George Tobias facts for kids

Quick facts for kids George Tobias
Tobias in 1942
Born	(1901-07-14)July 14, 1901 New York City, U.S.
Died	February 27, 1980(1980-02-27) (aged 78) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Resting place	Mount Carmel Cemetery, Glendale, Queens, New York City
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1923–1977

George Tobias (born July 14, 1901 – died February 27, 1980) was an American actor. He worked in theater, films, and television. He was known for playing supporting roles in many big movies during Hollywood's Golden Age. You might also know him as Abner Kravitz from the TV show Bewitched, where he appeared from 1964 to 1971.

Early Life and Acting Dreams

George Tobias was born in New York City on July 14, 1901. His parents, Samuel and Esther Tobias, were immigrants from Russia. They were both involved in Yiddish theatre, which was a popular type of theater for Jewish communities. George's older brother, Benjamin, was also an actor.

Even though his family was in acting, George's parents didn't want him to become an actor. They wanted him to have a more stable job, like a doctor or a lawyer. But George knew from a young age that he wanted to act, just like his family. He sometimes had to keep his acting jobs a secret from them!

A Career in Show Business

George Tobias (right) with James Cagney (left) in the 1941 film The Strawberry Blonde.

George Tobias started acting when he was just 15 years old at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York. He appeared in several plays, including The Hairy Ape in 1922. He made his first appearance on Broadway in 1924 in a play called What Price Glory?.

In 1939, George signed a contract with Warner Bros., a big movie studio. He often played supporting roles, sometimes alongside famous actor James Cagney. Some of his notable films include the musical Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) and the drama Sergeant York (1941) with Gary Cooper. He also appeared in This Is the Army (1943) with Ronald Reagan.

Television Roles

George Tobias (left) with Julie Newmar and Gardner McKay on the set of the TV series Adventures in Paradise in 1960.

George Tobias also had a busy career in television. In 1959, he was a regular on the TV show Hudson's Bay. He played a character named Penrose in eight episodes of Adventures in Paradise from 1959 to 1961.

His most famous TV role was Abner Kravitz on the popular ABC sitcom Bewitched. He played the kind, long-suffering neighbor from 1964 to 1971. He also made uncredited appearances as a courtroom spectator on Perry Mason. Later, in 1972 and 1973, he appeared in three episodes of The Waltons.

George Tobias retired from acting in 1977. His last role was reprising his character Abner Kravitz in a guest appearance on Tabitha, a show that continued the story of Bewitched. He never married.

Later Life and Legacy

George Tobias passed away on February 27, 1980, at the age of 78, in Los Angeles. He was buried at Mount Carmel Cemetery in New York City.

Filmography