Stephen Elliott

Stephen Elliott was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “Arthur,” “Death Wish,” and “Beverly Hills Cop.” He had a long and varied career on stage and screen, earning acclaim for his performances.

Personal and Family Life

Stephen Elliott was born Elliott Pershing Stitzel on November 27, 1918, in New York City. After his mother passed away shortly after his birth, he was raised by his father, a textile worker, and his stepmother. Elliott was married three times, first to Barbara Blaise, then to Nancy Penrose Chase, with whom he had two children. His final marriage was to Alice Hirson, which lasted from 1980 until his death in 2005.

Career Highlights

Elliott began his acting career at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, where he trained under Sanford Meisner. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II and made his Broadway debut in 1945. He was noted for his authoritative voice and often played tough characters in dramas and comedies. Many of his notable film roles came when he was over fifty, including a praised performance in the film “Arthur.”

Death and Legacy

Stephen Elliott passed away on May 21, 2005, in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, due to congestive heart failure. Remembered for his powerful stage presence and distinctive voice, he left a lasting impact on both theater and television. His stepson remarked that Elliott was always proudest of his work on stage.

Filmography

TitleRelease DateCharacter
Beverly Hills Cop1984-12-05Chief Hubbard
Taking Care of Business1990-08-16Walter Bentley
Cutter’s Way1981-03-19J. J. Cord
Arthur 2: On the Rocks1988-07-08Burt Johnson
Arthur1981-07-17Burt Johnson
Death Wish1974-07-24Police Commissioner
Report to the Commissioner1975-02-05Police Commissioner
The Hindenburg1975-12-25Captain Fellows
Assassination1987-01-09Fitzroy
Prototype1983-12-07Dr. Arthur Jarrett
Steambath1973-05-04Oldtimer
Canyon Crossroads1955-01-01Larson
The Great Los Angeles Earthquake1990-11-11Owen
Roadhouse 661984-08-31Sam
Young Joe, the Forgotten Kennedy1977-09-18Joseph Kennedy, Sr.
Son-Rise: A Miracle of Love1979-05-14Abe Kaufman
Pueblo1973-03-28RAdm. F.L. Johnson
Walk Like a Man1987-04-17Walter Welmont
The Gun1974-11-13Art Hilliard
Some Kind of Miracle1979-01-03Arthur Nicoff
Sergeant Matlovich vs. the U.S. Air Force1978-08-21Mat’s Father
The Ordeal of Patty Hearst1979-03-04Randolph Hearst
My Body, My Child1982-04-11Dr. Gallagher
Three Hours to Kill1954-11-04Sheriff Ben East
The Hospital1971-12-14Dr. Sundstrom
Beauty and the Beast1984-08-13Father
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy1981-10-14Joseph P. Kennedy
Mrs. R’s Daughter1979-09-19Deputy D.A. James Karp
The November Plan1977-01-01Harold Delaney
The Invasion of Johnson County1976-07-31Colonel Van Horn
Not in Front of the Children1982-10-26Reverend John Carruthers
Perry Mason: The Case of the Lost Love1987-02-23Elliot Moore
Midas Valley1985-06-27Elias Markov
The Court-Martial of George Armstrong Custer1977-12-01Major General Schofield
Overboard1978-09-25Shawn
Betrayal1978-11-13Judge Allan Myers
When He’s Not a Stranger1989-11-06Attorney Foster
Law & Order1990-09-13Judge Neil Markham
Hardcastle and McCormick1983-09-18