Sanford Meisner was an American actor and one of the most influential acting teachers of the 20th century. He is best known for founding The Neighborhood Playhouse, developing the Meisner Technique, and teaching many successful actors.
Personal and Family Life
Sanford Meisner was born on August 31, 1905, in New York City. He was married twice, first to Margaret Patricia Meyer from 1941 until their divorce in 1947, and then to Betty Gooch from 1947 to 1959. Despite his difficulties in the acting industry, he devoted much of his life to teaching and shaping the next generation of actors.
Career and Contributions
Meisner was a founding member of The Group Theatre, which operated from 1931 to 1941. In 1935, he began teaching at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre and became the head of the acting program. His teaching technique, influenced by the Stanislavsky System, focused on the emotional truth of the actor’s performance, making him highly respected among acting professionals.
Death and Legacy
Sanford Meisner passed away on February 2, 1997, in Sherman Oaks, California, due to cerebrovascular disease. His legacy lives on through his teachings and the numerous successful actors he mentored, including Academy Award winners. The documentary “Sanford Meisner: The Theatre’s Best Kept Secret” highlights his impact on the world of acting.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Story on Page One | 1959-12-01 | Phil Stanley |
| Mikey and Nicky | 1976-12-21 | Dave Resnick |
| Sanford Meisner Master Class | 1990-08-27 | Himself |
| Tender Is the Night | 1962-01-19 | Franz Gregorovious |
| Broadway’s Dreamers: The Legacy of the Group Theatre | 1989-06-26 | Self (archive footage) |
| She’s The Best Thing in It | 2015-03-16 | Self (archive footage) |
| Requiem | 1995-11-07 | Restaurant Patron |
| Sanford Meisner: The American Theatre’s Best Kept Secret | 1990-08-27 | Self |
| Naked City | 1958-09-30 | Kip Harris |
| ER | 1994-09-19 | Joseph Klein |
| The Last Movie Stars | 2022-07-21 | Self (archive footage) |