Elia Kazan

Date of Birth: September 7, 1909

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: September 28, 2003

Biography

Elia Kazan, born Elias Kazantzoglou, was a groundbreaking American director, producer, screenwriter, and actor. He was born on September 7, 1909, in Istanbul, Ottoman Empire (now Turkey), to Greek parents. His family immigrated to the United States when he was four years old, and he grew up in New York City. Kazan studied at Williams College and later at the Yale School of Drama. Kazan began his career in the theatre, co-founding the influential Group Theatre in 1932. He made his Broadway debut as a director with Thornton Wilder’s play “The Skin of Our Teeth” in 1942. His groundbreaking work in theatre eventually led him to Hollywood, where he became known for bringing a naturalistic style to the screen. His most notable films include “A Streetcar Named Desire” (1951), “On the Waterfront” (1954), and “East of Eden” (1955). Kazan’s work is often characterized by its intense performances and strong social messages, tackling issues such as corruption, racism, and family dynamics. He won two Academy Awards for Best Director, and his films have left a lasting impact on American cinema. Kazan was also a controversial figure due to his testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) during the Red Scare, where he named former colleagues as Communists. Despite this, his contributions to film and theatre are undeniable. Elia Kazan passed away on September 28, 2003, in New York City at the age of 94.

5 Interesting Facts about Elia Kazan

1. Elia Kazan co-founded the Actors Studio in 1947, which became a hub for method acting and trained many iconic actors such as Marlon Brando and James Dean.

2. He directed Marlon Brando in his breakthrough role in “A Streetcar Named Desire” and in “On the Waterfront,” which won Brando his first Academy Award.

3. Kazan’s film “Gentleman’s Agreement” (1947) was one of the first major Hollywood films to tackle anti-Semitism and won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

4. He was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1999 for his lifetime achievement in film, despite protests from those who criticized his cooperation with HUAC.

5. Kazan was a prolific author, writing several novels including “The Arrangement” (1967), which he later adapted into a film he also directed.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Elia Kazan

1. “I don’t move unless I have some empathy with the basic theme.”

2. “The thing about Brando was that I was in love with him. I mean that in all the ways you can think.”

3. “Every picture that is successful has one little miracle in it.”

4. “I was not a nice person, but I was a good director.”

5. “You’ve got to keep fighting – you’ve got to risk your life every six months to stay alive.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Elia Kazan’s net worth was estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Elia Kazan had three children: 1. Judy Kazan (with his first wife, playwright Molly Day Thatcher) 2. Nicholas Kazan (with his first wife, Molly Day Thatcher) – a screenwriter, producer, and director. 3. Chris Kazan (with his first wife, Molly Day Thatcher)