Mike Mazurki, born Mikhail Mazuruski or Mikhail Mazurkiewicz, was a towering figure both on and off screen, standing at an intimidating 6'5" with a craggy granite-like face. For over 50 years, he dominated the silver screen as a strongarm man, gangster, and bully, earning the reputation as one of cinema's first serial thugs.
Despite his rough exterior, Mazurski was a highly intelligent, well-read, and witty conversationalist in real life. He was also an accomplished sportsman, having played football and professional wrestling. His early uncredited roles in films such as Gentleman Jim (1942) and About Face (1942) soon gave way to a plethora of credits in the 1940s, with nearly 50 movies under his belt by the decade's end.
Mazurki's notable performances during this period included his iconic portrayal of ex-con "Moose Malloy" in the film noir thriller Murder, My Sweet (1944) and his gruesome turn as "Splitface" in Dick Tracy (1945). His menacing onscreen presence continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s, showcasing his aptitude for deadpan comedy in films such as Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in Hollywood (1945),It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963),Donovan's Reef (1963),and The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin (1967).
As the years went by, demand for his talents slowed, and younger villains began to take center stage. However, Mazurki remained active, turning up in support roles until his passing at the age of 83 in December 1990.
