Stella Adler was an American actor who is best known for her contributions to the theater, particularly in the Group Theatre, and her influential acting school. She played significant roles in various productions and is recognized for her teachings in acting, impacting many celebrated actors.
Personal and Family Life
Born on February 10, 1901, in New York City, Stella Adler was the youngest daughter of Yiddish theater actors Jacob P. Adler and Sarah Adler. She had several siblings involved in theater, including fellow actor Luther Adler. Throughout her life, she was married three times, first to Horace Eleaschreff, then Harold Clurman, and finally to Mitchell Wilson.
Career and Achievements
Stella made her acting debut at a very young age and gained prominence in Yiddish theater before moving to Broadway. She was a founding member of the Group Theatre, where she helped introduce Stanislavski’s acting methods to American theater. Adler also taught many future stars, including Marlon Brando, emphasizing the importance of imagination and emotional truth in acting.
Death and Legacy
Stella Adler passed away on December 21, 1992, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 91 due to heart failure. She was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Live Theatre in 2006. Adler’s influence on acting continues through her students and the methodologies she developed, which remain significant in contemporary theater and film.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Shadow of the Thin Man | 1941-11-21 | Claire Porter |
| Love on Toast | 1937-12-03 | Linda Craven |
| Listen to Me Marlon | 2015-07-29 | Self (archive footage) |
| My Girl Tisa | 1948-02-07 | Mrs. Faludi |
| Broadway’s Dreamers: The Legacy of the Group Theatre | 1989-06-26 | Self |
| Suspense | 1949-01-06 | Mother |
| Suspense | 1949-01-06 | Lady Sannox |