Zero Mostel
Biography
Samuel Joel “Zero” Mostel (February 28, 1915 – September 8, 1977) was an American actor. He was best known for his portrayal of comic characters such as Tevye onstage in Fiddler on the Roof, Pseudolus onstage and onscreen in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Max Bialystock in the original film version of The Producers. He was blacklisted during the 1950s, and his testimony before the House Committee on Un-American Activities was well-publicized. He was a Tony Award and Obie Award winner.
Also Known As
Movie Appearances
The Front
as Hecky Brown
1976
The Producers
as Max Bialystock
1968
Sirocco
as Balukjiaan
1951
Panic in the Streets
as Raymond Fitch
1950
The Enforcer
as 'Big Babe' Lazich
1951
Mel Brooks: Make a Noise
as Self (archive footage)
2013
Du Barry Was a Lady
as Rami, the Swami / Taliostra
1943
Mr. Belvedere Rings the Bell
as Emmett
1951
Rhinoceros
as John
1974
Hitler: The Comedy Years
as Max Bialystock (archive footage) (uncredited)
2007
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
as Pseudolus
1966
Muppet Treasures
as Self
1985
Broadway's Lost Treasures III: The Best of The Tony Awards
as Pseudolus ("A Funny Thing Happened on the ...") (arch. foot.)
2005
Mastermind
as Inspector Hoku Ichihara
1976
The Great Bank Robbery
as Rev. Pious Blue
1969
Fore Play
as President / Don Pasquale
1975
Great Catherine
as Potemkin
1968
The Model and the Marriage Broker
as George Wixted
1951
Journey into Fear
as Kopelkin
1975
The Angel Levine
as Morris Mishkin
1970
TV Appearances
The Merv Griffin Show
as Self
1962
The Ed Sullivan Show
as Self
1948
The Electric Company
as Spell Binder (voice)
1971
The Muppet Show
as Self - Special Guest Star
1976
The Flip Wilson Show
as Self
1970
The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
as Self
1962
The Dick Cavett Show
as Self - Guest
1968
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
as Self
1968
Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
as Self (uncredited)
1968
Tony Awards
as Self - Nominee
1956
Tony Awards
as Self - Presenter
1956
Tony Awards
as Self - Performer
1956