Nehemiah Persoff was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Some Like It Hot, Yentl, and On the Waterfront. He had a long and prolific career in film and television, earning recognition for his talent in portraying diverse characters.
Personal and Family Life
Born on August 2, 1919, in Jerusalem, he immigrated to the United States with his family in 1929. Persoff was married to Thia Persov for nearly 70 years until her passing in 2021, and together they had four children. He also had a previous marriage to Norma Newton. Nehemiah was known for his artistic talent, spending his later years creating paintings and teaching acting in Cambria, California.
Career
Persoff’s acting journey began in amateur theater before he won a scholarship to the Dramatic Workshop in New York. He made his film debut in 1949 after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He became known for playing ethnic roles, often as villains or authority figures, and appeared in many classic films and television shows throughout his career.
Death and Legacy
Nehemiah Persoff passed away on April 5, 2022, in San Luis Obispo, California, due to congestive heart failure. He left behind a legacy as a versatile actor who contributed significantly to film and television during the 20th century. His memorable performances continue to be celebrated by fans and peers alike.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Some Like It Hot | 1959-03-19 | Little Bonaparte |
| Yentl | 1983-11-18 | Rebbe Mendel |
| The Naked City | 1948 | Uncredited |
| An American Tail | 1986-11-21 | Papa Mousekewitz (voice) |
| The Harder They Fall | 1956-05-08 | Leo |
| The Wrong Man | 1956-12-22 | Gene Conforti |
| Al Capone | 1959-03-25 | Johnny Torrio |
| This Angry Age | 1958-09-03 | Albert Legros |
| Dracula | 1979 | Dr. Van Helsing |