Romain Gary
French writer and diplomat
Ben Gazzara was an acclaimed American actor known for his gritty, naturalistic performances. He received numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award, and collaborated frequently with director John Cassavetes. Gazzara had a successful career in both film and television, with standout roles in movies like Anatomy of a Murder and The Big Lebowski.
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About the Ben Gazzara
Biagio Anthony “Ben” Gazzarawas an American actor and director of film, stage, and television. He received numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Drama Desk Award, in addition to nominations for three Golden Globe Awards and three Tony Awards.
Born to Italian immigrants in New York City, Gazzara studied at The New School and began his professional career with the Actors Studio, of which he was a lifelong member. His breakthrough role was in the Broadway play Cat on a Hot Tin Rooftransitioned Gazzara to an equally successful screen career. As the star of the television series Run for Your Lifeand Opening Nightand Paris, je t’aime (2006). He also had a successful and prolific film career in Europe, particularly Italy, where he worked with eminent directors such as Giuseppe Tornatore, Giuliano Montaldo, Marco Ferreri, and Lars von Trier.
Gazzara was known for his gritty, naturalistic portrayals of intense, often amoral characters. According to The Hollywood Reporter, “Gazzara positioned himself for ‘creative elbow room,’ seeking edgy characters in non-mainstream productions or infusing mainstream productions with idiosyncratic supporting turns.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Ben Gazzara received a Primetime Emmy Award and a Drama Desk Award, in addition to nominations for three Golden Globe Awards and three Tony Awards.
Ben Gazzara’s breakthrough role was in the Broadway play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1955–56), which earned him widespread acclaim.
A memorable performance as a soldier on trial for murder in Otto Preminger’s Anatomy of a Murder (1959) transitioned Ben Gazzara to an equally successful screen career.
As the star of the television series Run for Your Life (1965–1968), Ben Gazzara was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards and two Emmy Awards, winning one Emmy Award.
Ben Gazzara was a recurring collaborator of director John Cassavetes, working with him on films like Husbands (1970), The Killing of a Chinese Bookie (1976) and Opening Night (1977).
Some of Ben Gazzara’s other best-known films include The Bridge at Remagen (1969), Capone (1975), Voyage of the Damned (1976), Saint Jack (1979), Road House (1989), The Spanish Prisoner (1997), and The Big Lebowski (1998).
Ben Gazzara was known for his gritty, naturalistic portrayals of intense, often amoral characters, and he sought out edgy roles in non-mainstream productions or infused mainstream productions with idiosyncratic supporting turns.
4 Quotes by Ben Gazzara
- 1.
Audrey was a princess, so natural, the camera really loved her… James and I kept each other company during all the rejections. We used to meet, have a cup of coffee and went from office to office to get work and never got work.
Ben GazzaraAmerican actor (1930-2012)
- 2.
It’s up to the courage of the filmmakers to make art in cinema, not just business. John was rejected by studios, he borrowed money and did movies with his own money. You’re either courageous or not. You have to find a way.
Ben GazzaraAmerican actor (1930-2012)
- 3.
I love awards, especially if I get them.
Ben GazzaraAmerican actor (1930-2012)
- 4.
You achieve because you’re lucky to work with people who are very talented.
Ben GazzaraAmerican actor (1930-2012)