Who was Sam Wanamaker? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Samuel Wattenmacker

Died At Age: 74

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Charlotte Holland (m. 1940–1993)

father: Maurice Wattenmacker

mother: Molly Bobele

siblings: William Wanamaker

children: Abby Wanamaker, Jessica Wanamaker, Zoë Wanamaker

Born Country: United States

Jewish Actors Actors

Height: 5'11" (180 cm), 5'11" Males

Died on: December 18, 1993

place of death: London, England

City: Chicago, Illinois

Notable Alumni: Drake University, Art Institute Of Chicago

Cause of Death: Prostate Cancer.

Ancestry: Ukrainian American

U.S. State: Illinois

More Facts

education: Drake University, Art Institute of Chicago

Recommended For You

1

What was Sam Wanamaker's role in the reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre?

Sam Wanamaker was instrumental in the reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London. He founded the project in the 1970s and worked tirelessly to bring the historic theater back to life.
2

How did Sam Wanamaker's efforts contribute to the preservation of Shakespeare's legacy?

Sam Wanamaker's dedication to rebuilding the Globe Theatre helped to ensure that Shakespeare's plays would continue to be performed in a historically accurate setting, preserving the playwright's legacy for future generations.
3

What challenges did Sam Wanamaker face during the reconstruction of the Globe Theatre?

Sam Wanamaker faced numerous challenges during the reconstruction of the Globe Theatre, including securing funding, navigating bureaucratic hurdles, and overcoming skepticism from some critics and historians.
4

What is the significance of Sam Wanamaker's vision for the Globe Theatre?

Sam Wanamaker's vision for the Globe Theatre was significant because it aimed to recreate the immersive and authentic theatrical experience that audiences would have had during Shakespeare's time, enriching the understanding and appreciation of the Bard's work.
5

How has Sam Wanamaker's legacy continued to influence the world of theater?

Sam Wanamaker's legacy continues to influence the world of theater through the ongoing success of the Globe Theatre, which attracts audiences from around the globe and serves as a cultural hub for Shakespearean performances and educational programs.

Recommended Lists:

Childhood & Early Life

Sam Wanamaker was born on June 14, 1919, in Chicago, Illinois, to Maurice Wattenmacker (Manus Watmakher) and Molly (née Bobele). His father was a tailor by profession.

He had one elder brother named William, who became a cardiologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. His parents were Ukrainian Jewish immigrants from Nikolayev.

He was trained at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago and worked with summer stock theatre companies of Chicago and northern Wisconsin. In 1937, he helped in building the stage of the Peninsula Players Theatre, Wisconsin. He also attended Drake University.

Continue Reading Below

Recommended Lists:

American Actors

American Directors

American Film & Theater Personalities

Career

Sam Wanamaker started his acting career in traveling shows and worked in radio before making his Broadway debut with ‘Cafe Crown’ in 1942. He then appeared in the plays ‘Joan of Lorraine’ the same year and ‘Counterattack’ at the National Theatre, Washington, D.C in 1943.

In 1943, he joined the U.S. Army and served there till 1946. After returning to civilian life, he made his feature film debut in 1948 in ‘My Girl Tisa,’ followed by an appearance in ‘Give Us This Day’ (1949).

In 1952, after filming ‘Mr. Denning Drives North’, he was blacklisted in Hollywood during the McCarthy “witch-hunting” era and decided to stay in England. He made his debut in London as both an actor and a director in 1952 in Clifford Odets' play ‘Winter Journey’.

In 1956, he directed the British premiere of the musical play ‘The Threepenny Opera.’ This was followed by his appointment as a director of the New Shakespeare Theatre in Liverpool in 1957.

In 1959, he played Iago to Paul Robeson's ‘Othello’ at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre Company at Stratford-upon-Avon.

He appeared in movies like ‘Taras Bulba’ (1962), ‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold’ (1965), and ‘Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines’ (1965), and in the TV series ‘Gunsmoke’ (1966). He also directed movies like ‘The File of the Golden Goose’ (1969) and ‘The Executioner’ (1970).

In 1974, he directed the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations. He worked in movies like ‘The Spiral Staircase’ (1975) and ‘Death on the Nile’ (1978) before playing the role of Moses Weiss in the TV mini-series ‘Holocaust’ (1978). In 1979, he directed an episode of the TV series ‘Hart to Hart’.

During his later career, he made appearances in films like ‘Private Benjamin’ (1980), ‘Baby Boom’ (1987), ‘Superman IV: The Quest for Peace’ (1987), ‘Judgment in Berlin’ (1988) and ‘Guilty by Suspicion’ (1991).

Major Works

In 1970, Sam Wanamaker became obsessed with the idea of restoring the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London and founded the Shakespeare Globe Trust that raised over eleven million dollars despite the hostile British council. He died prior to its grand opening but had a plaque and an indoor theatre dedicated to him at the Globe.

Continue Reading Below

Family & Personal Life

Sam Wanamaker married Canadian actress Charlotte Holland in 1940 and had three daughters with her, Abby, Zoë, and Jessica Wanamaker. His daughter Zoë Wanamaker is also an actress.

In the 1970s, he was involved in an affair with actress Lynne Frederick while being married to Charlotte.

He dedicated more than twenty years of his life in campaigning and raising funds for rebuilding the Globe Theatre. In July 1993, he was made an honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire for his contribution to the Globe.

On December 18, 1993, he died in London due to prostate cancer. The Globe was eventually opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 12 June 1997.

Posthumously, he was awarded the 1994 Society of London Theatre Award for Outstanding Achievement.

The Globe’s Jacobean indoor theatre that was opened in January 2014 is named “Sam Wanamaker Playhouse” after him.

Facts About Sam Wanamaker

Sam Wanamaker was a devoted Shakespeare enthusiast who played a key role in the reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London.

He fought tirelessly for the preservation of historical buildings and landmarks, including advocating for the restoration of Shakespeare's Globe.

Wanamaker was a talented actor, director, and producer who made significant contributions to both stage and screen throughout his career.

He was known for his passion for the arts and his dedication to promoting cultural heritage and education.

Wanamaker's legacy lives on through the continued success and popularity of the reconstructed Globe Theatre, which stands as a tribute to his vision and perseverance.

Sam Wanamaker Biography

You wanted to know

What was Sam Wanamaker's role in the reconstruction of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre?

How did Sam Wanamaker's efforts contribute to the preservation of Shakespeare's legacy?

What challenges did Sam Wanamaker face during the reconstruction of the Globe Theatre?

What is the significance of Sam Wanamaker's vision for the Globe Theatre?

How has Sam Wanamaker's legacy continued to influence the world of theater?