A relentless performer of the post-war age, celebrated actor of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly fame, Eli Wallach passed away due to natural causes on June 24. Peter Wallach, the son of the 98 year old actor, confirmed the news on Wednesday. The versatile actor with his signature raspy tone, is remembered for his appearances in plays by Tennessee Williams, and was one of the original members of Actors Studio when Method acting was just blooming. His notable awards include the 1951 Tony for his role in The Rose Tattoo and 2010’s honorary Academic Award.
His memorable films
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, is a clear favorite among Wallach’s famous movies. Other movies that the actor starred in include The Godfather III in 1990, The Misfits in 1961, The Magnificent Seven in 1961, and Baby Doll in 1956.
Wallach and Anne Jackson, his wife where quite the duo when they performed together on stage. The list of plays that the two have starred in includes Bernard Shaw’s play from 1956 Major Barbara, and Luv that released in the 1960s. The two even played a couple in NBC’s ER in 2003. The Good, the Bad and Me, Wallach’s memoir from 2005, has the actor quote that he did not ever lose his passion for acting. The actor stated in the memoir that his hip operations do not weigh him down when he is onstage with his wife, as the lights naturally lift him up to deliver a stunning performance. He adds that he can even play a character aged 16 if the role demands. The actor also cited of his preference toward live acting over movies. The lights just make me come alive, quoted the actor.
The beginning of his career
Born in 1915, Wallach’s father owned a candy store in Brooklyn. While the rest of Wallach’s family went on to become lawyers, teachers and doctors, Wallach knew that he was meant to be an actor. Alongside partaking a training in drama arts, he served as the medical corps in the Army during the WWII, where he rose to become a captain. His big break in acting came through Williams productions. Wallach performed in The Rose Tattoo, followed by Camino Real, after which he bagged a role in Teahouse of the August Moon that ran for a long time. Wallach has acted in over 100 films through decades now, many of which came after he reached 90 years of age.
Also see: Shirley Temple Dies at Age 85