The son of a Newark dentist, Robert Ellenstein grew up in that New Jersey city and saw his father go on to become its two-term mayor. He got his feet wet acting-wise prior to serving with the Air Corps during World War II; earning a Purple Heart during his service, he began acting, directing and teaching in Cleveland, Ohio. A veteran of the "Golden Age" of live television . Robert Ellenstein died at age 87 of natural causes on October 28, 2010.
Father of David Ellenstein and Peter Ellenstein.
Survived by his wife of 58 years, Lois Sylvia Stang; sons David and Peter; daughter Jan; and four grandchildren.
Artistic director of The Company of Angels and founding artistic director of the Los Angeles Repertory Company.
Founder of the Los Angeles Academy of Stage and Cinematic Arts, where he taught theatre professionally and academically for over 50 years.
Best remembered for his role as the Federation President in the sequel film Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home .
Served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II; earning a Purple Heart during his service.
Was awarded the lifetime achievement award at the 1988 LA Weekly Theater Awards.
Attended and graduated from New York University in New York City.
Attended and graduated with honors from the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
The most memorable role for which he is least known? Licht, in the Hitchcock classic, North by Northwest. As one of James Masons (Phillip Vandamm) evil henchmen, Licht is first introduced during the films opening scene, when he participates in the kidnapping of Cary Grants character, Roger Thornhill from the Plaza Hotels Oak Bar. Later, in whats arguably now the films most iconic scene, the crop-dusting biplane which crashes and burns while attempting to kill Roger as he awaits the mythical Mr. Kaplan at the desolate Prairie Stop is actually being flown by Licht. However, Alfred Hitchcock knew that it would be much more menacing if the pilot were never actually seen, and if Roger was threatened by a faceless, impersonal machine. The plane gets destroyed, and Licht is killed, while his character simply disappears from the rest of film without any further mention ever being made of him, or any explanation of his absence being given.
