Biography
Lionel Stander was an American actor whose career in theatre, film, radio and television spanned nearly seven decades. Born in the Bronx, New York City, on 11 January 1908, he made his stage debut at the age of 19 and appeared in his first film short in 1933. His distinctive raspy voice and gravelly delivery suited him to roles as tough or cynical characters.
Stander appeared in films including Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936), A Star Is Born (1937) and Cul-de-Sac (1966). He was blacklisted in Hollywood during the 1950s after testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee and worked for a time in Europe, including as the Innkeeper in Once Upon a Time in the West (1968). Later credits included New York, New York (1977), 1941 (1979) and the television series Hart to Hart (1979–84), in which he played Max. He died in Los Angeles on 30 November 1994.
