James Karen, a renowned actor in the realms of Broadway, television, and film, was initially encouraged to pursue an acting career by U.S. Congressman Daniel J. Flood, a fellow amateur actor.
In 1947, Karen made his Broadway debut in the iconic production of "A Streetcar Named Desire", a performance that marked the beginning of his extensive involvement in over 20 Broadway productions.
Karen's television career commenced in 1948 with the telecast of "A Christmas Carol", directed by pioneering television producer and director Fred Coe.
Since then, he has acted in over 100 television shows, including a notable stint as Chief Justice Michael Bancroft on the CBS series "First Monday" in 2002.
In 1965, Karen ventured into film, starring in the low-budget science fiction epic "Frankenstein Meets the Spacemonster", a role that kickstarted an impressive filmography of over 80 movies to his credit.
Karen has also had the distinction of filming a record-breaking 5,000+ television commercials, many of which were as a spokesperson for the Pathmark Supermarket chain in the northeastern United States.
Throughout his illustrious career, Karen has been honored with numerous accolades, including the "Saturn Award" for Lifetime Achievement bestowed by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films.
He has also been presented "The Buster Award" by The International Buster Keaton Society, an honor given to an individual who has demonstrated professional excellence in the tradition of the legendary Buster Keaton.
