Born: May 31, 1925 - Died: September 14, 1985
Julian Beck was a visionary and influential figure in the theatre world. Born on May 31, 1925, in New York City, Julian's unique appearance and unconventional approach to acting captivated audiences in the 1950s and 1960s. With his baleful eyes and distinctive features, he brought a haunting presence to the stage. Together with his wife Judith Malina, Julian co-founded The Living Theatre, a groundbreaking theatre group that pushed the boundaries of performance art. Their provocative productions challenged societal norms and embraced an anarcho-pacifist philosophy. Julian's contributions to the entertainment industry left a lasting impact.
Early Life and Career
Julian Beck attended the College of the City of New York before briefly attending Yale University. However, his passion for writing and art led him to abandon his studies and pursue a career in the creative arts. In 1943, he met and married the actress, writer, and director Judith Malina, which marked a turning point in his life. Together, they co-founded The Living Theatre in 1947, a theater group that challenged traditional norms and embraced experimental forms of performance art.
The Living Theatre, under Julian's influence, became a catalyst for the off-off-Broadway movement and the vision of performance art. Their productions, often pushing boundaries with themes of political activism and liberation, gained attention both for their controversy and imaginative approach. Julian and The Living Theatre were pioneers in their use of unconventional spaces and immersive experiences, performing in non-traditional venues like street corners and prisons.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Julian's avant-garde style revolutionized playwriting and acting, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. While his work was not widely recognized in mainstream Hollywood, he did venture into film, delivering intense and memorable performances, such as his sadistic gangster role in "The Cotton Club" (1984) and his spectral character in "Poltergeist II: The Other Side" (1986).
He was married to Judith Malina until his death from stomach cancer on September 14, 1985, while filming "Poltergeist II: The Other Side." Julian Beck's legacy lies in his artistic vision, boldness, and his role in challenging the conventions of traditional theatre. His impact on the entertainment industry cannot be underestimated, particularly in shaping the avant-garde and experimental theater movements.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Das Jahrhundert des Theaters (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1986 | Poltergeist II: The Other Side | Kane |
| 1986 | 9½ Weeks | Dinner Guest |
| 1985 | Miami Vice (TV Series) | J. J. Johnston |
| 1984 | All Star Video (Video) | Unknown |
| 1984 | The Cotton Club | Sol Weinstein |
| 1982 | Il fascino dell'insolito (TV Series) | Il rabbino Aser |
| 1969 | Love and Anger | Dying Man (segment "Agonia") |
| 1969 | Camera Three (TV Series) | Unknown |
| 1968 | Après la Passion selon Sade | Unknown |
| 1968 | If Unconscious Revolts (Short) | Unknown |
| 1968 | Candy | Hippy |
| 1967 | The Queen of Sheba Meets the Atom Man | Unknown |
| 1967 | Oedipus Rex | Tiresia |
| 1958 | Narcissus | Narration (voice) |
