Louis Zorich

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Louis Zorich BIO

Louis Zorich was an American actor best known for his work on stage, television, and film. Born on February 12, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois, Zorich grew up in a Greek-American family. He served in the United States Army during World War II before studying at the Goodman Theatre School in Chicago.
Zorich made his Broadway debut in 1960 in the play "Becket" and went on to appear in numerous other productions throughout his career. Some of his most notable Broadway credits include "The Odd Couple," "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom," "She Loves Me," "Follies," and "45 Seconds from Broadway." He received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in "45 Seconds from Broadway" in 2001.
In addition to his work on stage, Zorich also had a successful career in television and film. He appeared in several popular TV shows, including "Mad About You," "Law & Order," "The Equalizer," and "The Practice." He also had roles in films such as "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," "The Muppets Take Manhattan," and "The Hudsucker Proxy."
Zorich was also a respected teacher of acting, having taught at the HB Studio in New York City for many years. He was married to actress Olympia Dukakis, and the couple frequently worked together on stage and screen. They appeared together in the films "Moonstruck" and "Mr. Holland's Opus," as well as in the stage productions of "The Rose Tattoo" and "Social Security."
Zorich continued to work in the entertainment industry well into his 80s. His most recent film credit was in the 2012 movie "Fading Gigolo," in which he appeared alongside John Turturro and Woody Allen. He passed away on January 30, 2018, at the age of 93.

Louis Zorich STAGE CREDITS

[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Company Production, 2012
Lebedev

[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Company Revival, 2011
Chebutykin

[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Company Revival, 2009
Telegin / Ilya Ilyich

[Off-Broadway]
2005
Gentleman

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2003
Sturdyvant

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2001
Bernie

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2001
Dimitri Weismann

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 2000
Themistocles Kriakos

[Off-Broadway]
1996
Stan Merkle

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1993
Mr. Maraczek

[Off-Broadway]
1991
Falstaff

[Off-Broadway]
1991
Falstaff

[Broadway]
1985
Dr. Bartholo

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1985
Major Paul Petkoff

[Broadway]
Return Engagement, 1984
Uncle Ben

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1984
Uncle Ben

[Off-Broadway]
1981
Stephano

[Off-Broadway]
1980
Saul Kimmer

[Off-Broadway]
1977
Blackbeard (Edward Teach)

[Broadway]
1976
Moritz Benedikt

[Broadway]
1976
Tony

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1975
General George de La Tremouille

[Broadway]
1972
Bream

[Broadway]
1972
Mr. Ziroka

[Broadway]
1969
Cardinal Ragna

[Off-Broadway]
1967
Ludovico Nota

[Broadway]
1966
Performer

[Broadway]
1965
Ensemble

[Broadway]
1965
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1965
Oscar Madison (Standby)

[Off-Broadway]
1963
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1963
Police Commisioner

[Broadway]
1962
Middle-aged Actor, later Tashtego

An Old "Pro," later the Carpenter (Understudy)

Cynical Actor (Understudy)

later Flask (Understudy)

[Off-Broadway]
1961
Gabor Peter / Imre Nagy

[Off-Broadway]
1961
Heracles

[Broadway]
1961
First English Baron

An Old Footsoldier

[Broadway]
1960
First English Baron

An Old Footsoldier


Louis Zorich Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 1976 - Outstanding Actor - Play

Louis Zorich , They Knew What They Wanted

Louis Zorich Videos

Louis Zorich News


Stu Richel Brings VIETNAM...THROUGH MY LENS to Metropolitan Playhouse This Month

In honor of Vietnam Veterans Day, Metropolitan Playhouse welcomes Stu Richel for one week only March 29 - April 2, 2023, presenting his solo-journey into and through Vietnam as a combat photographer. 

Austin Pendleton Will Direct KING LEAR Reading at AMT Theater

Austin Pendleton, the award winning actor/writer/director currently starring in 'The Minutes' on Broadway, will direct a reading of 'King Lear' at the AMT Theater May 1st, 6pm.  The reading stars Charles E. Gerber as Lear and is produced by the Workshop Theater Company as part of its annual 'Will-A-Thon' celebrating the week of Shakespeare's birthday.  It will be presented at AMT, 354 West 45th Street.

Maryann Plunkett, Jay O. Sanders and More Star in CHRISTMAS EVE 1953 Online Reading to Benefit Shadowland Stages

SHADOWLAND STAGES today announced that the theatre will present a special online benefit reading of CHRISTMAS EVE 1953, a short story by Tom Hanks that has been adapted for the stage by SHADOWLAND STAGES' artistic associate, James Glossman.

