Description:
(One of the Most Honored and Influential Directors in Broadway and Hollywood History)
Elia Kazan was a Greek-American film and stage director known for many hit plays and movies. He was also a successful actor in many Broadway plays and had produced plays as well. He was known both as a great director as well as controversial person who had named eight people of the disbanded ‘Group Theatre’ in New York to be members of the Communist Party to the ‘House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC)’. He also admitted that he had been one of the members himself but had left the party a long time ago. This led to the blacklisting of these eight people who could no longer work in films. This incident gave rise to a great deal of resentment against Kazan which followed him till his death. People resented his action and expressed the feeling that Eliza could have found work on the Broadway as there was a great demand for him as a great director there. They argued that he could have defied the HUAC instead of giving in as one of his best friends Arthur Miller did for which Miller was jailed for time. It was a controversy that continued for many years after his death.
Birthday
September 7, 1909 (Virgo)
Born In
Turkey
Alternative names
Elias Kazantzoglou
Height
173 cm
City
Istanbul, Turkey
Died on
September 28, 2003
Spouse/Ex-
Barbara Loden (m. 1967–1980; her death), Frances Rudge (m. 1982–2003; his death), Molly Day Thacher (m. 1932–1963; her death)
Parents
George Kazanjoglous
Athena Sishmanoglou
Children
5 including Nicholas Kazan (son)
Where did Elia Kazan grow up?
Elia Kazan grew up in Constantinople, which is now known as Istanbul, Turkey.
What is Elia Kazan known for in the film industry?
Elia Kazan is known for his contributions as a highly influential film director, known for films such as "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "On the Waterfront."
What controversial decision did Elia Kazan make during his career that received significant backlash?
Elia Kazan controversially named names to the House Un-American Activities Committee during the Red Scare, which led to blacklisting of several individuals in Hollywood.
What was Elia Kazan's approach to directing actors?
Elia Kazan was known for his method of directing actors, emphasizing realism and emotional authenticity in performances.
What impact did Elia Kazan have on American theater?
Elia Kazan had a significant impact on American theater as a director and producer, helping to bring innovative and socially relevant works to the stage.
