Sam Wanamaker was an American actor and director known for his roles in films such as “Private Benjamin,” “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace,” and “The Spiral Staircase.” Born on June 14, 1919, in Chicago, Illinois, he made significant contributions to both theatre and television throughout his career.
Personal and Family Life
Sam Wanamaker was born to Ukrainian Jewish immigrants, Maurice Wattenmacker and Molly Bobele. He married Charlotte Holland on May 25, 1940, and they had three children, including actress Zoë Wanamaker. The family was close-knit, and Wanamaker often participated in various artistic endeavors with them.
Career Achievements
Wanamaker began his acting journey in Chicago, studying at Drake University and gaining experience at the Goodman Theatre. He made his London debut in 1952 and was appointed the director of the New Shakespeare Theatre in 1957. Over the years, he directed and acted in numerous productions, solidifying his reputation in both film and theater.
Death and Legacy
Sam Wanamaker passed away on December 18, 1993, in London, England, due to cancer. He left behind a rich legacy as a talented actor and director, influencing generations of theatre and film artists. His notable works continue to be celebrated and remembered by audiences around the world.
Filmography
Title
Release Date
Character
Raw Deal
1986-06-06
Luigi Patrovita
Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines
1965-06-16
George Gruber
Baby Boom
1987-10-07
Fritz Curtis
Superman IV: The Quest for Peace
1987-07-24
David Warfield
The Criminal
1960-09-13
Mike Carter
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold
1965-12-16
Peters
The Competition
1980-12-03
Andrew Erskine
Taras Bulba
1962-11-21
Filipenko
Mr. Denning Drives North
1951-12-18
Chick Eddowes
Irreconcilable Differences
1984-09-28
David Kessler
Judgment in Berlin
1988-05-06
Bernard Hellring
Pure Luck
1991-08-09
Highsmith
Deceptions
1985-05-26
Jim Nolan
The Aviator
1985-03-01
Bruno Hansen
Voyage of the Damned
1976-12-22
Carl Rosen
Give Us This Day
1949-10-14
Geremio
Danger Route
1967-10-01
Lucinda
Contro 4 bandiere
1979-03-15
Ray MacDonald
Warning Shot
1967-01-18
Frank Sanderman
Mousey
1974-05-24
Inspector
Man in the Middle
1964-01-27
Major Kaufman
Charlie Muffin
1979-12-11
Ruttgers
Wild Justice
1994-05-13
Kingston Parker
The Paradise Suite
1963-02-24
Frank Engel
The Shell Seekers
1989-12-03
Richard
The Spiral Staircase
1975-01-31
Lieut. Fields
Running Against Time
1991-09-12
Doctor Koopman
Heartsounds
1984-09-30
Moe Silverman
The Law
1974-10-22
Jules Benson
The Secret
1955-06-01
Nick Delaney
Όταν τα Ψάρια Βγήκαν στη Στεριά
1967-09-27
Elias
Guilty by Suspicion
1991-03-15
Felix Graff
The Battle of the Sexes
1960-02-25
Commentary spoken
Embassy
1985-04-21
Ambassador Arthur Ingram
Tajna Manastirske Rakije
1988-06-21
Ambassador Morley
Always Remember I Love You
1990-12-23
Grandfather Mendham
Billy Jack Goes to Washington
1977-04-16
Bailey
The Gangster Show: The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui
Larisa Barabanova was an American actress known for Moscow Does Not Believe in Tears (1980), Ekipazh (1980), and Zabludshiy (1966). She was born on July […]