Animated Gif The Fog John Houseman

John Houseman, Emmy Award-Winning Character Actor, Dies at 86

American Drama Legend John Houseman

Romanian-born Actor and Director John Houseman Dies at 86

Renowned actor and director John Houseman, known for his memorable character roles and Tony Award-winning theater productions, has passed away at the age of 86. Houseman died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Malibu, California, according to his wife, Joan. Houseman was born Jacques Haussmann on September 22, 1902, in Bucharest, Romania. He emigrated to the United States in 1925 and began his acting career in the early 1930s. He made his Broadway debut in 1933 and went on to appear in numerous stage productions, including "The Skin of Our Teeth," "Waiting for Lefty," and "The Crucible." Houseman also directed several Broadway plays, including the original production of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman." He won a Tony Award for Best Director for his work on "The Great White Hope" in 1969. In addition to his theater work, Houseman appeared in over 100 films and television shows. He is perhaps best known for his roles as Professor Kingsfield in "The Paper Chase" (1973), Judge Aaron Lewison in "The Trial of the Catonsville Nine" (1972), and Dr. Sigmund Freud in "The Freud: The Secret Passion" (1962). Houseman received an Emmy Award for his role as Dr. Laurence Erhardt in the television series "The Paper Chase." He also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1988. Houseman was a respected and influential figure in the American theater and film industry. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans.