Ben Gazzara

Ben Gazzara (August 28, 1930 – February 3, 2012) was an American actor and director known for his work in film, stage, and television. Born to Italian immigrants in New York City, Gazzara studied at The New School and became a member of the Actors Studio. He gained recognition for his role in the Broadway play Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1955–56). Gazzara's notable film credits include Anatomy of a Murder (1959) and he starred in the television series Run for Your Life (1965–1968). He received a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in the television film Hysterical Blindness (2002) and earned nominations for three Golden Globe Awards and three Tony Awards.