David Landau was an American actor best known for his roles in “Street Scene,” “I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang,” and “Horse Feathers.” He had a successful career in both theatre and film, primarily recognized for his powerful voice and the ability to portray corrupt authority figures.
Personal and Family Life
David Landau was born on March 9, 1879, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was married to Sarah Frances Newhall from April 15, 1903, until their separation in March 1922. Despite his professional achievements, Landau faced personal challenges, including a long battle with health issues that severely affected him in his later years.
Career
Landau worked in theatre from 1919 to 1929, where he had an extensive stage career. In 1930, he gained prominence by playing a key role in the national tour of “Street Scene,” which led to his appearance in the film adaptation directed by King Vidor. He became a well-known character actor in Hollywood, featuring in 33 films from 1931 to 1934, often portraying menacing characters that fit his deep and resonant voice.
Death and Legacy
David Landau suffered a stroke in 1934, which left him unable to fully recover, leading to his death on September 20, 1935, in Hollywood, California. He was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, where his grave marker acknowledges both his birth name, David H. Magee, and his stage name, Landau. His contribution to film and theatre is remembered for its impact on the portrayal of authority figures during his era.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Judge Priest | 1934-09-15 | Bob Gillis |
| Wharf Angel | 1934-03-15 | Moore |
| Horse Feathers | 1932-08-19 | Jennings |
| I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang | 1932-11-09 | The Warden |
| She Done Him Wrong | 1933-02-09 | Dan Flynn |
| Amateur Daddy | 1932-04-10 | Sam Pelgram |
| Taxi! | 1931-12-29 | Buck Gerard |
| The Man with Two Faces | 1934-08-04 | Curtis |
| The Purchase Price | 1932-07-23 | Bull McDowell |
| The Crime of the Century | 1933-02-18 | Police Lt. Frank Martin |
| Lawyer Man | 1932-12-24 | John “Boss” Gilmurry |
| Bedside | 1934-01-27 | Dr. J. Herbert Martel |
| The Nuisance | 1933-06-03 | Kelley |
| Heritage of the Desert | 1932-09-30 | Judson Holderness |
| It’s Tough to Be Famous | 1932-04-02 | Chief Petty Officer Steve Stevens |
| Polly of the Circus | 1932-02-27 | Beef |
| One Man’s Journey | 1933-08-31 | McGinnis |
| Union Depot | 1932-01-14 | Kendall |
| False Faces | 1932-10-12 | McCullough |
| Street Scene | 1931-09-05 | Mr. Frank Maurrant |
| As the Earth Turns | 1934-02-14 | Mark |
| Gabriel Over the White House | 1933-03-31 | John Bronson |
| The Cabin in the Cotton | 1932-09-26 | Tom Blake |
| Arrowsmith | 1931-12-07 | State Veterinarian |
| Under-Cover Man | 1932-12-02 | Inspector Conklin |
| No Marriage Ties | 1933-08-11 | Mr. Zimmer |
| The Roadhouse Murder | 1932-04-28 | Kraft |
| Death on the Diamond | 1934-09-14 | ‘Pop’ Clark |
| I Take This Woman | 1931-06-26 | Circus Boss |
| 70,000 Witnesses | 1932-09-09 | Dan McKenna |
| This Reckless Age | 1932-01-09 | Matthew Daggett |
| They Just Had to Get Married | 1933-01-05 | Montrose |
| Air Mail | 1932-11-03 | ‘Pop’ |
| The Fantastic Seven | 1979-05-30 | Prop Man |