Nehemiah Persoff

Born:August 2, 1919

Place of Birth:Jerusalem, Palestine Mandate

Died:April 5, 2022

Known For:Acting

Biography

Nehemiah Persoff, born in Jerusalem, Palestine Mandate on August 2, 1919, was a remarkable American film and television character actor whose talent left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Emigrating to the United States in 1929, Persoff's journey into acting began to take shape in the 1940s. Following his service in the Army during World War II, he ventured into the New York Theater scene before making his mark on the silver screen.

His on-screen presence was felt in a myriad of iconic films, including unforgettable roles in classics such as "On the Waterfront," "Some Like It Hot," "Al Capone," and "The Greatest Story Ever Told." Persoff's versatility as an actor shone through in each performance, captivating audiences with his depth and authenticity.

Not only did Persoff excel in film, but he also graced the small screen with his talent, appearing in numerous television series that have become part of television history. From "The Twilight Zone" to "Mission: Impossible" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation," his contributions to the world of television were both diverse and impactful.

In addition to his acting prowess, Persoff's artistic talents extended beyond the realm of acting. In the mid-1980s, he delved into painting, particularly focusing on watercolors. This creative outlet allowed him to express himself in new ways, showcasing his multifaceted abilities as both an actor and an artist.

Throughout his career, Nehemiah Persoff's dedication to his craft and his ability to embody a wide range of characters solidified his status as a respected and beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring actors and artists, leaving behind a body of work that stands the test of time.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Some Like It Hot

Little Bonaparte

1959

Two musicians witness a mob hit and struggle to find a way out of the city before they are found by the gangsters. Their only opportunity is to join an all-girl band as they leave on a tour. To make their getaway they must first disguise themselves as women, then keep their identities secret and deal with the problems this brings - such as an attractive bandmate and a very determined suitor.

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West

Papa Mousekewitz (voice)

1991

Some time after the Mousekewitz's have settled in America, they find that they are still having problems with the threat of cats. That makes them eager to try another home out in the west, where they are promised that mice and cats live in peace. Unfortunately, the one making this claim is an oily con artist named Cat R. Waul who is intent on his own sinister plan.

The Greatest Story Ever Told

Shemiah

1965

From his birth in Bethlehem to his death and eventual resurrection, the life of Jesus Christ is given the all-star treatment in this epic retelling. Major aspects of Christ's life are touched upon, including the execution of all the newborn males in Egypt by King Herod; Christ's baptism by John the Baptist; and the betrayal by Judas after the Last Supper that eventually leads to Christ's crucifixion and miraculous return.

Twins

Mitchell Traven

1988

Julius and Vincent Benedict are the results of an experiment that would allow for the perfect child. Julius was planned and grows to athletic proportions. Vincent is an accident and is somewhat smaller in stature. Vincent is placed in an orphanage while Julius is taken to a south seas island and raised by philosophers. Vincent becomes the ultimate low life and is about to be killed by loan sharks.

On the Waterfront

Cab Driver (uncredited)

1954

Terry Malloy is a kindhearted dockworker, and former boxer, who is tricked by his corrupt bosses into leading his friend to death. After falling in love, he tries to leave the waterfront and expose his employers.

The Last Temptation of Christ

Rabbi

1988

Jesus, a humble Judean carpenter beginning to see that he is the son of God, is drawn into revolutionary action against the Roman occupiers by Judas -- despite his protestations that love, not violence, is the path to salvation. The burden of being the savior of mankind torments Jesus throughout his life, leading him to doubt.

An American Tail

Papa Mousekewitz (voice)

1986

A young mouse named Fievel and his family decide to migrate to America, a "land without cats," at the turn of the 20th century. But somehow, Fievel ends up in the New World alone and must fend off not only the felines he never thought he'd have to deal with again but also the loneliness of being away from home.

An American Tail: The Treasure of Manhattan Island

Papa Mousekewitz (voice)

1998

Fievel and his friend Tony Toponi find a map that they believe points to a treasure buried somewhere beneath Old New York, and the plucky rodent is determined to find it. However, what he discovers under the city is a tribe of Native American mice who were driven underground by prejudiced European immigrants.

The Wrong Man

Gene Conforti

1956

In 1953, an innocent man named Christopher Emmanuel "Manny" Balestrero is arrested after being mistaken for an armed robber.

The Comancheros

Graile

1961

Texas Ranger Jake Cutter arrests gambler Paul Regret, but soon finds himself teamed with his prisoner in an undercover effort to defeat a band of renegade arms merchants and thieves known as Comancheros.

Voyage of the Damned

Herr Hauser

1976

A luxury liner carries Jewish refugees from Hitler's Germany in a desperate fight for survival.