Celebrity Info
The heavyset, balding Balsam was a familiar face on stage and screen, with Balsam carving out a solid reputation as a dependable character actor. His career kicked off on Broadway in the early 1940s, and although Balsam took a break to serve in the US Army during WWII, he returned to the spotlight with renewed momentum. After his service, Balsam appeared in several notable Broadway productions—such as “Lamp at Midnight,” “Macbeth,” and “The Closing Door”—while also making appearances on television. You could spot Balsam across various networks, turning in strong performances on shows like “Philco Television Playhouse” (NBC), “The Goldbergs” (CBS), and even the sci-fi series “Captain Video” (ABC).
As the decades rolled on, Balsam remained a constant presence in American theater. Throughout the 1950s and 60s, Balsam continued to take on challenging roles, including two Tennessee Williams plays: “The Rose Tattoo” (1951), where he shared the stage with Maureen Stapleton and Eli Wallach, and “Camino Real” (1952). One of Balsam’s most acclaimed performances came in 1967, when he won a Tony Award for portraying three distinct characters in Robert Anderson’s humorous one-act collection, “You Know I Can’t Hear You When the Water’s Running.” That role really showcased Balsam’s range and depth as an actor.
Beyond those highlights, Balsam delivered memorable turns in regional and touring productions. He played Bernie Dodd in Clifford Odets’ “The Country Girl” during a 1954 run in Easthampton, New York. Later, in 1961, Balsam took on the demanding role of Hickey in Eugene O’Neill’s “The Iceman Cometh” in Los Angeles. And in 1974, Balsam brought gravitas to the iconic part of Willie Loman in Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” during a Philadelphia production. Over the years, Balsam proved time and again that his talent knew no bounds—whether on Broadway, regional stages, or early television, Balsam left a lasting mark.
When it comes to Martin Balsam’s filmography, one standout performance definitely shines through — Martin Balsam’s highest rated movie is undoubtedly 12 Angry Men from 1957. This classic courtroom drama not only received widespread critical acclaim but also remains a defining moment in cinematic history. Martin Balsam’s role in that film truly showcased his talent and contributed significantly to its success. On the other end of the spectrum, Martin Balsam appeared in The Silence of the Hams (1994), which, unfortunately, turned out to be his lowest rated movie. While it had its moments of humor and satire, the film didn’t resonate well with audiences or critics. So, when you look at the range of Martin Balsam’s career, it’s clear that Martin Balsam delivered some powerful performances, with 12 Angry Men standing tall as his most celebrated work.
50
United Kingdom
