appeared in various films and TV series.
• Science Fiction and Horror: Featured in low-budget genre films like "Without Warning" (1981) and "Alone in the Dark" (1982).
• Critical Reception of "Space: 1999": Criticized scripts and storylines, praising the cast and crew.

Personal Life and Legacy:

• Relationship with Barbara Bain: Collaborated on "Mission: Impossible" and "Space: 1999."
• Actors Studio Leadership: Became an executive director at the Actors Studio.
• Legacy: Remembered for his versatility, impactful roles, and contribution to the entertainment industry.
• Death: Passed away in July 2017, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of acting.

Martin James Landau's journey from a cartoonist to an acclaimed actor exemplifies his versatility and dedication to the craft. His iconic roles, especially in "Mission: Impossible" and "Space: 1999," have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, solidifying his place as a legendary figure in film and television.

References;

1.  "Martin Landau Died from Massive Internal Bleeding". TMZ.
2. "Martin Landau Died From Massive Internal Bleeding". TMZ. July 27, 2017. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
3. Gleiberman, Owen (July 19, 2017). "Martin Landau Was a Slyly Versatile Actor Who, in Late Middle Age, Attained Greatness". Variety. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
4. Wiegand, Chris (July 17, 2017). "Martin Landau obituary". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
5. Gates, Anita (July 16, 2017). "Martin Landau, Actor Who Won an Oscar for 'Ed Wood,' Dies at 89". The New York Times.
6. Pfefferman, Naomi. The 'Majestic' Martin Landau. JewishJournal.com. December 21, 2001.
7. Roberto Dominguez (July 16, 2017). "Martin Landau's first job was a cartoonist at the New York Daily News". New York Daily News. Retrieved July 16, 2017.