Allen Garfield
Biography
Allen Garfield, who was born and sometimes credited as Allen Goorwitz, was an American film and television actor. He was born on November 22, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, to parents Alice, née Lavroff, and Philip Goorwitz. He graduated from Weequahic High School, after which he worked as a sports reporter and a Golden Gloves boxer before pursuing acting. He studied acting at The Actors Studio in New York City with Lee Strasberg and Elia Kazan, and worked on stage prior to entering film. Garfield was a prolific and quirky actor known for portraying nervous villains, corrupt businessmen, and politicians. Over his career, he appeared in over 100 films and television shows, in addition to two art films. He passed away on April 7, 2020.
Career overview
Allen Garfield was born Allen Goorwitz on November 22, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, to parents Alice and Philip Goorwitz. Before beginning his career as an actor, he graduated from Weequahic High School, worked as a sports reporter, and was a Golden Gloves boxer. He pursued acting training in New York City at The Actors Studio under the instruction of Lee Strasberg and Elia Kazan, initially working on the stage before transitioning to film and television.
Garfield was a prolific and quirky performer recognized for portraying nervous villains, corrupt businessmen, and politicians. Throughout his career, he appeared in more than 100 films and television shows, in addition to working in two art films. He was sometimes credited under his birth name, Allen Goorwitz, or as Alan Garfie.
He passed away on April 7, 2020, at the age of 80. His extensive screen credits and background in both theatre and boxing established him as a notable American film and television actor.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
105 titles- Chief Zabu (2016) as Ben Sydney
- White Boy (2002) as Mr. Rosen
- The Majestic (2001) as Leo Kubelsky
- The West Wing (1999) as Roger Becker
- The Ninth Gate (1999) as Witkin
- The Lot (1999) as Harry Sylver
- Absence of the Good (1999) as Lieutenant Paul Taylor
- Sports Night (1998) as Chuck 'The Cut Man' Kimmel
- Get a Job (1998) as Mr. Berger / Psychiatrist
- Dharma & Greg (1997) as Stan Gottlieb
- Obsession (1997) as Simon Frischmuth
- Diabolique (1996) as Leo Katzman
- Wild Side (1996) as Dan Rackman
- Crime of the Century (1996) as Lt. James Finn
- Destiny Turns on the Radio (1995) as Vinnie Vidivici
- Stuart Saves His Family (1995) as Maitre D'
- Chicago Hope (1994) as Raymond Kadalski
- The Patriots (1994) as Eagleman
- Cyborg 2 (1993) as Martin Dunn
- Jack's Place (1992)
- Miracle Beach (1992) as Magnus O'Leary
- Citizen Cohn (1992) as Abe Feller
- Jack and His Friends (1992) as Jack
- Until the End of the World (1991) as Bernie, Used Car Dealer
- Palace Guard (1991) as Sy Hertzog
- Eddie Dodd (1991)
- Grave Images (1991) as Jerry
- Law & Order (1990) as Carl Berg
- Dick Tracy (1990) as Reporter
- Club Fed (1990) as Harrison Farnsworth IV
- Let It Ride (1989) as Greenberg
- Night Visitor (1989) as Zachary Willard
- Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) as Harold Lutz
- You Ruined My Life (1987) as Howie
- Matlock (1986) as Detective Richard Cox
- Sins (1986) as Adam Gore
- Desert Bloom (1986) as Mr. Mosol
- Killer in the Mirror (1986)
- Report from Hollywood (1985)
- Tales from the Darkside (1984) as Donald / Kingsley Diamond / Michael Rudnick / The Devil
- The Cotton Club (1984) as Otto 'Abbadabba' Berman
- Teachers (1984) as Carl Rosenberg
- Irreconcilable Differences (1984) as Phil Hanner
- The Black Stallion Returns (1983) as Kurr
- Get Crazy (1983) as Max Wolfe
- Trial by Terror (1983)
- One from the Heart (1982) as Restaurant Owner
- The State of Things (1982) as Gordon
- Continental Divide (1981) as Howard McDermott
- Leave 'Em Laughing (1981) as Dr. Arthur Abrams
- The Stunt Man (1980) as Sam
- One Trick Pony (1980) as Cal van Damp
- Trapper John, M.D. (1979)
- Fyre (1979) as Preacher
- Taxi (1978) as Mr. Ratledge
- Ring of Passion (1978) as Damon Runyon
- The Brink's Job (1978) as Vinnie Costa
- Sketches of a Strangler (1978) as Jack Garvey (as Allen Goorwitz)
- Nowhere to Run (1978) as Herbie Stolz
- Skateboard (1978) as Manny Bloom
- Gable and Lombard (1976) as Louis B. Mayer
- Mother, Jugs & Speed (1976) as Harry Fishbine
- Paco (1976) as Padre
- Serpico: The Deadly Game (1976) as The Professor
- The Million Dollar Rip-Off (1976) as Lt. Ralph Fogherty
- Kate McShane (1975) as Marty Goodman
- Nashville (1975) as Barnett
- Rhoda (1974)
- The Conversation (1974) as William P. 'Bernie' Moran
- The Front Page (1974) as Kruger
- Busting (1974) as Carl Rizzo
- Sonny Boy (1974) as Sonny Boy Walker
- Virginia Hill (1974) as Leo Ritchie
- Judgment: The Trial of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg (1974) as David Greenglass
- Adam's Rib (1973) as Attinger
- Slither (1973) as Vincent J. Palmer
- The Marcus-Nelson Murders (1973) as Mario Portello
- Incident at Vichy (1973) as Lebeau, A Painter
- The Bob Newhart Show (1972) as The Manager
- Search (1972)
- Banyon (1972) as Henry Spear
- The Candidate (1972) as Klein
- Get to Know Your Rabbit (1972) as Vic
- Top of the Heap (1972) as Taxi Driver
- Footsteps (1972) as Brewster
- The Organization (1971) as Benjy
- Bananas (1971) as Man On Cross
- Taking Off (1971) as Norman
- Cry Uncle! (1971) as Jake Masters
- Cry Uncle! (1971) Additional Dialogue
- Believe in Me (1971) as Stutter
- You've Got To Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat (1971) as Herby Moss
- March of the Spring Hare (1971) as Martin Axborough
- McCloud (1970)
- Hi, Mom! (1970) as Joe Banner
- The Owl and the Pussycat (1970) as Dress Shop Proprietor
- The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful (1970) as Moreno
- Putney Swope (1969) as Elias, Jr.
- The Mod Squad (1968) as Charles Weaver
- Greetings (1968) as Smut Peddler
- Orgy Girls '69 (1968)
- Ironside (1967)
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- Bonanza (1959) as Charlie
- Gunsmoke (1955) as Henry Decory
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Allen Garfield best known for?
Allen Garfield is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Majestic (2001), The Bridges of Madison County (1995), The Ninth Gate (1999), Repulsion (1965).
When and where was Allen Garfield born?
Allen Garfield was born on November 22, 1939 in Newark, New Jersey, USA. They passed away on April 7, 2020.
How many credits does Allen Garfield have?
Allen Garfield has accumulated over 105 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1955 to 2016.
What is Allen Garfield's background in cinema and television?
Allen Garfield, who was born and sometimes credited as Allen Goorwitz, was an American film and television actor. He was born on November 22, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey, to parents Alice, née Lavroff, and Philip Goorwitz. He graduated from Weequahic High School, after which he worked as a sports reporter and a Golden ...
Allen Garfield by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The West Wing (1999) as Roger Becker — aged about 59
- Jack's Place (1992) — aged about 52
- Banyon (1972) as Henry Spear — aged about 32
- The Conversation (1974) as William P. 'Bernie' Moran — aged about 34
- The Bob Newhart Show (1972) as The Manager — aged about 32
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self — aged about 22
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