Eli Herschel Wallach (1915–2014) was an American film, television, and stage actor known for his versatile character roles across six decades. A master of method acting, he became one of Hollywood’s most respected performers.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Wallach studied at the University of Texas-Austin (B.A., history, 1936) and later earned an M.A. in education from City College of New York. He trained at the Neighborhood Playhouse under Sanford Meisner.
Wallach débuted on Broadway in 1945 and won a Tony for The Rose Tattoo (1951.) His film début in Baby Doll (1956) earned a BAFTA for Best Newcomer. He gained fame as Calvera in The Magnificent Seven (1960,) Guido in The Misfits (1961,) and Tuco in The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966.)
His memoir, The Good, the Bad, and Me: In My Anecdotage (2005,) offers insights into his life and career. He also contributed to Mister Paradise & Other One-Act Plays (2005,) reflecting on his work with Tennessee Williams.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Eli Wallach
Having the critics praise you is like having the hangman say you’ve got a pretty neck.
—Eli Wallach
Topics: Praise, Criticism
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