Jeff Corey was a renowned film and television character actor, as well as one of the top acting teachers in America. Born Arthur Zwerling on August 10, 1914, in New York City, New York, to Mary (Peskin),a Russian Jewish immigrant, and Nathan Zwerling, an Austrian Jewish immigrant, Corey was an indifferent student until he discovered his passion for acting in high school. He earned a scholarship to the Feagin School of Dramatic Arts, the top acting school in New York City at the time, and later became a professional actor, saving him from a life selling sewing machines.
Corey's early career included working with a Shakespearean repertory company and a traveling troupe that entertained children. He appeared in the Federal Theater Project's (FTP) Living Newspaper dramatic showcase, "Life and Death of an American," and made his film debut in the FTP's sole movie production, "One Third of a Nation" (1939).
In 1940, Corey moved to Hollywood, where he appeared in studio productions through 1943, including "The Devil and Daniel Webster" (1941),"My Friend Flicka" (1943),and "Joan of Arc" (1948). He also established the Actors Lab, where he produced and appeared in various plays, including "Abe Lincoln in Illinois," "Miss Julie," and "Prometheus."
During World War II, Corey joined the United States Navy Photographic Service and was assigned to the aircraft carrier Yorktown as a motion picture combat photographer. He earned three citations for his work, including one for shooting footage on the Yorktown during a kamikaze attack on the ship.
After the war, Corey returned to Hollywood and resumed his acting career, specializing in character parts and playing heavies in films such as "The Killers" (1946) and "Brute Force" (1947). However, his career was cut short in 1951 when he was subpoenaed to appear before the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) after being named as a former Communist Party member by actor Marc Lawrence.
Corey refused to testify, invoking his 5th Amendment rights, and was subsequently blacklisted. He used his G.I. Bill benefits to study speech therapy at UCLA and taught acting classes in his garage, which eventually became the Professional Actors Workshop. The workshop attracted directors, screenwriters, and established actors seeking insight into the craft, and Corey's teaching technique focused on one-on-one work with individual actors, seeking to tap into their subconscious and imagination.
Corey's students included Robert Blake, Pat Boone, Richard Chamberlain, Cher, Roger Corman, James Dean, Kirk Douglas, Jane Fonda, Peter Fonda, Michael Forest, Sally Kellerman, Irvin Kershner, Shirley Knight, Penny Marshall, Rita Moreno, Jack Nicholson, Leonard Nimoy, Anthony Perkins, Rob Reiner, Barbra Streisand, Robert Towne, and Robin Williams.
After being blacklisted, Corey continued to teach and eventually ended the blacklist by helping established actors who were struggling with their careers. He continued to work in films and television throughout his life, and his legacy as a teacher and actor is still celebrated today.
