Martin Balsam Trivia: 31 Questions to Test Your Memory
Updated: May 16, 2024
Martin Henry Balsam was an American actor. Get ready to flex your Martin Balsam muscles! This quiz features 31 questions on everything from the basics to the most obscure facts. Can you ace it? Challenge yourself.
Martin Balsam was born on November 4, 1919. He was an American actor who appeared in over 100 films and television shows. He is best known for his roles in the films "12 Angry Men" (1957), "Psycho" (1960), and "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961). Balsam won an Emmy Award for his role in the television series "The Defenders" (1961-1965).
Martin Balsam won an Academy Award for his supporting role in the 1965 film "A Thousand Clowns." The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, are presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence in filmmaking. Balsam's performance as Arnold Burns, the eccentric uncle of the film's protagonist, was highly praised and earned him the award for Best Supporting Actor.
Milton Arbogast, played by Martin Balsam in Psycho, is a private detective hired by Marion Crane's sister to investigate her disappearance. Arbogast's investigation leads him to the Bates Motel, where he encounters the enigmatic Norman Bates. Arbogast's suspicions about Bates grow as he uncovers inconsistencies in his story and witnesses strange behavior. Ultimately, Arbogast's determination to uncover the truth leads to his untimely demise at the hands of Bates.
In the classic film "12 Angry Men," Martin Balsam portrayed Juror #1, the foreman of the jury. The film follows the deliberations of 12 jurors as they attempt to reach a unanimous verdict in a murder trial. Balsam's character, a level-headed and respected figure, plays a pivotal role in guiding the jury through the complex process of reaching a consensus.
O.J. Berman, portrayed by Martin Balsam, is a private investigator hired by Paul Varjak to look into Holly Golightly's past. Berman is a seasoned professional who approaches his task with discretion and efficiency. He uncovers details about Holly's troubled childhood and her involvement with a wealthy Brazilian playboy, providing valuable insights into her enigmatic character.
You Know I Can't Hear You When The Water's Running
The Glass Menagerie
A Streetcar Named Desire
Death Of A Salesman
Incorrect
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Martin Balsam won a Tony Award for his performance in the play "You Know I Can't Hear You When the Water's Running." The play, written by Robert Anderson, premiered on Broadway in 1967 and follows the lives of four middle-aged couples as they navigate the challenges of marriage, infidelity, and aging.
Bernard B. Norman, played by Martin Balsam in "The Carpetbaggers," is a ruthless and ambitious businessman who manipulates the lives of others to achieve his goals. He is a key figure in the novel's exploration of the corrupting influence of power and wealth. Balsam's portrayal of Norman is both menacing and charismatic, capturing the character's complex and dangerous nature.
Lt. Commander Chester Potter, played by Martin Balsam in The Bedford Incident, is a key figure in the film's exploration of Cold War tensions and the potential for nuclear conflict. As the executive officer of the USS Bedford, Potter is responsible for maintaining order and discipline aboard the ship during a tense encounter with a Soviet submarine.
Catch-22, a satirical war film released in 1970, features Martin Balsam in the role of Colonel Cathcart, a high-ranking officer obsessed with promotions and personal glory. Balsam's portrayal of the ambitious and self-serving Cathcart adds depth to the film's exploration of the absurdity and bureaucracy of war.
Admiral Husband E. Kimmel, played by Martin Balsam in "Tora! Tora! Tora!", was the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Pacific Fleet during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was responsible for the defense of the naval base and was criticized for failing to anticipate the Japanese attack.
Mr. Green, portrayed by Martin Balsam, is a key character in the film The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. He is a seasoned police lieutenant who takes charge of the hostage negotiation with the hijackers who have seized a subway train. Balsam's portrayal of Mr. Green showcases his ability to convey both authority and empathy, making him a pivotal figure in the film's tense and suspenseful plot.
Signor Bianchi, played by Martin Balsam, was a key character in Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express." As the owner of the Orient Express train, Bianchi initially assists in the investigation of the murder of Samuel Ratchett. However, it is later revealed that Bianchi is Ratchett's former business associate, Antonio Foscarelli, who sought revenge for the death of his sister, Daisy Armstrong.
In the acclaimed film "All the President's Men," Martin Balsam portrayed Howard Simons, the editor of The Washington Post. Balsam's portrayal of Simons, a key figure in the investigation of the Watergate scandal, was highly praised for its authenticity and nuance. The film, released in 1976, remains a classic in the political thriller genre and a testament to Balsam's exceptional acting abilities.
Dr. Kildare, a medical drama series that aired from 1961 to 1966, featured Martin Balsam in the role of Dr. Milton Orloff. Orloff was a senior surgeon at Blair General Hospital, where the show was set. Balsam's portrayal of the character was well-received, and he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his performance in 1963.
