Stefan Gierasch was an American actor known for his roles in Jeremiah Johnson, Carrie, and What’s Up, Doc?. He was a prominent character actor with a career spanning several decades, especially noted for his work on Broadway and television.
Personal and Family Life
Born on February 5, 1926, in New York City, Stefan Gierasch was married three times. He first married Nina Rudman in 1951, but they divorced in 1958. Later, he married Jane Elizabeth Churchman in 1963, and they had one child before their divorce in 1978. Gierasch found lasting partnership with Hedy Sontag, whom he married in 1981, and they remained together until his passing.
Career Highlights
Gierasch began his acting career on Broadway in 1944 and joined the Actors Studio in 1952, becoming a skilled character actor. He was active in television from the early 1960s, showcasing his talents in various notable series. Many recognized Gierasch’s influence on other actors, including Billy Crystal, who modeled his persona after Gierasch’s character in Starsky & Hutch.
Death and Legacy
Stefan Gierasch passed away on September 6, 2014, in Santa Monica, California. His legacy includes a rich body of work in film and television, impacting future generations of actors. He was especially remembered for his memorable character roles and contributions to theater and television.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Victory at Entebbe | 1976-12-13 | General Mordecai Gur |
| Dave | 1993-05-07 | House Majority Leader |
| What’s Up, Doc? | 1972-03-09 | Fritz |
| Carrie | 1976-11-03 | Principal Morton |
| High Plains Drifter | 1973-04-19 | Mayor Jason Hobart |
| Jeremiah Johnson | 1972-09-10 | Del Gue |
| Blue Sunshine | 1978-03-20 | Lt. Jennings |
| Silver Streak | 1976-12-03 | Professor Schreiner & Johnson |
| Star Trek: The Next Generation | 1987-09-28 | Dr. Hal Moseley |
| MASH | 1972-09-17 | Colonel Ditka |