Nehemiah Persoff was born in 1919 in Jerusalem, and in 1929, he emigrated to America with his family, leaving behind his childhood and the Middle Eastern city that would later become a significant part of his cultural identity.
After completing his education at the Hebrew Technical Institute of New York, Persoff entered the workforce, finding employment as a subway electrician responsible for signal maintenance. However, his interest in the theater soon diverted his attention, and he began to pursue a career in the performing arts.
Persoff's journey into the world of theater began with amateur groups, and he eventually won a scholarship to the prestigious Dramatic Workshop in New York. This opportunity led to what would have been his Broadway debut in a production of "Eve of St. Mark," but unfortunately, he was fired before the show opened. Undeterred, he made his official New York debut in a production of "The Emperor's New Clothes" in 1940.
Persoff's career was interrupted in 1942 when he was inducted into the United States Army, serving until his honorable discharge in 1945. Following his military service, he returned to the stage, seeking work in stock plays and eventually becoming an intern of the renowned actress Stella Adler. This experience had a profound impact on his craft, and he became a strong exponent of the Actor's Studio.
Persoff's big break came in 1947 when he was cast in Charles Laughton's production of "Galileo," which marked his official entry into the world of film. His film debut, an uncredited bit in "The Naked City" (1948),was just the beginning of a long and illustrious career.
Throughout his career, Persoff established himself as a versatile and talented actor, taking on a wide range of roles that showcased his remarkable dialect skills and ability to portray complex, nuanced characters. He became known for his authoritative Eastern European accents and his ability to bring depth and dimension to his characters.
Some of Persoff's most notable film roles include Leo in "The Harder They Fall" (1956),Gene Conforti in Alfred Hitchcock's "The Wrong Man" (1956),Albert in "This Angry Age" (1958),and gangster Johnny Torrio in "Al Capone" (1959). He also appeared in "Some Like It Hot" (1959),playing the small but memorable role of Little Bonaparte.
In addition to his work in film, Persoff was a prolific television actor, appearing in numerous shows during the "Golden Age" of television, including "Gunsmoke" (1955) and "The Twilight Zone" (1959). He continued to work in television throughout his career, appearing in shows such as "Chicago Hope" (1994) and "Law & Order" (1990).
In his later years, Persoff's characters became slightly softer, and he appeared in films such as "Yentl" (1983),playing the role of Barbra Streisand's Jewish father, and "An American Tail" (1986),lending his voice to the character of Papa Mousekewitz.
Persoff's love of the arts extended beyond his acting career. In 1985, he began to study sketching in Los Angeles, eventually specializing in watercolor and creating over 100 works of art. Many of his paintings have been exhibited along the California coast, a testament to his enduring creativity and passion.
Persoff celebrated his 100th birthday in 2019, a remarkable milestone that capped off a life filled with artistic expression, dedication, and a deep connection to his heritage.
