Actor and director Sam Wanamaker was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Ukrainian Jewish immigrants, Molly .
In 1987 he founded the International Shakespeare Globe Centre, used to advance two projects. Construction of The Globe Theater, Bankside, Southwark, London. Secondly to support the protection of the archaeological remains of The Rose Theatre, whose details were vital to recreation of The Globe.
In 1994 he was awarded the Laurence Olivier Theatre Award: Society of London Theatres Special Award for Lifetime Achievement (1993 season).
In the 1970s he and actress Jan Sterling entered into a relationship, and although they never married, they stayed together until his death in 1993.
Served in the US army from 1943-46.
Father, with Charlotte Holland , of daughters Abby Wanamaker, Jessica Wanamaker and actress Zo Wanamaker.
Although he was instrumental in the rebuilding of the Globe Theatre in London, England, he did not get to see the theatres grand opening in 1997, having died of prostate cancer four years earlier.
After learning that he had been blacklisted during the "Red Scare" period of the late 1940s-1950s after filming Mr. Denning Drives North in the U.K., he stayed and settled in England.
In 1993 he was awarded an honorary CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queens New Years Honours List for his services to the Globe Theater.
Uncle of Marc Wanamaker.
Last directorial credit was upon Grand Deception , circa 1988 production filmed in USA. Simultaneous to early plans regarding The Rose and The Globe Theatre projects. Several cast participated in attending supportive events spanning up to 1998. Scenes were screened on overhead projector on street based stage, for introduction and as memorial tribute to many international performers present.
