Lee J. Cobb

Biography

Lee J. Cobb (December 8, 1911 — February 11, 1976) was a distinguished American actor renowned for his compelling performances across film, theater, and television. He garnered critical acclaim for his role in On the Waterfront (1954), earning an Academy Award nomination, and is also celebrated for his performances in cinematic classics such as 12 Angry Men (1957) and The Exorcist (1973). Cobb made a significant mark on Broadway as Willy Loman in the original production of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman (1949), directed by Elia Kazan.

Born Leo Jacob in New York City and raised in The Bronx, Cobb pursued his passion for acting at New York University, eventually making his film debut in The Vanishing Shadow (1934). His theatrical journey included notable engagements with the Group Theatre in New York, and he served with the First Motion Picture Unit of the Army Air Force during World War II.

Cobb's career faced a tumultuous period during the early 1950s when he was called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee, leading him to name several individuals as former members of the Communist Party. Despite these challenges, he continued to work with prominent filmmakers like Kazan and Budd Schulberg, contributing to the impactful On the Waterfront. His portrayal of King Lear on Broadway in 1968 set a record with 72 performances, showcasing his enduring talent. Cobb passed away from a heart attack in Woodland Hills, California, leaving behind his second wife, Mary Hirsch, and his daughter, Julie Cobb, who followed in his footsteps as an actress. He was laid to rest at Mount Sinai Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.