John Steiner, a highly acclaimed and esteemed English actor, made his debut on the world stage on January 7, 1941, in the charming city of Chester, a place that would forever hold a special significance in his life's journey. With his striking, statuesque physique, characterized by his tall, slender, and gaunt appearance, Steiner embarked on a prestigious educational path, enrolling at the renowned Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, a institution that would provide him with the solid foundation needed to excel in his chosen craft.
Upon completing his studies, Steiner began his professional career at the esteemed British Broadcasting Corporation, where he spent a few formative years honing his skills and gaining valuable experience in the world of television and theater. His impressive work at the BBC laid the groundwork for his future success, and it wasn't long before he landed his breakout role in a television production of the celebrated playwright Noel Coward's masterpiece, Design for Living. This pivotal performance marked a significant turning point in Steiner's career, catapulting him to newfound recognition and setting the stage for a lifetime of critically acclaimed performances on stage and screen.
As the years went by, Steiner's reputation as a talented actor continued to grow, leading to an increased demand for his services in Italy, where he primarily focused on his work in the film industry.
In the late 1960s, Steiner was fortunate enough to be cast in the spaghetti western Tepepa, which marked the beginning of a long-term collaboration with Italian filmmakers that would have a profound impact on his career.
Steiner's tall, imposing physique, combined with his striking facial features, made him a natural fit for playing the role of the villain in a wide range of Italian B-movies and exploitation films, a genre that he would go on to become closely associated with.
From the late 1970s to the dawn of the 1980s, Steiner's career continued to flourish, with a diverse array of film roles that showcased his remarkable range and adaptability as a thespian. His forays into the horror genre, as well as his work in police action films, served as a testament to his ability to seamlessly transition between different roles and genres.
Moreover, his fruitful collaborations with the illustrious Italian filmmaker Tinto Brass, such as the critically acclaimed film Salon Kitty, significantly contributed to his reputation as a multifaceted and accomplished actor, capable of bringing depth and nuance to a wide variety of characters.
Tinto Brass, a master of his craft, had a profound influence on Steiner's development as an actor, and their partnership resulted in some of the most memorable and iconic performances of his career.
The illustrious career of Steiner, a thespian whose unwavering dedication and widespread acclaim within the film industry endured for an extended period of time, specifically until the late 1980s, when the Italian film industry began to experience a decline in its overall fortunes.
As a result of this shift in the cinematic landscape, Steiner made the decision to retire from his acting career in 1991, subsequently relocating to the state of California, where he chose to pursue a new and exciting venture in the field of real estate.
In the latter half of the 1990s, a unique and distinguished magazine, aptly titled John Steiner, was inaugurated by the esteemed publishing house Also Press, founded by Cranston McMillan. This remarkable publication, which continued to flourish until the year 2005, was singularly dedicated to chronicling the vast and varied body of work undertaken by the illustrious John Steiner, encompassing his impressive repertoire of film, television, and stage productions.
Throughout its run, the magazine consistently featured in-depth reviews and comprehensive guides, thereby facilitating the discovery of Steiner's lesser-known Italian films for his devoted fan base. The magazine's remarkable success, however, was not limited to mere entertainment, as it also sparked a renewed and intense interest in Steiner's storied career.
In the aftermath of this resurgence of popularity, John Steiner himself has made significant contributions to DVD extras, lending his expertise and insights to a new generation of film enthusiasts. Moreover, he has graciously granted numerous interviews, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experiences related to his Italian film work, thereby cementing his status as a true legend in the world of cinema.
Cranston McMillan
John Steiner, a renowned figure in the realm of cinema, has left an indelible mark on the industry, and his enduring popularity is a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication to his craft.
