Martin Landau

Date of Birth: June 20, 1928

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: July 15, 2017

Biography

Martin Landau was an American actor renowned for his versatility and powerful performances in film, television, and theater. Born on June 20, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, Landau initially aspired to be a cartoonist, working for the New York Daily News before transitioning to acting. He studied at the Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg and quickly made a name for himself with his compelling stage presence. Landau’s breakout role came in Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest” (1959), where his portrayal of Leonard, the villain’s henchman, garnered critical acclaim. However, it was his role as Rollin Hand in the television series “Mission: Impossible” (1966-1969) that made him a household name. Over the years, Landau continued to work in both television and film, earning an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Bela Lugosi in Tim Burton’s “Ed Wood” (1994). Landau’s career spanned over six decades, during which he received numerous accolades and nominations. He passed away on July 15, 2017, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a significant impact on the entertainment industry.

5 Interesting Facts about Martin Landau

1. Martin Landau turned down the role of Mr. Spock in “Star Trek.”

2. He was a lifelong member of the Actors Studio and later served as its co-artistic director.

3. Landau was married to actress Barbara Bain, his co-star in “Mission: Impossible,” from 1957 to 1993.

4. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for playing Bela Lugosi in “Ed Wood.”

5. Landau was good friends with James Dean and was deeply affected by his untimely death.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Martin Landau

1. “Everything that has happened to me is of value to me.”

2. “I’m not a guy who can be defined by one thing.”

3. “I think if you analyze the secret of my success, it’s that I’ve been on the edge of disaster my entire career.”

4. “The best work is instinctive. It’s not a conscious thing.”

5. “I always believed that if you set out to be successful, then you already failed because you’re saying you want to be other than what you are.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Martin Landau’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $10 million.

Children

Martin Landau had two daughters with Barbara Bain: Susan Landau Finch, a film producer, and Juliet Landau, an actress known for her role as Drusilla in the television series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”