Alan Wolf Arkin (March 26, 1934 - June 29, 2023) was an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. With a career spanning over six decades, Arkin established himself as a versatile and respected figure across various mediums.
Alan Wolf Arkin-Early Success on Broadway
Arkin's career began with The Second City, a renowned sketch comedy group before he transitioned to the Broadway stage. In 1963, he delivered a memorable performance as David Kolowitz in Joseph Stein's play "Enter Laughing," which earned him the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play. Arkin continued his success on Broadway with notable roles in the comedic play "Luv" in 1964 and his directorial effort in Neil Simon's "The Sunshine Boys" in 1971, which received a Tony Award nomination.
| Name | Alan Wolf Arkin |
|---|---|
| Born | March 26, 1934 |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, U.S. |
| Died | June 29, 2023 (aged 89) |
| Place of Death | Carlsbad, California, U.S. |
| Resting Place | Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery |
| Occupations | Actor, Director, Producer, Screenwriter |
| Years Active | 1951-2023 |
| Spouses | Jeremy Yaffe (m. 1955; div. 1961) |
| Barbara Dana (m. 1964; div. 1994) | |
| Suzanne Newlander (m. 1996) | |
| Children | 3, including Adam and Matthew |
| Parent | David I. Arkin (Father), Beatrice (Mother) |
| Relatives | Joseph Wortis (uncle) |
| Avi (cousin) |
Breakthrough in Film
Arkin gained prominence in the film industry with his exceptional performances in several memorable movies. His notable roles included "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming" (1966), "Wait Until Dark" (1967), "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" (1968), "Popi" (1969), "Catch-22" (1970), and "The In-Laws" (1979). His ability to seamlessly transition between lead and supporting roles showcased his versatility and talent.
Supporting Roles and Directorial Work
In addition to his acting prowess, Arkin also directed three films, including the black comedy "Little Murders" (1973). His directorial ventures demonstrated his creative vision and storytelling abilities.
Television Success
Arkin's talent extended to television, where he made notable contributions. He portrayed Leon Feldhendler in "Escape from Sobibor" (1987) and Harry Rowen in "The Pentagon Papers" (2003), earning Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Arkin's distinct voice brought the character J.D. Salinger to life in the animated series "BoJack Horseman" from 2015 to 2016. He also charmed audiences with his role as a talent agent in the Netflix comedy series "The Kominsky Method" from 2018 to 2019, receiving consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Early Life and Education
Alan Wolf Arkin was born on March 26, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York, to David I. Arkin, a painter and writer, and Beatrice Arkin, a teacher. Raised in a Jewish family, Arkin's upbringing placed minimal emphasis on religion. His grandparents were Jewish immigrants from Ukraine, Russia, and Germany.
When Arkin was 11, his family relocated to Los Angeles, where his father worked as a set designer until a Hollywood strike led to his dismissal. During the Red Scare of the 1950s, Arkin's parents faced accusations of being Communists, causing his father's termination when he refused to disclose his political beliefs.
Arkin's early exposure to acting, along with his studies under Benjamin Zemach, a Stanislavsky student, shaped his approach to the craft. He pursued education at Los Angeles State College and Bennington College.
A Lasting Legacy
Alan Wolf Arkin's remarkable career and dedication to the arts solidified his status as a celebrated and respected figure in the entertainment industry. His exceptional talent, range, and contributions across various artistic mediums have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment
Early Career and Broadway Success
Arkin's Involvement with Second City and Early Film Roles
Arkin became an early member of the Second City comedy troupe in the 1960s and made his feature film acting debut in the musical film Calypso Heat Wave in 1957. During the early sixties, he appeared in TV series like East Side/West Side (1964) and ABC Stage 67 (1966). He also debuted on Broadway in 1961, performing in From the Second City at the Royale Theatre.
