Eli Wallach Headshot

Eli Wallach

Birth Place: Brooklyn, NY, USA

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Eli Wallach was an American actor who made a name for himself both on stage and on screen. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1915, Wallach grew up in a Jewish family and attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he studied acting. After college, he moved to New York City to pursue his career in theater.

Wallach made his Broadway debut in 1945 in the play "Skydrift," but it was his role as Silva Vacarro in Tennessee Williams' "Baby Doll" in 1956 that brought him critical acclaim. He won a Tony Award for his performance and went on to star in several other Broadway productions, including "The Rose Tattoo" and "Camino Real."

In addition to his stage work, Wallach also appeared in over 80 films throughout his career. He made his film debut in 1956 in "Baby Doll," reprising his role from the Broadway production. He went on to star in a number of classic films, including "The Magnificent Seven," "The Misfits," and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly."

Wallach was known for his ability to play a wide range of characters, from villains to sympathetic heroes. He often portrayed characters with a rough exterior but a soft heart, and his performances were always nuanced and layered.

In addition to his work in film and theater, Wallach also had a successful career on television. He appeared in several popular TV shows, including "Kojak," "The Twilight Zone," and "Batman." He also won an Emmy Award for his performance in the TV movie "Poppies Are Also Flowers."

Wallach was married to actress Anne Jackson for over 60 years, and the couple often appeared on stage together. They had three children together and remained devoted to each other until Wallach's death in 2014 at the age of 98.

Throughout his career, Wallach was widely respected by his peers and audiences alike. He was known for his talent, his professionalism, and his dedication to his craft. He continued to act well into his 90s, proving that age was no barrier to his love of performing.

In addition to his many accolades and achievements, Wallach will always be remembered for his iconic performances and his contributions to the worlds of film, theater, and television. His legacy lives on through his work, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest actors of his generation.

Eli Wallach Photos

Eli Wallach STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2004
Judge Paul Barriere

[Off-Broadway]
2000
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1999
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1997
Mr. Green

[Broadway]
1994
Noah

[Broadway]
1992
Gregory Solomon

[Broadway]
1989
David Cole

[Off-Broadway]
1984
Stephen Aleksey Sudakov

[Off-Broadway]
1978
Mr. Frank

[Broadway]
1974
Peppino

[Broadway]
1972
Ollie H (1895)

Wesley (Approximately Now)

Wesley (1945)

Ollie H (1920)

[Broadway]
1968
Charles Dyer

[Broadway]
1964
Milt Manville

[Off-Broadway]
1963
Paul (The Typists)

Ben (The Tiger)

[Off-Broadway]
1962
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1962
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Reading, 1961
Performer

[Broadway]
1961
Berrenger

[Broadway]
1958
Willie

[Off-Broadway]
1958
The Old Man (The Chairs)

[Broadway]
1956
Bill Walker

[Broadway]
1954
Julien

[Broadway]
1953
Sakini [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
1953
Dickon

[Broadway]
1953
Kilroy

[Broadway]
1951
Alvaro Mangiacavallo

[Broadway]
1948
Stefanowski [Replacement]

