Peter Strauss stands as a distinguished figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his versatile and compelling performances across theater, film, and television. His career, marked by critical acclaim and audience adoration, includes prestigious accolades such as an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Special for “The Jericho Mile.” Strauss has garnered further recognition with Emmy nominations for his memorable roles in the mini-series “Rich Man, Poor Man” and “Masada,” alongside five Golden Globe nominations, solidifying his place as a respected and accomplished actor.
Strauss’s recent endeavors highlight his enduring passion for the stage. He captivated audiences as Leonardo da Vinci in “Divine Rivalry” at Hartford Stage, and portrayed Ben Bradlee in “Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers” at the New York Theater Workshop. His portrayal of Sigmund Freud in “Sabina” for Primary Stages and his poignant performance as an Alzheimer’s patient in “The Outgoing Tide” for both the Delaware Theater and Primary Stages in New York showcase his commitment to complex and challenging roles.
Beyond theater, Peter Strauss has continued to grace the silver screen. He appeared in Warner Brothers’ “License to Wed” alongside Robin Williams and took on the role of the U.S. President in Columbia’s “XXX: State of the Union.” His versatility extends to independent cinema, with roles in “Drawing Home” and “Sugar Baby.” Adding another dimension to his talents, Strauss lent his voice for the English voiceover of Albert Lamorisse’s classic 1953 French film “White Mane” and served as the narrator for Tracey Ullman’s “State of the Union” series for Showtime.
Born in the vibrant landscape of New York City and raised in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, Peter Strauss’s early exposure to the arts began with the Croton Shakespeare Festival. His formative summers were enriched by experiences with stock companies like the Pocono Playhouse in Pennsylvania and the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine, honing his craft and solidifying his dedication to acting. He pursued his education at the Hackley School for Boys in Tarrytown, New York, before graduating from Northwestern University in 1969, fully committed to a professional acting career.
Peter Strauss made his Broadway debut in Tom Griffin’s “Einstein and the Polar Bear” in 1981, marking a significant milestone in his theatrical journey. His stage presence continued to impress in plays such as “The Dance Next Door,” “The Mind with the Dirty Man,” and “The Trial of the Catonsville Nine” at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, and in “A Cry of Players” at Baltimore’s Center Stage.
His filmography includes notable titles such as “Das Wiegenlied vom Totschlag” (1970), “The Trial of the Catonsville Nine” (1972), “Der letzte Tycoon” (1976), and the animated classic “The Secret of NIMH” (1982), where he provided voice talent. He also featured in “Codename Black Angel” (1991) and “Gegen die Zeit” (1995), demonstrating his range across different genres and film styles.
Peter Strauss’s extensive television career is punctuated by starring roles in numerous made-for-television films and mini-series. These include “The Forgotten Kennedy” (1977), “Angel on My Shoulder” (1980), “Whale Murder” (1981), “The Last Electric Knight” (1983), and “Goodbye America” (1986). He also starred in “Penalty Phase” (1986), “Man Against the Mob” (1987), “83 Hours ‘Til Dawn” (1990), “Fugitive Among Us” (1992), and “Men Don’t Tell” (1993). Further television credits include “Thicker Than Blood” (1994), “Reunion” (1980), “The Yearling” (1994), “In the Lake of the Woods” (1996), “Dr. Sam Sheppard: Innocent or Guilty?” (1998), “A Father’s Choice” (2000), and “Murder on the Orient Express” (2001). His mini-series appearances are equally impressive, with roles in “Tender Is the Night” (1985), “Kane & Abel” (1985), “Brotherhood of the Rose” (1989), “Trial: The Price of Passion” (1992), and “Cries from the Heart” (1994). More recently, he appeared in “Seasons of Love” (1999), which he also executive-produced, and as La Hire in the mini-series “Joan of Arc” (2005).
Strauss also led television drama series, including “Moloney” (1996) on CBS and “Body & Soul” (2002) on PAX, showcasing his ability to command the small screen over extended narratives.
In his personal life, Peter Strauss is married to actress Rachel Ticotin. They reside in Ojai, California, where Strauss also manages a successful commercial citrus enterprise, producing a substantial 440 tons of citrus annually, revealing a multifaceted individual with interests extending beyond the realm of acting. Peter Strauss’s enduring career is a testament to his talent, dedication, and versatility, making him a respected and admired figure in the entertainment world.
