Abraham Sofaer

Biography

Abraham Sofaer (October 1, 1896 – January 21, 1988) was a distinguished stage actor of Burmese-Jewish heritage, recognized for his compelling supporting roles in film and television later in his career. Born in Rangoon, Burma (present-day Yangon, Myanmar), Sofaer's commanding presence and deep voice made him ideal for a variety of exotic characters.

His acting journey commenced on the London stage in 1921, where he quickly transitioned between London and Broadway productions. By the 1930s, he was making his mark in both British and American cinema. Notable performances include his striking dual portrayal of a Judge and Surgeon in the acclaimed film "A Matter of Life and Death" (1946) and his role as St. Paul in the epic "Quo Vadis" (1951).

Sofaer was also an early participant in the television medium, appearing in the late 1930s and contributing to radio broadcasts. Although his film roles became less frequent after the 1950s, he remained active in television, guest-starring in numerous popular series throughout the 1960s, such as "Star Trek" ("Charlie X"), "The Twilight Zone" ("The Mighty Casey"), "Lost in Space" ("The Flaming Planet"), and "The Outer Limits" ("Demon with a Glass Hand"). He is perhaps best remembered for his recurring role as Hadji, the all-powerful genie master, on "I Dream of Jeannie."

Sofaer was married to Psyche Angela Christian and was the father of two sons and four daughters. He passed away in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, due to congestive heart failure in 1988. Notably, a prominent jurist shares his name and is a cousin of the actor.