Norman Alden(1924-2012)
- Actor
- Additional Crew
Born Norman Adelberg in 1924, he served in the Army during World War
II. At the end of the conflict he had the opportunity to benefit from
the GI Bill program meant to help returning soldiers to
start or resume studying. That is how, while attending Texas Christian
University, he discovered on the boards of on-campus theater that he
had a talent for acting. This was the beginning of a long, long career.
Though most of the time in small or even bit parts, Alden, worked for
such big names as Howard Hawks,
Jerry Lewis,
Walt Disney,
Woody Allen and
Tim Burton. He might have become a
major star himself after
Richard C. Sarafian chose him for
the title role of Andy (1965). The director
must have been very pleased with Alden for, as Andy Chadakis - the
retarded son of elderly Greek immigrants - he showed remarkable acting
ability . Unfortunately, the film was little seen and the gifted actor
landed no other parts of such importance and quality afterward.
