Ralph Tabakin (September 22, 1921 – May 13, 2001) was an American actor.
Ralph Tabakin | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | September 22, 1921 San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | May 13, 2001 (aged 79) Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S. |
| 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 |
Career
editIn 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,[citation needed] 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
editBorn 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.[1] He also worked as a Federal Aviation Administration engineer for several years.[2] He died in 2001 due to heart disease.[1] He is buried in Judean Memorial Gardens in Olney, Maryland.[2]
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
editReferences
edit- ^ 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.