Date of Birth: December 8, 1911
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: February 11, 1976
Biography
Lee J. Cobb, born Leo Jacoby, was an American actor renowned for his powerful performances in both film and theater. He was born on December 8, 1911, in New York City. Cobb’s career spanned several decades, and he is best remembered for his role as Willy Loman in Arthur Miller’s play “Death of a Salesman,” and for his performance as Juror #3 in the classic film “12 Angry Men.” Cobb began his acting career in the 1930s, initially appearing in radio programs and stage productions. He made his film debut in 1937 with “North of the Rio Grande.” Over the years, Cobb carved out a niche for himself as a character actor, often portraying gruff, authoritative figures. His versatility and depth as an actor earned him critical acclaim and several award nominations. In addition to his work on stage and in film, Cobb also appeared in numerous television shows. He was a regular on the TV series “The Virginian,” where he played Judge Henry Garth. Cobb’s career was not without controversy; during the McCarthy era, he was accused of being a communist sympathizer and was blacklisted for a time. However, he later testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee, which allowed him to resume his career. Lee J. Cobb passed away on February 11, 1976, in Woodland Hills, California, leaving behind a legacy as one of America’s most formidable actors.
5 Interesting Facts about Lee J. Cobb
1. Lee J. Cobb was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in “On the Waterfront” (1954) and “The Brothers Karamazov” (1958).
2. He was one of the original members of the Group Theatre in New York, which was known for its pioneering work in method acting.
3. Cobb’s portrayal of Willy Loman in “Death of a Salesman” is considered one of the greatest performances in American theater.
4. Despite being blacklisted during the McCarthy era, Cobb managed to revive his career and continued to work in Hollywood.
5. He was known for his distinctive gravelly voice, which added to his commanding screen presence.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lee J. Cobb
1. “The theater is the thing I love most. I know that now.”
2. “I was blacklisted because of my political beliefs, but that didn’t stop me from pursuing my passion for acting.”
3. “Every role I take on, I try to bring a piece of myself into it.”
4. “Acting is not about being famous; it’s about exploring the human condition.”
5. “I’ve played a lot of tough guys in my career, but the toughest role is being yourself.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Lee J. Cobb’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a significant sum for his time.
Children
Lee J. Cobb had two children: Julie Cobb, who followed in her father’s footsteps and became an actress, and Vincent Cobb.
Relevant Links
1. [Lee J. Cobb – IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002011/
2. [Lee J. Cobb – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_J._Cobb
3. [Lee J. Cobb – Turner Classic Movies](http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/36626%7C97944/Lee-J-Cobb/
4. [Lee J. Cobb – AllMovie](https://www.allmovie.com/artist/lee-j-cobb-p13945
5. [Lee J. Cobb – Broadway World](https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Lee-J-Cobb/
