Uta Thyra Hagen

Born:

June 12, 1919, Göttingen, Germany

Died:

January 14, 2004, New York City, New York, USA

Nationality:

American (naturalized)

Profession(s):

Actress, Acting Teacher, Author

Early Life and Education

• Born in Germany to art historian Oskar Hagen and opera singer Thyra Leisner.
• Family emigrated to the United States in 1924.
• Studied acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

Career and Major Achievements

• Made her professional stage debut in 1937 as Ophelia in Hamlet.
• Won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance in The Country Girl (1951).
• Won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for her performance in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1963).
• Renowned acting teacher, teaching at HB Studio in New York City for over 50 years.
• Taught numerous prominent actors, including Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Liza Minnelli.

Notable Works

• Plays: The Country Girl, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Othello, A Streetcar Named Desire.
• Film: Reversal of Fortune (1990).
• Publications:
  • Respect for Acting (1973) - a highly influential acting manual. The lasting influence of Respect for Acting and the discussion of various uta hagen biography books devoted to her life and career shows her impact.
  • A Challenge for the Actor (1991).

Legacy and Impact

Uta Hagen's influence on American acting is profound. As a performer, she delivered memorable stage performances. As an acting teacher and author, she shaped generations of actors with her practical and insightful approach to the craft.

Awards and Recognition

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