Simon Oakland, a renowned actor, initially pursued a career as a concert violinist before transitioning to acting in the late 1940s. He began his journey on the Broadway stage, appearing in numerous hits, including "Light Up the Sky," "The Shrike," and "Inherit the Wind."
Oakland made his film debut in I Want to Live! (1958),playing a tough yet compassionate journalist who advocated for Susan Hayward's character, Barbara Graham. He went on to portray a range of tough guy characters, often on the right side of the law, in films such as The Sand Pebbles (1966),Tony Rome (1967),Psycho (1960),and West Side Story (1961),where he played the notable role of Lieutenant Schrank.
In addition to his film work, Oakland was a frequent presence on television, appearing as a regular or semi-regular on four different series simultaneously. His colleagues admired him for his professionalism, earning him a reputation as a total professional.
Sadly, Oakland passed away after a long battle with cancer, just one day after his 68th birthday. Despite his passing, his legacy as a talented and versatile actor continues to be remembered and celebrated.
