Born in 1919 will attest. Later stage work included well-received productions of "I'm Not Rappaport" and his biographical one-man show "Sholem Aleichem". When declining health and high blood pressure forced him to slow down, Persoff took up painting in 1985, studying sketching in Los Angeles. Specializing in watercolor, he has created around 100 works of art, many of which have been exhibited up and down the coast of California.
In his early years he posed for painters who worked out of studios in Manhattans Union Square.
Once asked why he chose acting as a profession, he stated that the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe compelled him to prove himself worthy of his "gift of life."
He was the obscure cab driver in the famous "I coulda been a contender..." scene with Marlon Brando and Rod Steiger in the classic movie On the Waterfront .
When the Actors Studio was formed in 1947 Persoff was in the first "beginners" class directed by Elia Kazan. Among his fellow students were Julie Harris , Steven Hill , Cloris Leachman , James Whitmore , Martin Balsam , Kim Hunter and Jocelyn Brando (Marlon Brando s sister.).
He made guest appearances on both of the longest running prime time dramas in US television history: "Gunsmoke" and "Law & Order" .
(March 2005) Still active, he teaches acting in Cambria, California.
(November 2012) Continues to live in Cambria, California
(April 2003) Living in California and creating artwork
His four children with his wife Thia Persov (b. October 1, 1930) are: Jeffrey Jhonatan Persoff (b. May 18, 1955), New York City. Dan Deckel Persoff (b. October 23, 1956), New York City. Perry Erez Persoff (b. May 4, 1960), Los Angeles. Dahlia Persoff (b. October 30, 1962), Los Angeles.
In his early career he worked under the name "Nick Perry" because he was afraid his Jewish name would alienate some prejudiced people.
He was awarded the 1975 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Distinguished Performance in a Supporting Role for "The Dybbuk" at the Mark Taper Forum Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
Appeared in two films revolving around the life of Christ: The Greatest Story Ever Told and The Last Temptation of Christ .
The difference between film and stage acting is clearly a matter of,reaching the audience. On stage, the actor has to project vocally so he,can be heard in the last seats of the balcony. This alone makes the,acting theatrical and unnatural. . . The film actor must rely on his face,on his eyes mainly, (on his thoughts) to communicate with the audience.