BWW Interview: Karen Ziemba of SHAKESPEARE IN VEGAS at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Lights up Stage and (Small) Screen

Tony Award winner Karen Ziemba and Tony Award nominee Patrick Page head the dynamic cast of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's benefit online reading of Shakespeare in Vegas, a rollicking comedy by Suzanne Bradbeer. Presented by TheatreWorks' New Works from Home program in partnership with Vegas Theatre Company, this fizzy comedy features the unlikely pairing of a Vegas impresario with a dream and a despondent New York actor who join forces to bring the Bard of Avon to Sin City. Directed by Las Vegas native and TheatreWorks' Artistic Associate and Director of New Works Giovanna Sardelli, Shakespeare in Vegas will be offered via video streaming from Thursday, July 23rd at 6PM (PT) until Monday, July 27th at 6PM (PT). A link to stream the show will be available at TheatreWorks.org for no charge, although donations are encouraged to support the 2019 Regional Theatre Tony-winning TheatreWorks Silicon ValleyBroadwayWorld recently caught up with Karen Ziemba from her home in New York. Her remarkable career includes 11 Broadways shows, countless Off-Broadway and regional theater appearances, and a few national tours for good measure.

#BWWPrompts: What is Your Favorite Tech Week Memory?

We want to hear from you! We're starting #BwayWorldPrompts, where each day we'll be asking our readers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram questions to spark some theater conversation.

Olympia Dukakis Teaches Series Of 3 Master Classes At United Solo

After the immense success of her previous classes, United Solo is bringing back Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis to teach a series of 3 Master Classes on consecutive Fridays starting August 30, 2019 in New York City. This is a rare opportunity to work with Ms. Dukakis over the course of three weeks, developing one's acting skills and receiving her direct feedback. The class series, 'The Importance of Craft,' will teach students to identify and develop what is important to them as performers. Ms. Dukakis will explain how to approach the craft of acting as a personal connection to thoughts, actions, circumstances, and character, as expressed and defined by the text. 'My most important tools when I teach are my own sensibility, my personal perceptions, my knowledge of the craft, and the excitement and satisfaction I always feel with students,' said Ms. Dukakis.

Photo Coverage: BroadwayWorld Remembers Those We've Lost in 2018

As 2018 comes to a close, we are reflecting on those we have lost in the Broadway and theatre communities throughout the year.

Olympia Dukakis To Give Master Class At United Solo

Due to popular demand, United Solo brings back Olympia Dukakis to teach in the Master Class Series on September 16, 2018 at Theatre Row in New York City. The class, "The Importance of Craft," will teach students to identify and develop what is important to them as performers. Ms. Dukakis will explain how to approach the craft of acting as a personal connection to the thoughts, actions, circumstances, and character, as expressed and defined by the text. "My most important tools when I teach are my own sensibility, my personal perceptions, my knowledge of the craft, and the excitement and satisfaction I always feel with students," said Ms. Dukakis.

United Solo to Host Master Class With Oscar-Winning Actress Olympia Dukakis

United Solo is proud to host Oscar winner and critically acclaimed actress Olympia Dukakis, who will teach a Master Class as part of the United Solo Professional Training Program on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at Theatre Row in New York City.

Tony Nominee Louis Zorich Passes Away at 93

According to the Daily News, stage and screen star Louis Zorich passed away earlier this week. He was 93 years old.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 6/10/16- SHE LOVES ME

Today in 1993, the first Broadway revival of She Loves Me opened at Criterion Center Stage Right, where it ran for 354 performances. She Loves Me is a 1963 musical with a book by Joe Masteroff, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and music by Jerry Bock. The plot revolves around Budapest shop employees Georg Nowack and Amalia Balash who, despite being consistently at odds with each other at work, are unaware that each is the other's secret pen pal met through lonely-hearts ads. The Revival cast featured Boyd Gaines as Georg, Judy Kuhn as Amalia, Sally Mayes as Ilona, Howard McGillin as Kodaly, Lee Wilkof as Ladislav, Brad Kane as Arpad, and Louis Zorich as Mr. Maraczek. A revival cast recording was released by Varese Sarabande.

N'Kenge Returns to Alpine Theatre Project for CHICAGO, BIG FISH and RING OF FIRE This Summer

With much excitement and clamor, Broadway's N'Kenge returns to Alphine Theatre Project in Montana to star in 'Chicago' as Matron 'Mama' Morton, the Witch in 'Big Fish,' and various roles in 'Ring of Fire.' All three productions will be running in rotating repertory from July 9 - August 1.

