Sam Jaffe

1.1. Birth and Family Relations

q=Lower East Side Tenement Museum|position=right
Jaffe was born Shalom Jaffe on March 10, 1891, in New York City, New York, specifically at 97 Orchard Street, which is now the site of the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. His parents, Heida (also known as Ada) and Barnett Jaffe, were Ukrainian Jewish immigrants. His mother was a prominent Yiddish actress in Odesa, Ukraine, before relocating to the United States, where she continued her career as a vaudeville star. His father was a jeweler. Sam was the youngest of four children, with older siblings named Abraham, Sophie, and Annie. From a young age, he began appearing in Yiddish theatre productions alongside his mother, gaining early exposure to the stage.

1.2. Education and Early Career

Jaffe pursued a rigorous academic path before fully committing to acting. He graduated from Townsend Harris High School and went on to study engineering at City College of New York, completing his degree in 1912. He furthered his education with graduate studies at Columbia University. Following his academic pursuits, Jaffe initially embarked on a career in education, working for several years as a mathematics teacher and later as the dean of mathematics at the Bronx Cultural Institute, a college preparatory school. However, his passion for performance eventually led him to return to acting in 1915.

2.1. Stage Activities

Jaffe's professional acting career began in the theatre. Around 1915, he started performing on stage, and by 1918, he had established himself on Broadway. During his early years, he resided in the same apartment building as a young John Huston, forming a close friendship that lasted throughout their lives and later led to collaborations on films.

A notable early stage appearance was in the 1923 Broadway premiere of God of Vengeance (Got fun Nekome^Yiddish) by Sholem Asch, where Jaffe played the role of Reb Ali. This production gained notoriety when the entire cast, producer, and theatre owner were indicted and found guilty on charges of indecency in May 1923, highlighting the controversial nature of the play at the time. Despite his growing film career, Jaffe continued to prioritize his work on stage for many years.

2.2. Film Activities

Jaffe transitioned into film in the mid-1930s, leaving a lasting mark with his distinctive character portrayals and acclaimed performances.

2.3. Television Activities

Jaffe also had a prolific career in television, becoming a familiar face to audiences through both regular roles and numerous guest appearances.

From 1961 to 1965, Jaffe co-starred in the ABC television series Ben Casey, playing the role of Dr. David Zorba alongside Vince Edwards. He appeared in 127 episodes of the series, which became one of his most recognized roles. He also made many guest appearances on various popular television series throughout his career.

Notable guest roles include:

• Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1960, 1961) as the Abbot and Hal Ballew.
• The Law and Mr. Jones (1960-1961) as Martin Berger.
• The Westerner (1961) as Old Man McKeen.
• The Untouchables (1961) as Luigi Valcone.
• Naked City (1961) as Lazslo Lubasz.
• The Islanders (1961) as Papa Mathews.
• Daniel Boone (1964 TV series) (1965) as Jed Tolson.
• Bonanza (1966) as Emperor Norton.
• Batman (1966) as Mr. Zoltan Zorba.
• Night Gallery (1969) in "The Escape Route" segment.
• Alias Smith and Jones (1971-1972) as Soapy Saunders in three episodes.
• The Snoop Sisters (1973) as Issac Waldersack.
• The miniseries QB VII (1974) as Dr. Mark Tessler.
• The Streets of San Francisco (1974) as Alex Zubatuk.
• S.W.A.T. (1975) as Dr. Brunner.
• The Columbo episode "Forgotten Lady" (1975), where he co-starred as a retired doctor murdered by Janet Leigh.
• Harry O (1975) as Dr. Howard Cambridge.
• The Bionic Woman (1976) as Admiral Richter.
• Kojak (1977) as Papa.
• Flying High (1978) as Alsdorf.
• Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1980) as Council Leader/The Keeper.
• The Love Boat (1983) as Professor Weber/Roscoe Weber.

Jaffe's extensive television career continued with numerous appearances in TV movies and specials, showcasing his versatility across different formats.

5.1. Positive Assessment

Jaffe was widely praised for his distinctive acting abilities and versatility. His performances, particularly as the "High Lama" in Lost Horizon, the titular character in Gunga Din, and Doc Erwin Riedenschneider in The Asphalt Jungle, are considered memorable and enduring contributions to cinema. His ability to portray complex and often eccentric characters with depth and nuance earned him critical accolades, including an Academy Award nomination and a Venice Film Festival Best Actor award. Beyond acting, his background as a teacher, musician, and engineer underscored a multifaceted intellect that likely informed his diverse character portrayals. His long-running role in Ben Casey also solidified his status as a beloved figure in television.

5.2. Controversies and Criticism

The most significant controversy impacting Sam Jaffe's career was his inclusion on the Hollywood blacklist during the 1950s. Accused of being a communist sympathizer, Jaffe, like many other artists, faced severe professional repercussions, including a forced seven-year absence from the screen. This period represented a grave infringement on the human rights and artistic freedom of individuals in the entertainment industry. The blacklisting not only unjustly curtailed the careers of talented professionals but also stifled creative expression and critical thought within the arts. Jaffe's experience serves as a stark reminder of the detrimental effects of political persecution on individuals and the broader cultural landscape, highlighting the importance of defending democratic values and freedom of expression. His eventual return to prominence, facilitated by courageous directors, underscored the resilience of artists in the face of such adversity.

6.1. Film

6.2. Television