When and where was Elia Kazan born?
Elias Kazantzoglou entered the world on the 7th of September 1909 in the Kadıköy district of Constantinople. His parents were Cappadocian Greeks originally from Kayseri in Anatolia.
Questions about Elia Kazan
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What films did Elia Kazan direct that won Academy Awards?
Gentlemen Agreement received three wins including Best Director for Kazan while A Streetcar Named Desire came out in 1951 winning four Oscars. On the Waterfront released in 1954 won eight Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Actor for Brando.
Why did Elia Kazan testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee?
Kazan testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee in April 1952 during the Red Scare after initially refusing to provide names. He eventually identified eight former Group Theatre members as Communists because he stated decades later he would rather hurt people a little than hurt himself a lot.
Who were some actors discovered by Elia Kazan?
Lee Remick Jo Van Fleet Warren Beatty Andy Griffith Eva Marie Saint and James Dean received their first major roles under his guidance. Robert De Niro cut his weight from 170 to 128 pounds for The Last Tycoon at Kazan's request.
When did Elia Kazan die and what was his age?
Kazan died on the 28th of September 2003 aged ninety-four from natural causes in his Manhattan apartment. He received an Honorary Academy Award in 1999 presented by Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro.