Lee Strasberg

Overview
Lee Strasberg (1901–1982) was an American actor, director, and teacher who is often referred to as the father of Method Acting in the United States. His adaptation of Konstantin Stanislavski’s System focused on emotional recall and sensory exercises, which transformed how actors approached their craft. Strasberg co-founded the Group Theatre in 1931 and later served as the artistic director of the Actors Studio in New York City, where he trained many of the 20th century’s greatest actors.

Strasberg’s work emphasized accessing genuine emotions through deeply personal connections, making performances more natural and compelling. His influence extends to stage and screen acting, with his methods becoming a cornerstone of American acting training.

Key Contributions

Emotional Recall
Strasberg’s technique encourages actors to draw on their own life experiences to access the emotions required for a role. By recalling personal memories tied to similar feelings, actors can bring authenticity to their performances.

Sensory Exercises
Strasberg introduced exercises to help actors engage their senses and respond truthfully to imagined circumstances. These exercises involve focusing on smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound to build realistic and detailed responses.

The Actors Studio
As artistic director of the Actors Studio, Strasberg mentored some of the most iconic actors of the 20th century, including Marlon Brando, Marilyn Monroe, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro. The Studio became a hub for Method Acting and remains an influential institution in actor training.

Legacy of Method Acting
Strasberg’s adaptation of Stanislavski’s work reshaped American acting, particularly in film. His techniques encourage actors to immerse themselves fully in their roles, leading to powerful and memorable performances.

Notable Works and Teachings

The Method
Strasberg’s interpretation of Stanislavski’s System focuses on the actor’s inner life and the connection between personal emotions and the character’s experiences. The Method emphasizes psychological and emotional preparation, making it particularly effective for roles requiring deep emotional complexity.

Strasberg at the Actors Studio: Tape-Recorded Sessions
This collection of transcribed sessions offers invaluable insights into Strasberg’s teaching methods and philosophies, providing a window into his approach to training actors.

Legacy and Impact
Strasberg’s influence is evident in the work of actors trained under him, many of whom redefined acting in American cinema. His techniques paved the way for the raw, emotionally charged performances that became synonymous with the Golden Age of Hollywood and beyond. Actors such as Al Pacino and Dustin Hoffman credit Strasberg with transforming their craft. His teachings continue to be studied and practiced in acting schools worldwide.

Fun Facts

  • Strasberg appeared on screen in The Godfather Part II as Hyman Roth, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

  • Marilyn Monroe famously studied under Strasberg and left her acting estate to his wife, Anna Strasberg.

  • Strasberg was one of the founders of the Group Theatre, which brought socially conscious and realistic plays to American stages during the 1930s.