Sam Wanamaker

Sam Wanamaker – Life, Career, and Legacy

Sam Wanamaker (1919–1993) was an American actor, director, and theatre visionary, best known for championing the reconstruction of Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Explore his life story, artistic achievements, and lasting impact.

Introduction

Sam Wanamaker (born Samuel Wattenmacker; June 14, 1919 – December 18, 1993) was an American actor and director whose career spanned stage, film, and television across the U.S. and the U.K.

He is perhaps most celebrated not just for his artistic work, but for his tireless dedication to reconstructing Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, reviving a cultural icon and preserving theatrical heritage.

Early Life and Family

Sam Wanamaker was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Jewish immigrant parents from the Russian Empire (in what is now Ukraine). Samuel Wattenmacker (later anglicized).

He grew up in a household valuing craftsmanship and perseverance: his father, Maurice (originally Manus Wattenmacker/Watmakher), was a tailor. Goodman School of Drama in Chicago, as well as additionally studying at the Art Institute of Chicago and at Drake University.

In the late 1930s, he worked in summer stock theatre companies across the Midwest, including helping build the stage at the Peninsula Players Theatre in Wisconsin in 1937.

In 1940, he married Canadian actress Charlotte Holland; they had three daughters, including the actress Zoë Wanamaker.

Career & Artistic Achievements

Broadway, Early Acting & Political Climate

Wanamaker made his Broadway presence known in the 1940s. He performed in Joan of Lorraine and other stage productions, gradually establishing himself as both actor and director.

During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946.

However, in the early 1950s, during the McCarthy era and the heightened scrutiny of alleged communist sympathies, Wanamaker faced the risk of blacklisting.

While filming Mr. Denning Drives North in the U.K., he learned of his blacklist status and opted to remain in Britain.

Thus, much of his subsequent life’s work developed in the U.K., especially in theatre and television.

Theatre & Direction in Britain

Once settled in the U.K., Wanamaker immersed himself in stage direction and production. In 1957, he was appointed to lead the New Shakespeare Theatre, Liverpool, revitalizing its programming to include theatrical, musical, and art offerings.

In 1959, he joined the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre company (Stratford-upon-Avon) and appeared as Iago opposite Paul Robeson’s Othello in Tony Richardson’s production.

He also directed operas, theatrical works, and musicals. His directorial credits include The File of the Golden Goose (1969), The Executioner (1970), Catlow (1971), and Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977) in cinema and TV.

In addition, he brought productions to Covent Garden, staged Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations in 1974, and directed opera (e.g., Aida) featuring Luciano Pavarotti in San Francisco.

Film & Television Work

Wanamaker maintained a steady body of screen work even while focusing on theatre. Some of his acting credits include:

• The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1965) as Peters

• Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines (1965) as George Gruber

• The Spiral Staircase (1974)

• Private Benjamin (1980)

• Raw Deal (1986)

• Baby Boom (1987)

• Superman IV: The Quest for Peace (1987)

In television, one of his notable roles was Moses Weiss in the acclaimed mini-series Holocaust (1978), for which he earned a Primetime Emmy nomination.

He also directed numerous TV episodes in the 1960s and 1970s (e.g. Columbo, Cimarron Strip, The Champions)

The Globe Theatre Project

Perhaps Wanamaker’s most enduring legacy is his role in reconstructing Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on Bankside, London.

• On his first visit to London in 1949, he was disappointed to find that the original Globe location was marked only by a darkened plaque on a brewery.

• In 1970, he founded the Shakespeare Globe Trust and the International Shakespeare Globe Centre, raising funds and support for a faithful reconstruction of the Globe.

• Despite significant bureaucratic, architectural, and funding challenges (including resistance from local authorities), the project progressed steadily.

• The reconstructed Globe opened in partial form in 1997, after Wanamaker’s death.

• The indoor performance space at the site is named the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in his honor, and a plaque at the Globe commemorates his vision.

• For his contributions, in July 1993 he was made an Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

His devotion to this theatre project has been described as his “great obsession,” a mission that merged his artistic passion with architectural and historical fidelity.

Personal Challenges & Later Life

Wanamaker’s decision to remain in Britain was partly motivated by fears of blacklisting in Hollywood.

He continued working persistently despite health challenges. He died of lung cancer in London on December 18, 1993, aged 74.

He did not live to see the full opening of the Globe he helped to reconstruct, which was inaugurated in 1997.

Legacy & Influence

• Sam Wanamaker is remembered today as the crucial force behind the revival of Shakespeare’s Globe as a functioning, living theatre.

• The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse ensures his name remains central to contemporary performances at the Globe.

• His daughter, Zoë Wanamaker, has become a distinguished actress, continuing the family’s contribution to stage and screen.

• Across theatre, film, and television, his dual role as actor and director allowed him to shape both performance and production in transatlantic artistic contexts.

• His tenacity in realizing an architectural and cultural dream demonstrates how an artist’s vision can translate into lasting public legacy.

Selected Quotes & Reflections

While Sam Wanamaker is less quoted for pithy aphorisms than for his actions, some reflections and notes on his philosophy survive:

• Regarding the Globe, he is said to have described it as a dream worth dedicating one’s life to, a place where “Shakespeare’s theatre will live again.” (paraphrase of many accounts)

• In his advocacy speeches and fundraising efforts, he emphasized authenticity: ensuring the reconstruction used historically informed materials, techniques, and design.

• He also expressed faith in theatre’s power to connect past and present, and to engage audiences viscerally rather than as museum artifacts. (implied in his persistent efforts)

Lessons from Sam Wanamaker’s Life

1. Vision beyond one’s lifetime
   Wanamaker dedicated decades to a project (the Globe) that he would not live to see fully realized — yet he laid the foundation for something lasting.

2. Artistic versatility
   His ability to act, direct, produce, and lead institutional projects shows how flexibility in the arts can amplify one’s impact.

3. Cultural perseverance in adversity
   He navigated political obstacles (blacklisting, surveillance) yet continued to create and lead across borders.

4. Integration of history and creativity
   He applied scholarly, architectural, and historical research to artistic practice — balancing fidelity and theatricality.

5. Legacy through institution-building
   Beyond roles, his establishment of the Globe Trust and long-term institutional work ensure his vision has ongoing life.

Conclusion

Sam Wanamaker’s legacy is unique: he was not only a compelling actor and director, but also a theatre visionary who bridged America and Britain to revive the Globe. His life stands as a testament to artistic passion, perseverance under political pressure, and the power of cultural restoration.