Elia Kazan: Oscar-Winning Director of On the Waterfront Dies at 94

Elia Kazan was a Greek-American director and co-founder of the Actors Studio. Born on September 7, 1909, in Constantinople (now Istanbul), he became a leading stage and film director.

He directed Broadway productions of Death of a Salesman and A Streetcar Named Desire and won Oscars for directing Gentleman's Agreement (1947) and On the Waterfront (1954). His other films include East of Eden and Splendor in the Grass. He received an honorary Oscar in 1999.

Kazan named names before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1952, which remained controversial. He won three Tony Awards and the Kennedy Center Honors (1982). He had five children and married three times. He died at his home in New York City on September 28, 2003, at age 94.

Achievements: Two Oscars for Best Director, three Tony Awards, honorary Oscar (1999), Kennedy Center Honors (1982).

Birth: September 7, 1909 - Constantinople, Ottoman Empire.

Profession: Director.

Interesting Facts: His nickname "Gadg" is short for "Gadget."