Origins & Early Life

Martin James Landau (; June 20, 1928 – July 15, 2017) was an American actor. His career began in the late 1950s, with early film appearances including a supporting role in Alfred Hitchcock's North by Northwest (1959). His career breakthrough came with leading roles in the television series Mission: Impossible (1966–1969) and Space: 1999 (1975–1977). Landau earned Academy Award nominations for his performances in Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988) and Woody Allen's Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He won the Academy Award, the Actor Award and the Golden Globe Award Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Bela Lugosi in Ed Wood (1994). Landau is also remembered for his performances in Cleopatra (1963), The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965), Rounders (1998), Sleepy Hollow (1999), and Remember (2015). He headed the Hollywood branch of the Actors Studio until his death in July 2017. Landau was born on June 20, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Morris and Selma Landau (née Buchman). His family was Jewish.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

His father was an Austrian-born machinist who tried to rescue relatives from the Nazis. After attending both James Madison High School and Pratt Institute...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1928 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1928
• June 20 (06-20) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on June 20
• 2017 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2017
• July 15 (07-15) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 15