Martin Landau

Biography

Martin James Landau (June 20, 1928 – July 15, 2017) was a versatile American actor, producer, acting coach, and editorial cartoonist, whose illustrious career spanned several decades. He first made his mark in the 1950s, gaining recognition with a memorable supporting role in Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller, North by Northwest (1959). Landau became a household name through his iconic performances in the television series Mission: Impossible, earning multiple Emmy Award nominations and a Golden Globe Award, as well as in the cult sci-fi series Space: 1999.

His talent was further acknowledged in the film industry when he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988), which also garnered him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He received a second Oscar nomination for his outstanding performance in Woody Allen's Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989). However, it was his portrayal of Bela Lugosi in Tim Burton's Ed Wood (1994) that truly showcased his acting prowess, earning him an Academy Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and yet another Golden Globe Award. Landau's legacy as a skilled performer and mentor continues to inspire future generations in the world of acting.