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Broadway Stardom in Enter Laughing and Luv
In 1963, Arkin achieved stardom on Broadway when he portrayed David Kolowitz in Joseph Stein's comedic play Enter Laughing. His performance earned him critical acclaim and the Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play. The following year, he returned to Broadway, starring as Harry Berlin in Luv directed by Mike Nichols, alongside Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson.
Film Success and Recognition
Breakthrough in The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming
In 1966, Arkin's breakthrough came with Norman Jewison's comedy film The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming, where he starred opposite Carl Reiner and Eva Marie Saint. His performance was highly praised, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, a BAFTA Award nomination for Most Promising Newcomer, and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy.
Notable Roles in Wait Until Dark and Inspector Clouseau
The following year, Arkin appeared in notable films, including Vittorio De Sica's Woman Times Seven, alongside Shirley MacLaine, and Terence Young's Wait Until Dark, starring Audrey Hepburn. In 1968, he took on the role of Inspector Jacques Clouseau in Inspector Clouseau, the third installment of The Pink Panther franchise. While the film received mixed reviews, Arkin's comedic performance was highlighted.
Acclaim for The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter and Popi
In 1968, Arkin starred as a deaf mute in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, set in a small southern town during the Depression era. His performance garnered critical acclaim, earning him nominations for the Academy Award for Best Actor and the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Drama. He also won the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actor. In 1969, he starred in Arthur Hiller's comedy Popi, receiving another Golden Globe nomination.
Directorial Debut with People Soup
Oscar-Nominated People Soup
In 1969, Arkin made his directorial debut with the Oscar-nominated 12-minute children's film titled People Soup. The film, starring his sons Adam Arkin and Matthew Arkin, was based on Arkin's story of the same name published in Galaxy Science Fiction in 1958. People Soup is a fantasy that follows two boys experimenting with kitchen ingredients, resulting in a magical soup that transforms them into different animals and objects.
Later Career and Legacy
Versatility in Film and Television
Following his early successes, Arkin continued to showcase his versatility in film and television. He took on various roles in movies such as Catch-22 (1970), The In-Laws (1979), Edward Scissorhands (1990), and Glengarry Glen Ross (1992). Arkin's performances were widely acclaimed, solidifying his reputation as a talented character actor.
Directing and Television Work
In addition to his acting career, Arkin directed three films, including the black comedy Little Murders (1973). He also made notable appearances on television, playing Leon Felhendler in Escape from Sobibor (1987) and Harry Rowen in The Pentagon Papers (2003), which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
Later Television Roles and The Kominsky Method
From 2015 to 2016, Arkin lent his voice to the character J.D. Salinger in the Netflix animated series BoJack Horseman. From 2018 to 2019, he starred as a talent agent in the Netflix comedy series The Kominsky Method, for which he received consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.
Personal Life
Alan Wolf Arkin's personal life involved multiple marriages and a family that brought him joy and companionship.
Marriage and Children
Arkin was married three times, with two of his marriages ending in divorce. His first marriage was to Jeremy Yaffe from 1955 to 1961, and they had two sons together. Adam Arkin, born on August 19, 1956, followed in his father's footsteps and became an actor. Matthew Arkin, born on March 21, 1960, also pursued a career in the entertainment industry.
Arkin's second marriage was to actress-screenwriter Barbara Dana, lasting from 1964 to 1994. During their marriage, they shared a special on-screen appearance together in segments of Sesame Street during the 1970s. The couple resided in Chappaqua, New York. In 1967, they welcomed their son Anthony (Tony) Dana Arkin into the world.
In 1996, Arkin found love again and married psychotherapist Suzanne Newlander. He embraced her surname and adopted it for his character Norman Newlander in the television series The Kominsky Method.
Death
Sadly, Alan Wolf Arkin passed away at the age of 89 on June 29, 2023, in Carlsbad, California. He had a history of heart problems, which ultimately led to his passing. Arkin's legacy as an accomplished actor and his contributions to the entertainment industry will forever be remembered.
Sources: Article & Image Credit-wikipedia