STAGE TUBE: On This Day for 6/10/15- SHE LOVES ME

Today in 1993, the first Broadway revival of She Loves Me opened at Criterion Center Stage Right, where it ran for 354 performances. She Loves Me is a 1963 musical with a book by Joe Masteroff, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and music by Jerry Bock. The plot revolves around Budapest shop employees Georg Nowack and Amalia Balash who, despite being consistently at odds with each other at work, are unaware that each is the other's secret pen pal met through lonely-hearts ads. The Revival cast featured Boyd Gaines as Georg, Judy Kuhn as Amalia, Sally Mayes as Ilona, Howard McGillin as Kodaly, Lee Wilkof as Ladislav, Brad Kane as Arpad, and Louis Zorich as Mr. Maraczek. A revival cast recording was released by Varese Sarabande.

Photo Coverage: La MaMa Earth Gala Honors Olympia Dukakis

La MaMa just honored award-winning Olympia Dukakis for her creative achievement in the arts and her work as an activist for social change; and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom partner Dan Kurtz for his steadfast advocacy on behalf of nonprofit organizations at the La MaMa Earth Gala last night, November 13th. Guests included Austin Pendleton (who will toast Olympia), John Patrick Shanley, Matt Dillon, among others.

VIETNAM...THROUGH MY LENS Begins Tonight at Dorothy Strelsin Theatre

LSNelson Productions presents the world premiere of the new play VIETNAM...THROUGH MY LENS written and performed by Stu Richel ('Everyone's War'), directed by Linda S. Nelson ('The Choice') with performances beginning tonight, November 6th prior to an official press opening of November 9th at the Dorothy Strelsin Theatre (312 West 36th Street) in Manhattan.

THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER NEWKIRK is Released

CHATHAM, N.J., Nov. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ The Secret Life of Walter Newkirk is a new book outlining a story of 17 years of misdiagnosis and over medication. The author was labeled 'bipolar' which led to a breakdown of his private life and 4 hospitalizations. The story spotlights the problem with depression medications and how the medical system deals with unique individuals. Newkirk recently diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, stopped the depression meds and now has control of his health and is living happily drug free.

DREAMGIRLS, GREY GARDENS, Lena Horne, and More Featured in New Book

New Book from Theatre/Film/Art Publicist Now Available: THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER NEWKIRK by Walter Newkirk. Backstage stories about Lena Horne/LENA HORNE: The Lady & Her Music, Sheryl Lee Ralph/ DREAMGIRLS, Grey Gardens The Musical and The Broadway Annies including Sarah Jessica Parker, Andrea McArdle, Shelley Bruce, Alyson Kirk and Alyson Smith are featured in the new book The Secret LIfe of Walter Newkirk.

Author Walter Newkirk Talks GREY GARDENS Doc, Musical and HBO Film in Chatham Today

Today, October 2 at 12:30pm Senior Services of the Chatham's in Chatham, NJ welcomes Walter Newkirk, founder of Walter Newkirk Public Relations LLC and author of memoraBEALEia : A Private Scrapbook about Edie Beale of Grey Gardens for a lecture about Grey Gardens: the critically acclaimed documentary, the Tony Award winning Broadway musical, and the Emmy and Golden Globe winning HBO film film starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange. A free screening of the HBO film will be presented followed by a Q&A session with Walter, an expert on all things Grey Gardens.

Author Walter Newkirk to Talk GREY GARDENS Doc, Musical and HBO Film in Chatham, 10/2

On Thursday, October 2 at 12:30pm Senior Services of the Chatham's in Chatham, NJ welcomes Walter Newkirk, founder of Walter Newkirk Public Relations LLC and author of memoraBEALEia : A Private Scrapbook about Edie Beale of Grey Gardens for a lecture about Grey Gardens: the critically acclaimed documentary, the Tony Award winning Broadway musical, and the Emmy and Golden Globe winning HBO film film starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange. A free screening of the HBO film will be presented followed by a Q&A session with Walter, an expert on all things Grey Gardens.

VIETNAM...THROUGH MY LENS Begins 11/6 at Dorothy Strelsin Theatre

LSNelson Productions presents the world premiere of the new play VIETNAM…THROUGH MY LENS written and performed by Stu Richel ("Everyone's War"), directed by Linda S. Nelson ("The Choice") with performances beginning November 6th prior to an official press opening of November 9th at the Dorothy Strelsin Theatre (312 West 36th Street) in Manhattan.

Louis Zorich FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Louis Zorich has appeared on Broadway in 21 shows.

Louis Zorich has not appeared in the West End.

Louis Zorich has been nominated for Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for "They Knew What They Wanted" and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for "Hadrian VII."

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