Sidney Lumet

Date of Birth: June 25, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: April 9, 2011

Biography

Sidney Lumet was an acclaimed American film director, producer, and screenwriter. Born on June 25, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lumet is recognized for his socially conscious films that often explore themes of justice and morality. His career spanned over five decades, during which he directed over 50 films. Lumet’s directorial debut, “12 Angry Men” (1957), is often cited as one of the greatest films of all time. His other notable works include “Serpico” (1973), “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975), “Network” (1976), and “The Verdict” (1982). Known for his ability to elicit strong performances from actors and his efficiency on set, Lumet was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director five times, although he never won. He received an Honorary Academy Award in 2005 for his lifetime of achievement. Lumet passed away on April 9, 2011, in New York City at the age of 86.

5 Interesting Facts about Sidney Lumet

1. Sidney Lumet began his career as a child actor on Broadway and in radio before transitioning to directing.

2. “12 Angry Men,” his debut film, was made on a budget of just $350,000 and shot in a mere 21 days.

3. Lumet directed 17 actors to Oscar-nominated performances, including Al Pacino, Paul Newman, and Faye Dunaway.

4. He was known for his meticulous preparation and rehearsal process, often spending weeks rehearsing with his actors before filming.

5. Lumet was awarded the DGA Lifetime Achievement Award in 1993 and an Honorary Academy Award in 2005.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Sidney Lumet

1. “All good work is done in defiance of management.”

2. “I love the theater, but the theater can’t make a movie.”

3. “The nature of the work is to prepare for the invisible.”

4. “The director is the channel through which a motion picture reaches the screen.”

5. “Movies are an empathy machine.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Sidney Lumet’s net worth was estimated to be around $40 million.

Children

Sidney Lumet had four children: Amy Lumet, Jenny Lumet, Leslie Gimbel, and Bailey Gimbel. Jenny Lumet is notable for her work as a screenwriter, having written the screenplay for “Rachel Getting Married” (2008).