Sam Wanamaker dies at 74
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.SAM WANAMAKER, the American actor and director, died at his London home yesterday afternoon, aged 74. He had been suffering from cancer for five years.
Originally a classical actor, Wanamaker's love of Shakespeare led him to devote 24 years of his life to leading a campaign to reconstruct the Globe Playhouse, in which most of the dramatist's works were first performed, near its original site by the Thames. He died with his goal still two years distant: the rebuilt Globe is to open in April, 1995.
During his acting career he appeared in such films as The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1966), Death on the Nile (1978), and Guilty by Suspicion (1991), which deals with the work of the US Congressional committee that led the witch-hunt against communists in the early 1950s. Right-wing political pressure caused Wanamaker to leave the US for Britain 48 years ago.
His work as a director includes The Executioner (1970) and Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977) as well as television series and opera productions in Covent Garden and Sydney.
Wanamaker, who was made an honorary CBE in July, is survived by his wife, Charlotte and daughters Abby, the actress Zoe, and Jessica. Yesterday Jessica said her father had shown great tenacity.
'We knew for a long time that this was happening, but his death is still a shock.'
The actress and Labour MP Glenda Jackson, who supported the Globe project, paid tribute to Wanamaker's devotion to it. 'His passion for Shakespeare was inspirational,' she said.
(Photograph omitted)
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments