36 Facts About Martin Landau

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Martin Landau's journey to stardom began with humble roots and a passion for the arts. Here are some fascinating facts about his early life and career beginnings.

1. 01Born on June 20, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, Martin Landau grew up in a Jewish family.
2. 02His father, Morris Landau, was a machinist, while his mother, Selma, was a homemaker.
3. 03Landau initially pursued a career in cartooning and worked for the New York Daily News at age 17.
4. 04He decided to switch careers after realizing his true passion lay in acting.
5. 05In 1951, Landau was accepted into the prestigious Actors Studio, where he studied under Lee Strasberg.

Breakthrough Roles

Landau's talent soon caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to several breakthrough roles that defined his career.

6. 06His first major film role came in Alfred Hitchcock's "North by Northwest" (1959), where he played the villainous Leonard.
7. 07Landau's performance in "North by Northwest" earned him critical acclaim and opened doors to more significant roles.
8. 08He starred in the television series "Mission: Impossible" from 1966 to 1969, playing master of disguise Rollin Hand.
9. 09For his role in "Mission: Impossible," Landau received three consecutive Emmy nominations.
10. 10He left "Mission: Impossible" due to contract disputes and creative differences.

Career Resurgence

After a period of fewer high-profile roles, Landau experienced a career resurgence in the 1980s and 1990s.

11. 11In 1988, he starred in "Tucker: The Man and His Dream," earning his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
12. 12Landau received his second Oscar nomination for his role in Woody Allen's "Crimes and Misdemeanors" (1989).
13. 13He finally won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Bela Lugosi in Tim Burton's "Ed Wood" (1994).
14. 14His performance as Lugosi was widely praised for its depth and authenticity.
15. 15Landau continued to work in both film and television, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Personal Life

Beyond his professional achievements, Landau's personal life was equally intriguing.

16. 16He married actress Barbara Bain in 1957, and they had two daughters, Susan and Juliet.
17. 17Landau and Bain co-starred in "Mission: Impossible" and the British sci-fi series "Space: 1999."
18. 18The couple divorced in 1993 after 36 years of marriage.
19. 19Landau was known for his close friendship with fellow actor James Dean, whom he met at the Actors Studio.
20. 20He was also friends with Steve McQueen and Marilyn Monroe.

Later Years and Legacy

Even in his later years, Landau remained active in the entertainment industry and left a lasting legacy.

21. 21He served as an acting coach and mentor to many aspiring actors.
22. 22Landau appeared in the television series "Entourage," playing the character Bob Ryan.
23. 23He voiced characters in animated series such as "Spider-Man: The Animated Series."
24. 24In 2009, he starred in the film "Lovely, Still" alongside Ellen Burstyn.
25. 25Landau received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2001.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Landau received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the arts.

26. 26He won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for "Tucker: The Man and His Dream."
27. 27Landau received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2009.
28. 28He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2011 Monte Carlo Television Festival.
29. 29Landau was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2008.
30. 30He received the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Ed Wood."

Final Years and Death

Landau continued to work and inspire until his final years.

31. 31He appeared in the film "Remember" (2015) alongside Christopher Plummer.
32. 32Landau's last film role was in "The Last Poker Game" (2017).
33. 33He passed away on July 15, 2017, at the age of 89 due to complications from heart disease.
34. 34Landau was buried at the Beth David Cemetery in Elmont, New York.
35. 35His legacy lives on through his extensive body of work and the impact he had on the acting community.
36. 36Landau's contributions to film and television continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike.

Martin Landau's Legacy

Martin Landau's career spanned decades, leaving a lasting impact on Hollywood. From his iconic role in "Mission: Impossible" to his Oscar-winning performance in "Ed Wood," Landau showcased his versatility and talent. His dedication to his craft inspired many actors and filmmakers. Beyond his professional achievements, Landau's personal life, including his marriage to Barbara Bain and his passion for teaching, added depth to his legacy.

Landau's influence extends beyond the screen. His contributions to the Actors Studio and his mentorship of young actors highlight his commitment to the art of acting. As we remember Martin Landau, it's clear his legacy is not just in the roles he played but in the lives he touched and the inspiration he provided. His work continues to resonate, reminding us of the power of dedication, talent, and passion in the world of entertainment.