Sanford Meisner

Sanford Meisner is one of the most respected and influential acting teachers of the 20th century. Meisner, Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg are generally regarded as America's three greatest acting teachers. Founding member of The Group Theatre, 1931-1941. Began teaching at New York's Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in 1935; head of the acting program 1936-1958 & 1964-1990. Head of Twentieth Century-Fox Talent Program 1959-1961. Developed what is known as "The Meisner Technique," influenced by "The Stanislavsky System." His students include Academy Award winners Joan Fontaine, Jennifer Jones, Grace Kelly, Edmond O'Brien, Jo Van Fleet, Joanne Woodward, Gregory Peck, Joel Grey, Lee Grant, Diane Keaton, Jon Voight, Mary Steenburgen and Robert Duvall, as well as directors Bob Fosse and Sydney Pollack. Author of "Sanford Meisner on Acting" (with Dennis Longwell). Subject of the documentary Sanford Meisner: The American Theatre's Best Kept Secret (1990), directed by Kent Paul.