Stella Adler
- Born:
- February 10, 1901, New York City, New York, USA
- Died:
- December 21, 1992, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actress, Acting Teacher, Director
Early Life and Education
- Born into a prominent Yiddish theatre family; her parents were Jacob and Sara Adler.
- Began acting on stage at a young age, touring with her family's company.
- Studied at the American Laboratory Theatre under Richard Boleslavsky and Maria Ouspenskaya.
Career and Major Achievements
- Joined the Group Theatre in the 1930s, becoming a leading actress in their productions.
- Became a strong proponent of the Stanislavski System of acting, but later developed her own interpretation emphasizing imagination and actor choice.
- Opened the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York City in 1949, which continues to operate.
- Taught and mentored numerous successful actors, including Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, and Warren Beatty.
- Directed plays both on and off Broadway.
Notable Works
Acting (Selected Stage Roles)
- Awake and Sing!
- Golden Boy
- Paris Bound
Acting (Film)
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1937 | Love on Toast | Lydia |
| 1947 | My Girl Tisa | Mama Romulus |
| 1988 | Big Girl Don't Cry... They Get Even | Grandma Marilyn |
| 1991 | Shadows and Fog | Clerk at Dr. Kosokow's office |
Publications
- The Art of Acting (1988)
Legacy and Impact
Stella Adler's enduring legacy lies in her influential approach to acting training, which emphasized the actor's imagination and personal interpretation of a role. She is considered one of the most important acting teachers of the 20th century. A detailed understanding of the key moments in the `stella adler biography timeline` is crucial for appreciating her contributions to theatre and film.