Peter Strauss is a celebrated American actor renowned for his compelling performances across theatre, film, and television. Born on February 20, 1947, this versatile performer is currently 77 years old as of 2024. His career spans decades, marked by diverse roles and critical acclaim, making him a respected figure in the entertainment industry. From his early theatrical beginnings to his memorable roles in television mini-series and Hollywood films, Strauss has consistently captivated audiences with his talent and dedication to his craft.
Strauss’s journey into acting began in New York City and the suburban charm of Croton-on-Hudson, New York. It was in Croton-on-Hudson where he was first exposed to the magic of theatre through the Croton Shakespeare Festival. This early introduction ignited a passion that would shape his future. His summers were further enriched by experiences with stock companies, including the Pocono Playhouse in Pennsylvania and the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine, providing him with invaluable hands-on training and stage experience. For his formal education, Strauss attended the Hackley School for Boys in Tarrytown, New York, before pursuing higher education at Northwestern University. In 1969, he graduated from Northwestern, fully committed to pursuing a career as a professional actor.
Strauss’s theatrical career is as rich and varied as his on-screen work. He made his Broadway debut in 1981 in Tom Griffin’s “Einstein and the Polar Bear,” marking a significant milestone in his stage career. Beyond Broadway, he has graced numerous stages, including performances in “The Dance Next Door” and “The Mind with the Dirty Man.” His association with the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles saw him in productions like “The Trial of the Catonsville Nine,” showcasing his commitment to thought-provoking and challenging roles. He also appeared in “A Cry of Players” at Baltimore’s Center Stage, further solidifying his presence in regional theatre. More recently, Strauss returned to the stage, portraying iconic figures such as Leonardo da Vinci in “Divine Rivalry” at Hartford Stage, Ben Bradlee in “Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers” for the New York Theater Workshop, and Sigmund Freud in “Sabina” for Primary Stages. He also took on the demanding role of an Alzheimer’s patient in “The Outgoing Tide,” performed at both the Delaware Theater and Primary Stages in New York, demonstrating his continued engagement with complex characters in his later career.
While Peter Strauss has dedicated considerable time to theatre, he is also widely recognized for his extensive work in film and television. His film credits include roles in diverse productions, from Das Wiegenlied vom Totschlag (1970) and The Trial of the Catonsville Nine (1972) early in his career, to The Last Tycoon (1976) and the animated classic The Secret of NIMH (1982), where he lent his voice. He also appeared in Codename Black Angel (1991) and Gegen die Zeit (1995). More recently, he took on roles in Warner Brothers’ feature “License to Wed” (2007) with Robin Williams, played the U.S. President in “XXX: State of the Union” (2005), and featured in independent films like “Drawing Home” and “Sugar Baby,” showcasing his versatility across genres and film scales. Beyond live-action, he contributed his voice to projects like the English voiceover for Albert Lamorisse’s 1953 French film “White Mane” and narrated Tracey Ullman’s “State of the Union” series for Showtime, adding another dimension to his performance portfolio.
However, Strauss may be most prominently known for his numerous starring roles in television films and mini-series. He earned an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Special for his powerful performance in “The Jericho Mile.” His talent has been further recognized with Emmy Award nominations for his iconic roles in the mini-series “Rich Man, Poor Man” and “Masada,” solidifying his status as a television star. He has also garnered five Golden Globe Nominations throughout his career, underscoring his consistent excellence in television acting. His extensive television filmography includes starring roles in The Forgotten Kennedy (1977), Angel on My Shoulder (1980), Whale Murder (1981), The Last Electric Knight (1983), Penalty Phase (1986), Man of Steel (1987), 83 Hours ‘Til Dawn (1990), Trial: The Price of Passion (1992), Men Don’t Tell (1993), Thicker Than Blood (1994), The Yearling (1994), In the Lake of the Woods (1996), Dr. Sam Sheppard: Innocent Victim (1998), A Father’s Choice (2000), and Murder on the Orient Express (2001). He has also starred in notable mini-series such as Tender Is the Night (1985), Kane & Abel (1985), Brotherhood of the Rose (1989), False Arrest (1991), The Crying Child (1996), and Seasons of Love (1999), the latter of which he also executive-produced. His more recent mini-series appearance was as La Hire in the CBS production “Joan of Arc” (2005). Strauss also led the cast in drama series, including “Moloney” (1996) on CBS and “Body & Soul” (2002) on PAX, further demonstrating his staying power and adaptability in the ever-evolving television landscape.
In his personal life, Peter Strauss is married to actress Rachel Ticotin. They reside in Ojai, California, where Strauss engages in a significant venture beyond acting: he operates a commercial citrus enterprise. This enterprise is quite substantial, producing approximately 440 tons of citrus per year, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and connection to agriculture alongside his acting career.
In conclusion, Peter Strauss, currently 77 years old, has built an impressive and enduring career marked by versatility and critical acclaim. From his early theatre experiences to his award-winning television roles and film appearances, Strauss has consistently delivered compelling performances. His ongoing engagement with acting, combined with his successful citrus farming business, paints a picture of a multifaceted individual who continues to contribute to both the arts and agriculture.
