Son of a bricklayer and ironworker, who played a pivotal role in the construction of the iconic Empire State Building, Dan Frazer's early life was deeply rooted in the rugged and vibrant neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen on Manhattan's West Side. Growing up amidst the bustling streets of his childhood home, Frazer's early passion for acting was nurtured through his involvement in local theatre productions.
This fledgling talent was further honed through his participation in the Federal Theatre Project, a program funded by the Works Progress Administration, which aimed to provide employment opportunities for artists during the tumultuous years of the Great Depression.
As the Second World War broke out, Frazer joined the U.S. Army Special Services, where he entertained troops with his talents, ultimately making his Broadway debut as a marine in the production of 'Christopher Blake'.
The 1950s saw Frazer transition to television, appearing in a diverse range of programs, from anthology series to comedies and crime dramas. It wasn't until 1963 that he made his motion picture debut, portraying a priest in the film 'Lilies of the Field'.
Throughout his extensive screen career, Frazer predominantly portrayed a variety of clergymen and law enforcement officials, often embodying the characteristics of honest, hardworking, and well-intentioned individuals. Internationally, he gained widespread recognition for his roles as Telly Savalas's nervous NYPD boss, Captain Frank McNeil, in the hit television series 'Kojak', which spanned five seasons, and as Woody Allen's psychiatrist, Virgil Starkwell, in the hilarious film 'Take the Money and Run'.
Notably, Frazer was a respected Member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a testament to his enduring dedication to the world of cinema.
