Israel Strassberg, later known as Lee Strasberg, was born in Budzanov, Austria-Hungary, a region that is now part of Ukraine. As a child, he was brought to America, where he initially pursued a brief acting career.
However, his true calling lay in directing and teaching, and in 1931, he co-founded the Group Theatre, where he directed numerous plays. This was just the beginning of his illustrious career, as he went on to become the director of the Actors Studio in 1950.
Strasberg was a strong advocate for "method" acting, a technique that he had adapted from the "system" developed by Konstantin Stanislavski's disciple, Stella Adler. This approach emphasized the importance of drawing on personal experiences and emotions to create authentic performances.
Under Strasberg's guidance, the Actors Studio became a hub for some of the most talented actors of his time, including James Dean, Marlon Brando, and Dustin Hoffman. His influence extended beyond the studio, as his teaching methods and philosophy continue to shape the way actors approach their craft to this day.
In addition to his work in the theatre, Strasberg also appeared in several films, including The Godfather Part II, where he played the role of Hyman Roth, a powerful and ruthless gangster. His portrayal of this character remains one of his most iconic and enduring performances.
