Ralph Tabakin
Ralph Tabakin | |
---|---|
Born | San Antonio, Texas, U.S. | September 22, 1921
Died | May 13, 2001 Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S. | (aged 79)
Burial place | Judean Memorial Gardens, Olney, Maryland |
Occupation | Actor |
Spouse | Madolyn Doress (m. 1942; died 1996) |
Children | Two daughters, one granddaughter |
Relatives | Two sisters |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States |
Service | U.S. Army |
Rank | Staff sergeant |
Battles / wars | World War II, D-Day |
Awards | Two Bronze Stars and five Purple Hearts |
Ralph Tabakin (September 22, 1921 – May 13, 2001) was an American actor.
Career
[edit]In his acting career, Tabakin is most associated with the work of Barry Levinson, as he appeared in fifteen of Levinson's films from Diner onward. His appearance in Diner began after a visit to the set where he impressed Levinson. Considered a lucky charm of Levinson,[1] Tabakin is perhaps best known for playing medical examiner Dr. Scheiner on the Levinson-produced TV series Homicide: Life on the Street, a recurring character from the first episode through all seven seasons and the follow-up Homicide: The Movie.
Personal life
[edit]Born in San Antonio, Texas, he was the middle child in a family of five. They would also live in New Orleans, Louisiana, before moving and settling in Richmond, Virginia. He was a World War II veteran, being decorated with five Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars.[2] He also worked as a Federal Aviation Administration engineer for several years.[1][3] He died in 2001 due to heart disease.[2] He is buried in Judean Memorial Gardens in Olney, Maryland.[3]
Filmography
[edit]Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1982 | Diner | TV Customer | |
1984 | The Natural | Al's Customer | |
1985 | Young Sherlock Holmes | Policeman in Shop Window | |
1987 | Tin Men | Mr. Hudson | |
1987 | Good Morning, Vietnam | Chaplain Noel | |
1988 | Rain Man | Shift Boss | with Dustin Hoffman |
1990 | Avalon | Principal Dunn | |
1991 | Bugsy | Elevator Operator | |
1992 | Toys | Fred | |
1994 | Jimmy Hollywood | Fan in Hospital | |
1994 | Disclosure | Elevator Attendant | |
1996 | Sleepers | Warden | with Dustin Hoffman |
1997 | Wag the Dog | Southern Man | with Dustin Hoffman |
1998 | Sphere | O.S.S.A. Official | with Dustin Hoffman |
1999 | Liberty Heights | Phil, Spotlight Man at the Gaitey |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Ralph Tabakin at AllMovie
- ^ a b "Ralph Tabakin; Actor, 79". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 16, 2001.
- ^ a b Kelly, Jacques (May 16, 2001). "Ralph Tabakin, 79, actor who appeared in movies, 'Homicide'". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 31, 2021.