[Broadway]
1947
Diomedes

Messenger [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1947
Other Voice

Performer

Duck

Two of Spades

[Broadway]
1947
Busch

[Broadway]
1946
Ensemble

[Broadway]
1946
Cromwell

[Broadway]
1945
Crew Chief


Eli Wallach Movies

Baby Doll
[ 1956 ] Silva Vacarro
The Lineup
[ 1958 ] Dancer
Seven Thieves
[ 1960 ] Poncho
The Magnificent Seven
[ 1960 ] Calvera
The Misfits
[ 1961 ] Guido
Hemingway's Adventures of a Young Man
[ 1962 ] John
How the West Was Won
[ 1962 ] Charlie Gant
Act One
[ 1963 ] Warren Stone
The Victors
[ 1963 ] Sgt. Joe Craig
The Moon-Spinners
[ 1964 ] Stratos
Kisses for My President
[ 1964 ] Raphael Valdez Jr.
Lord Jim
[ 1965 ] The General
Genghis Khan
[ 1965 ] The Shah Of Khwarezm
How to Steal a Million
[ 1966 ] Davis Leland
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
[ 1966 ] Tuco
The Tiger Makes Out
[ 1967 ] Ben Harris
A Lovely Way to Die
[ 1968 ] Tennessee Fredericks
Ace High
[ 1968 ] Cacopoulos
How to Save a Marriage and Ruin Your Life
[ 1968 ] Harry Hunter
Mackenna's Gold
[ 1969 ] Ben Baker
The Brain
[ 1969 ] Frankie Scannapieco
The Angel Levine
[ 1970 ] Delicatessen Clerk
The Adventures of Gerard
[ 1970 ] Napoleon Bonaparte
Zig Zag
[ 1970 ] Mario Gambretti
Romance of a Horsethief
[ 1971 ] Kifke
Stateline Motel
[ 1973 ] Joe
Cinderella Liberty
[ 1973 ] Lynn Forshay
Crazy Joe
[ 1974 ] Don Vittorio
The White, the Yellow, and the Black
[ 1975 ] Sheriff EdwardBlack JackGideon
Eye of the Cat
[ 1975 ] Cesare
Plot of Fear
[ 1976 ] Peter Struwwel
The Sentinel
[ 1977 ] Detective Gatz
The Deep
[ 1977 ] Adam Coffin
Nasty Habits
[ 1977 ] Monsignor
The Domino Principle
[ 1977 ] General Reser
Circle of Iron
[ 1978 ] Man-in-Oil
Girlfriends
[ 1978 ] Rabbi Gold
Winter Kills
[ 1979 ] Joe Diamond
Firepower
[ 1979 ] Sal Hyman
The Hunter
[ 1980 ] Ritchie Blumenthal
The Salamander
[ 1981 ] General Leporello
Sam's Son
[ 1984 ] Sam Orowitz
Tough Guys
[ 1986 ] Leon B. Little
Nuts
[ 1987 ] Dr. Herbert A. Morrison
The Two Jakes
[ 1990 ] Cotton Weinberger
The Godfather Part III
[ 1990 ] Don Altobello
Mistress
[ 1992 ] George Lieberhoff
Night and the City
[ 1992 ] Peck
Article 99
[ 1992 ] Sam Abrams
Honey Sweet Love...
[ 1994 ] Don Siro
Two Much
[ 1995 ] Sheldon
The Associate
[ 1996 ] Fallon
Uninvited
[ 1999 ] Alan Strser
Keeping the Faith
[ 2000 ] Rabbi Ben Lewis
The Easter Egg Adventure
[ 2004 ] Narrator
King of the Corner
[ 2004 ] Sol Spivak
A Taste of Jupiter
[ 2005 ] Arturo
The Hoax
[ 2006 ] Noah Dietrich
The Holiday
[ 2006 ] Arthur
Mama's Boy
[ 2007 ] Seymour Warburton
The Toe Tactic
[ 2008 ] Maestro
Vote and Die: Liszt for President
[ 2008 ] Joe Nightingale
Tickling Leo
[ 2009 ] Emil Pikler
The Ghost Writer
[ 2010 ] Old Man
Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps
[ 2010 ] Julius Steinhardt

Eli Wallach TV Shows

Highway to Heaven
Gene Malloy, Timothy Charles
Our Family Honor
Vincent Danzig

Eli Wallach Awards and Nominations


winner
- 2016 - Hall of Fame Awards

Eli Wallach

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1998 - Best Actor - Play

Eli Wallach, Visiting Mr. Green


winner
The Lortels - 1998 - Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence

Eli Wallach

Drama Desk Awards - 1997 - Outstanding Actor - Play

Eli Wallach, Visiting Mr. Green

Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Featured Actor - Play

Eli Wallach, The Price


winner
Helen Hayes Awards - 1991 - The American Express Tribute

Eli Wallach


winner
Obie Awards - 1963 - Performance

Eli WallachThe Typists & The Tiger


winner
Drama League Awards - 1957 - Distinguished Performance Award

Eli Wallach


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1951 - Performance

Eli Wallach, The Rose Tattoo


winner
Tony Awards - 1951 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Eli Wallach, The Rose Tattoo

Eli Wallach Videos

Eli Wallach News


Bay Street Theater Announces An Exciting And Diverse Line-up Of Winter Classes


Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts has announced its Winter 2024 line-up of classes and workshops offering something for everyone in the community.

Playwrights' Theatre Of East Hampton to Present Concert Staging Of A MILONGA FOR GABRIEL ISSACS


Join in for a concert staging of the new comedy with music 'A Milonga for Gabriel Issacs' on October 21 at 7:30 p.m. Written by John McCaffrey and Mark Singer, directed by Paul Lincoln, and featuring music by The Oscar Feldman Trio and live tango by Sandra Antognazzi. Tickets available online.

Kaatsbaan and The National Willa Cather Center to Host Sesquicentennial Celebration of Willa Cather Next Month


Kaatsbaan Cultural Park and the National Willa Cather Center will commemorate the 150th birthday of Willa Cather, an iconic and cherished figure in American literature during the 20th century on October 21, 2023. Get more event information here!

ADOPT A SAILOR - 50 State Tour Passes Halfway Mark


The 'Adopt a Sailor - 50 State Tour'-a nationwide tour of Charles Evered's acclaimed play 'Adopt a Sailor' has reached its 26th state, with twenty four to go.

The Actors Studio to Present AREYTO Celebration of Latine Scene Work, Poetry, Song & Dance


This weekend, The Actors Studio will continue its 75th Anniversary celebration as the world’s most celebrated and influential membership association for professional actors, directors and playwrights.

ON THE FLY 2023: THEN & NOW to be Presented at The Actors Studio This Weekend


This weekend, The Actors Studio continues its 75th Anniversary celebration as the world’s most celebrated and influential membership association for professional actors, directors and playwrights.

The Actors Studio to Host Events Featuring Lois Smith & Celebrations of BIPOC Membership in May


In May, The Actors Studio will continue its 75th Anniversary celebration as the world’s most celebrated and influential membership association for professional actors, directors and playwrights.

Don Sebesky, Broadway Orchestrator of PARADE and More, Has Passed Away


His Broadway theater credits include Porgy and Bess (London production by Trevor Nunn), Sinatra At The Palladium, Sweet Charity, Kiss Me Kate (2000 Tony Award), Bells Are Ringing, Flower Drum Song, Parade, The Life, Cyrano, The Goodbye Girl, Will Rogers Follies, and Sinatra At Radio City. 

The Actors Studio to Present Three Day Celebration of Estelle Parsons


The Actors Studio will continue its 75th Anniversary celebration with a three-day celebration of one of its most influential members, Academy Award winner and Co-Associate Artistic Director of The Actors Studio, Estelle Parsons.

The Actors Studio to Present THE PLAYWRIGHT: TALES FROM THE COLOR LINE This Spring


Continuing  its 75th Anniversary celebration as the world’s most celebrated and influential membership association for professional actors, directors and playwrights The Actors Studio will open its doors to the public for a special event, free and open to the public: The Playwright: Tales From The Color Line on Saturday, March 25 at 7PM.

The Actors Studio to Welcome the Public to Free Events, Including Play Readings & More


This Spring, The Actors Studio continues its 75th Anniversary celebration as the world’s most celebrated and influential membership association for professional actors, directors and playwrights.

