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Ben Gazzara Biography
Birth Name:Biagio Anthony Gazzara
Birth Place:New York City, New York, United States
Profession Actor, Director, Soundtrack, Writer
Fast Facts
- Was honored as the starter of the 1979 Daytona 500
- Studied under acting coach Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio in 1951
- Quote: "I turned down so many movies because I was idealistic․ I was so pure․ I didn't really take advantage of the opportunities․ If I had the same chances today I would take them all because you never known where it will lead․"
- Often portrays characters who possess a charming demeanor
- While filming "The Bridge at Remagen" in Czechoslovakia, he assisted with the escape of a Czech waitress by smuggling her to Austria during the Prague Spring
- In 1994, he admitted to being addicted to smoking four packs of cigarettes a day
Awards
- 1966Golden Globe-Best TV Star - Male: nominated
- 1967Golden Globe-Best TV Star - Male: nominated
- 1967Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series: nominated
- 1968Golden Globe-Best TV Star - Male: nominated
- 1968Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Dramatic Series: nominated
- 1983Razzie Award-Worst Supporting Actor: nominated
- 1985David-Best Actor (Migliore Attore Protagonista): nominated
- 1986Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Special: nominated
- 1990Razzie Award-Worst Supporting Actor: nominated
- 1998NBR Award-Best Acting by an Ensemble: winner
- 2003Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie: winner