Martin Landau was an iconic American actor whose career spanned over six decades, marked by diverse roles across film, television, and theater. Best known for his role as Rollin Hand in the 1960s TV series Mission: Impossible and for his Oscar-winning performance as Bela Lugosi in Ed Wood (1994), Landau was a master of his craft, celebrated for his versatility and ability to portray complex characters. His contributions to both the small and big screens made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and a source of inspiration for countless actors.
Born on June 20, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York, Martin Landau grew up in a Jewish household during a time when the world was rapidly changing. His early passion for art and performance set the stage for a career that would see him working with some of the most influential filmmakers and actors of his time. From his early days as a cartoonist to his breakthrough roles in Hollywood, Landau’s journey to stardom was filled with perseverance, talent, and a relentless drive to challenge himself as an artist.
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Martin Landau was raised in Brooklyn by his parents Selma and Morris Landau. From a young age, Landau was fascinated by the arts, particularly drawing and cartooning. As a teenager, he attended James Madison High School and later the Pratt Institute, where he studied art. His early ambition was to become a cartoonist, and by the age of 17, he had already begun working as an illustrator for the New York Daily News, one of the city’s major newspapers.
Despite his success in the field of illustration, Landau’s passion for acting began to take hold. He realized that his true calling was performance, and at the age of 22, he made the bold decision to leave his cartooning career behind and pursue acting full-time. His artistic background would later inform his approach to character development, as he often spoke about the importance of understanding the nuances of human behavior in both art and acting.
In 1951, Landau auditioned for the prestigious Actors Studio in New York City, where he was accepted alongside fellow student Steve McQueen. The Actors Studio, founded by Lee Strasberg, was known for its rigorous training in method acting, a technique that emphasized emotional truth and character immersion. Landau’s time at the Actors Studio was transformative, and he honed his craft alongside some of the most talented actors of his generation.
Breakthrough in Hollywood: North by Northwest
Martin Landau’s early years in Hollywood were marked by a series of small roles in television and film. However, his breakthrough came in 1959 when he was cast in Alfred Hitchcock’s classic thriller North by Northwest. Landau played Leonard, the loyal henchman to James Mason’s villainous Phillip Vandamm. His portrayal of Leonard, a character imbued with an unsettling calmness and quiet menace, captured the attention of audiences and critics alike. The role showcased Landau’s ability to play complex antagonists and marked the beginning of his rise to prominence in Hollywood.
Working with Alfred Hitchcock was a pivotal moment in Landau’s career, as it introduced him to the world of high-profile, suspense-driven films. His performance in North by Northwest demonstrated his range and established him as a serious actor capable of tackling challenging roles.
Mission: Impossible and Television Fame
In 1966, Martin Landau was cast as Rollin Hand in the groundbreaking television series Mission: Impossible, created by Bruce Geller. The show followed the Impossible Missions Force (IMF), a group of elite secret agents who undertook dangerous missions to thwart international criminals and corrupt organizations. Landau’s character, Rollin Hand, was the team’s master of disguise and a crucial asset in the execution of their elaborate plans.
Landau’s portrayal of Rollin Hand was a major factor in the show’s success. His ability to transform into different characters through the use of disguises and his impeccable acting skills made him a fan favorite. Landau’s presence on Mission: Impossible brought a level of gravitas to the series, and his on-screen chemistry with Barbara Bain, who played Cinnamon Carter (and was his wife at the time), added an additional layer of intrigue to the show’s dynamics.
Although Landau was originally offered a one-year contract, he negotiated a rolling contract that allowed him the flexibility to pursue other projects. This decision ultimately led to his departure from the show in 1969, but his work on Mission: Impossible left an indelible mark on television history.
For his portrayal of Rollin Hand, Landau received multiple Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe Award. His work on the show solidified his status as a television star, but Landau’s ambitions extended far beyond the small screen.
Career Challenges and Reinvention
After leaving Mission: Impossible, Martin Landau faced a period of career uncertainty. Despite his success on television, he struggled to find roles that matched his talents in the 1970s. He appeared in several films during this period, including They Call Me Mister Tibbs! (1970) and A Town Called Bastard (1971), but these projects failed to propel him to the same level of success he had experienced earlier in his career.
The 1970s were a challenging time for Landau, as he often found himself typecast in roles that did not showcase his full range as an actor. However, he remained committed to his craft, taking on guest roles in television series and smaller films. It wasn’t until the 1980s that Landau would experience a career resurgence that would ultimately redefine his legacy.
Resurgence and Oscar Glory
The turning point in Martin Landau’s career came in the late 1980s when he appeared in Francis Ford Coppola’s Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988). In the film, Landau played Abe Karatz, the business partner of Preston Tucker (Jeff Bridges), an automotive innovator. Landau’s performance was widely praised, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This role marked the beginning of a new chapter in Landau’s career, as he transitioned from television star to critically acclaimed film actor.
In 1989, Landau received another Academy Award nomination for his role in Woody Allen’s Crimes and Misdemeanors. In the film, Landau portrayed Judah Rosenthal, a successful ophthalmologist grappling with moral dilemmas. His portrayal of Rosenthal’s internal conflict and emotional turmoil was a masterclass in nuanced acting, and it further cemented Landau’s reputation as one of Hollywood’s finest actors.
Landau’s crowning achievement came in 1994 when he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Bela Lugosi in Tim Burton’s Ed Wood. Playing the aging horror icon, Landau brought both humor and pathos to the role, capturing Lugosi’s tragic decline with sensitivity and empathy. The performance was widely regarded as the highlight of Ed Wood, and it earned Landau widespread acclaim, including an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Later Career and Legacy
Following his Oscar win, Martin Landau continued to work steadily in both film and television. He appeared in a variety of roles, from family films like The Adventures of Pinocchio (1996) to crime dramas like City Hall (1996). Landau’s ability to move between genres and mediums kept him in demand as a character actor well into his later years.
In addition to his work on screen, Landau was also a dedicated acting teacher and mentor. He returned to the Actors Studio, where he served as a teacher and later co-artistic director alongside Mark Rydell. Landau’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of actors was a testament to his love for the craft of acting.
Martin Landau passed away on July 15, 2017, at the age of 89. His death marked the end of a remarkable career that spanned more than six decades. Throughout his life, Landau remained dedicated to his craft, delivering unforgettable performances that left an indelible mark on both television and film.