The Actors Studio to Welcome the Public Inside its Doors for ACTORS STUDIO IN PROCESS


 The Actors Studio will open its doors to the public to observe “Actors Studio In Process” on Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4 at 7PM.

Chazz Palminteri, Bobby Moresco & More to be Featured in The Actors Studio February Events


In February, The Actors Studio will continue its 75th Anniversary celebration as the world’s most celebrated and influential membership association for professional actors, directors and playwrights.

A CLOCKWORK ORANGE Producer Si Litvinoff Passes Away at 93


Si Litvinoff, the visionary producer whose foresight in cinema art led to perennial classics such as Stanley Kubrick's “A Clockwork Orange,” Nicolas Roeg's “Walkabout”, 'The Man Who Fell to Earth,' starring David Bowie, and more passed away peacefully on Monday, December 26, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. He was 93.    

The Actors Studio to Host Three Special 75th Anniversary Events in December


Starting this week, The Actors Studio will continue its 75th Anniversary celebration as the world’s most celebrated and influential membership association for professional actors, directors and playwrights. In December, the legendary studio will open its doors to the public for with three special events, each free and open to the public.

DON'T CALL US EMERGING: A SONGWRITERS CONCERT is Coming to the Kraine Theatre in December


A group of theatrical singer-songwriters are partnering with FRIGID New York to present the second installment of Don't Call Us Emerging: A Songwriters Concert (Monday, December 12th, 8pm at The Kraine Theatre); an evening of original material performed by the writers themselves.

The Actors Studio Hosts Three Special 75th Anniversary Events This December


This December, The Actors Studio continues its 75th Anniversary celebration as the world's most celebrated and influential membership association for professional actors, directors and playwrights. The legendary studio, located at 432 West 44th Street, will open its doors to the public for with three special events, each free and open to the public.

The Actors Studio to Welcome the Public Inside its Doors for ACTORS STUDIO IN PROCESS


The Actors Studio, now celebrating 75 years as the world’s most celebrated and influential membership association for professional actors, directors & playwrights, will open its doors to the public to observe “Actors Studio In Process” on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12 at 7PM.

Review Roundup: Ralph Fiennes Stars In STRAIGHT LINE CRAZY At The Shed


The Shed presents David Hare's Straight Line Crazy, through December 18. Read reviews for the production!

The Actors Studio to Present Conversation With Al Pacino & DOG DAY AFTERNOON Screening for 75th Anniversary


The Actors Studio will host a 75th Anniversary benefit screening of the Academy Award-winning film Dog Day Afternoon, followed by a live interview with the film’s star and The Actors Studio co-president Al Pacino. The Gala event will take place Thursday, October 27 at 7PM, the United Palace.

Eli Wallach FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Eli Wallach been in?

Eli Wallach has appeared on Broadway in 22 shows.

How many West End shows has Eli Wallach been in?

Eli Wallach has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Eli Wallach been nominated for?

Eli Wallach has been nominated for several awards throughout his career, including Hall of Fame Awards, Best Actor - Play by the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Visiting Mr. Green," the Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence by The Lortels, Outstanding Actor - Play for "Visiting Mr. Green" and Outstanding Featured Actor - Play for "The Price" by the Drama Desk Awards. He also received The American Express Tribute by the Helen Hayes Awards, Performance by the Obie Awards for "The Typists & The Tiger," the Distinguished Performance Award by the Drama League Awards, Performance by the Theatre World Awards for "The Rose Tattoo," and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for "The Rose Tattoo" at the Tony Awards.

What awards has Eli Wallach won?

Eli Wallach has received several awards throughout his career, including the Hall of Fame Awards, the Edith Oliver Award for Sustained Excellence at The Lortels, The American Express Tribute at the Helen Hayes Awards, a Performance award at the Obie Awards for "The Typists & The Tiger," a Distinguished Performance Award at the Drama League Awards, a Performance award at the Theatre World Awards for "The Rose Tattoo," and the Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "The Rose Tattoo."

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