Luther Adler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Luther Adler
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Adler in the 1950 film D.O.A.
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Lutha Adler
May 4, 1903 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | December 8, 1984 (aged 81) Kutztown, Pennsylvania, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1908–1982 |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 1 |
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Luther Adler (born Lutha Adler; May 4, 1903 – December 8, 1984) was an American actor. He performed in plays, movies, and television shows. He also directed plays on Broadway.
Contents
Early Life and Family Roots
Luther Adler was born on May 4, 1903, in New York City. He was one of six children. His parents, Sara and Jacob P. Adler, were both actors from Russia. His father was known as one of the people who helped start Yiddish theatre in America. Many of Luther's brothers and sisters also worked in theatre. His sister, Stella Adler, became a famous actress and drama teacher. His brother, Jay Adler, was also an actor.
Luther Adler's Acting Career
Luther Adler started acting very young. His father gave him his first role in a Yiddish play called Schmendrick in 1908. Luther was only 5 years old at the time. He began acting on Broadway in 1921 in a play called The Hand of the Potter. He appeared in several other Broadway plays throughout the 1920s.
Joining the Group Theatre
In 1931, Luther Adler became one of the first members of the Group Theatre (New York). This was a special theatre group in New York City. It was started by Cheryl Crawford, Harold Clurman, and Lee Strasberg. The people in this group wanted to create plays that talked about important social issues.
The Group Theatre lasted for ten years and put on many plays. It inspired many actors, directors, and writers who came after them. Luther's sister Stella and brother Jay were also part of this group. Other famous members included Elia Kazan, John Garfield, and Clifford Odets. Many people, like Elia Kazan, thought Luther Adler was the best actor in the group.
In 1932, Adler starred in a play called Success Story. He received great reviews for his acting. He also performed with his sister Stella in Gold Eagle Guy in 1934. Later, he appeared in other Group Theatre plays like Awake and Sing! and Paradise Lost (both in 1935). He also acted with Frances Farmer in Golden Boy in 1937. The Group Theatre eventually ended in 1941 due to money problems and disagreements.
Directing and Broadway Roles
In the early 1940s, Luther Adler started directing plays. His first play as a director, They Should Have Stood in Bed, did not run for very long. However, his next play, A Flag Is Born, was more successful. It ran for 120 shows in 1946. A young actor named Marlon Brando had a major role in this play.
In 1965, Luther Adler took over the main role of Tevye in the famous Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof. He stepped in when the original actor, Zero Mostel, left the show for a short time.
Film and Television Appearances
Luther Adler began acting in movies in 1937. Movies were not his main focus, but he appeared in many. Some of his films include Cornered (1945), Wake of the Red Witch (1948), and House of Strangers (1949). He also appeared in D.O.A. (1949). In 1951, he played the historical figure Adolf Hitler in the movie The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel. He also acted in M (1951).
During the 1950s, Luther Adler faced difficulties finding work in Hollywood. This was a challenging time in history for many actors and directors. Later in his career, he appeared in films like Voyage of the Damned (1976) and Absence of Malice (1981).
He also acted in many television shows. He appeared in popular series like General Electric Theater and Kraft Television Theater. In 1960, he guest-starred in the science fiction show The Twilight Zone. He played a pawnbroker named Arthur Castle in the episode "The Man in the Bottle". He also appeared in episodes of The Untouchables, Ben Casey, Mission: Impossible, and Hawaii Five-O.
Personal Life and Legacy
Luther Adler was married to actress Sylvia Sidney from 1938 to 1946. They had one son named Jacob.
He was a supporter of the Democratic Party throughout his life. He and his siblings supported Adlai Stevenson in the 1952 presidential election.
Luther Adler is remembered as a talented actor who worked in many different areas of entertainment.
Death
Luther Adler passed away on December 8, 1984, at his home in Kutztown, Pennsylvania. He was buried in Mount Carmel Cemetery in Glendale, New York. He rests near his parents and his older sister Stella.
Images for kids
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Adler in the 1950 film D.O.A.
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Adler (back row, second from left) with members of the Group Theatre in 1938
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Adler and his sister Stella in a 1936 publicity photo for their appearance in the Group Theater production of Awake and Sing!
See also
In Spanish: Luther Adler para niños