Murray Klein, portrayed by Martin Balsam, was a recurring character in the sitcom "Archie Bunker's Place." Klein was a Jewish businessman and friend of Archie Bunker, the show's protagonist. Klein's character provided a contrasting perspective to Archie's often bigoted and narrow-minded views, leading to humorous and thought-provoking interactions between the two.
Talia Balsam is the daughter of renowned actor Martin Balsam. She followed in her father's footsteps, becoming an accomplished actress in her own right. Talia has appeared in numerous films and television shows, showcasing her versatility and talent. Her notable works include her roles in "Mad Men," "Homeland," and "Divorce."
Emmy is the award that Martin Balsam did not win. He was nominated for five Emmys but never won. He did, however, win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Thousand Clowns (1965).
Henry was Martin Balsam's middle name. Balsam, an American actor, was known for his roles in films such as "12 Angry Men" and "Psycho." He was born Martin Henry Balsam on November 4, 1919, in the Bronx, New York City, and passed away on February 13, 1996, in Rome, Italy.
Martin Balsam passed away on February 13, 1996. He was an American actor who appeared in over 100 films and television shows throughout his career. Balsam received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1965 film A Thousand Clowns. He also starred in films such as 12 Angry Men, Psycho, and The Poseidon Adventure.
Psycho, the iconic horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, featured Martin Balsam in the role of Milton Arbogast, a private detective hired to investigate the disappearance of Marion Crane. Balsam's portrayal of the dogged and determined Arbogast adds depth and intrigue to the film's suspenseful narrative.
In 1965, Martin Balsam received an Academy Award for his supporting role in the film "A Thousand Clowns." Balsam played the role of Arnold Burns, a free-spirited uncle who takes care of his orphaned nephew. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Balsam's performance was praised for its warmth and humor.
Colonel Cathcart, played by Martin Balsam in Catch-22, is a high-ranking officer in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. He is characterized by his arrogance, incompetence, and obsession with self-promotion. Cathcart's actions often lead to disastrous consequences for his subordinates, but he remains oblivious to his own failures.
Ship doctor Martin Balsam played a pivotal role in "The Bedford Incident." As the physician aboard the USS Bedford, he witnessed firsthand the psychological toll of the Cold War standoff and the escalating tensions between the American and Soviet navies. His medical expertise and compassionate nature allowed him to provide support and guidance to the crew during this perilous mission.
Breakfast at Tiffany's, the iconic 1961 romantic comedy, featured Martin Balsam in a memorable role as O.J. Berman, a Hollywood agent. Balsam's portrayal of the shrewd and cynical agent added depth and humor to the film, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His performance alongside Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard helped make Breakfast at Tiffany's a timeless classic.
Howard Simons, played by Martin Balsam in "All the President's Men," was a veteran reporter for The Washington Post. Simons provided guidance and support to young reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein as they investigated the Watergate scandal. His experience and knowledge were invaluable to the team, helping them navigate the complex political landscape and uncover the truth behind the break-in.
Archie Bunker's Place, a spin-off of the popular sitcom All in the Family, featured Martin Balsam as Murray Klein. Klein was a close friend and neighbor of Archie Bunker, the show's main character. Balsam's portrayal of Klein earned him two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. The show ran from 1979 to 1983 and focused on Archie's life after his retirement from the loading dock.
Tony Award: Martin Balsam received the Tony Award for his stage work. The Tony Awards are prestigious accolades bestowed upon excellence in Broadway theatre. Balsam's recognition highlights his exceptional contributions to the stage, showcasing his talent and dedication to the craft of acting.
In "The Bedford Incident," Martin Balsam portrayed Dr. James Barlow, a ship doctor aboard the USS Bedford. The film follows the crew's encounter with a Soviet submarine during the Cold War, as tensions escalate and the threat of nuclear conflict looms. Balsam's character provides a compassionate and empathetic perspective amidst the escalating crisis, highlighting the human toll of war and the importance of diplomacy.
Signor Bianchi, a car salesman, was portrayed by Martin Balsam in the film adaptation of Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express." Bianchi's character played a crucial role in the story as he provided an alibi for the accused murderer, Ratchett. However, his testimony is later proven false, and he is revealed to be one of the multiple assassins responsible for Ratchett's death.
Mr. Green, portrayed by Martin Balsam, is a key figure in "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three." As the mastermind behind the hostage situation, he orchestrates the hijacking of a New York City subway train and demands a hefty ransom. Balsam's portrayal of Mr. Green is both cunning and enigmatic, adding depth to the character and contributing to the film's suspenseful atmosphere.