Actor, Director. The younger of two sons of Maurice and Molly Wattenmacker, he attended Drake University and in 1940 married Charlotte Holland with whom he had three children. He later served with distinction in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked in regional and touring theatre companies, making his London debut in 1952. He remained there, concerned about the possible impact that the McCarthy hearings would have on his career. His work in London encompassed both acting and directorial duties including the premiere of "Threepenny Opera" and productions at Covent Garden and the Royal Opera House. In 1957, he was appointed director of the New Shakespeare Theatre, Liverpool, and in 1959 joined the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre company at Stratford-upon-Avon. Moving into films and television, he worked as both director and actor. Appearances include "Baby Boom," "Private Benjamin," "The Spy Who Came In From the Cold," and "The Voyage of the Damned." His many directorial roles include Verdi's "Aida" starring Luciano Pavarotti at the San Francisco Opera. In 1970, he became committed to restoring Shakespeare's Globe Theatre at its original site. He raised over ten million dollars for the project and work was completed in 1997. He was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in July of 1993. Sadly, he died of prostate cancer four years prior to its grand opening. A plaque was added on the river side wall of the theatre that reads: "Sam Wanamaker 1919-1993: Visionary Who Recreated Shakespeare's Globe." In his lifetime, he had over eighty acting and twenty-five directing credits in television and film, in addition to a considerable theatre resume.
Actor, Director. The younger of two sons of Maurice and Molly Wattenmacker, he attended Drake University and in 1940 married Charlotte Holland with whom he had three children. He later served with distinction in the U.S. Army during World War II. He worked in regional and touring theatre companies, making his London debut in 1952. He remained there, concerned about the possible impact that the McCarthy hearings would have on his career. His work in London encompassed both acting and directorial duties including the premiere of "Threepenny Opera" and productions at Covent Garden and the Royal Opera House. In 1957, he was appointed director of the New Shakespeare Theatre, Liverpool, and in 1959 joined the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre company at Stratford-upon-Avon. Moving into films and television, he worked as both director and actor. Appearances include "Baby Boom," "Private Benjamin," "The Spy Who Came In From the Cold," and "The Voyage of the Damned." His many directorial roles include Verdi's "Aida" starring Luciano Pavarotti at the San Francisco Opera. In 1970, he became committed to restoring Shakespeare's Globe Theatre at its original site. He raised over ten million dollars for the project and work was completed in 1997. He was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in July of 1993. Sadly, he died of prostate cancer four years prior to its grand opening. A plaque was added on the river side wall of the theatre that reads: "Sam Wanamaker 1919-1993: Visionary Who Recreated Shakespeare's Globe." In his lifetime, he had over eighty acting and twenty-five directing credits in television and film, in addition to a considerable theatre resume.
Bio by: Winter Birds PA
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