John Wayne with 102-Year-Old Nehemiah Persoff (1919-2022) Wayne! Bogart! Brando! Poitier! Exclusive!
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- Опубліковано 7 тра 2022
- Which Hollywood legends taught Nehemiah Persoff about the movie business and how to act on film? Coming from the stage and the Actor’s Studio, Nehemiah, who died April 5, 2022, at the age of 102, was a fast learner and appeared in 100s of film and TV roles. I feel so fortunate to have done a zoom interview with him November 2021. We posted the first episode of our conversation together in January.
I had saved Nehemiah's memories of working with John Wayne in THE COMANCHEROS for our annual May tribute to Duke, A WORD ON WAYNE, and am proud to post it now. What a wonderful experience! It was a thrill to have him share so many stories of his career with me for his fans to enjoy on our weekly series of conversations with filmmakers.
Born in Jerusalem, Nehemiah Persoff (Aug 2, 1919-April 5, 2022) came to America at the age of 10. He was one of the first to join the celebrated Actor’s Studio where he worked with Elia Kazan and met Marlon Brando, later appearing with “Bud” in Kazan’s celebrated ON THE WATERFRONT. Persoff’s first western feature was Delmar Daves’ THE BADLANDERS with Alan Ladd. The actors were quite different from those he had worked with in New York. On Humphrey Bogart’s last movie, THE HARDER THEY FALL, Nicky learned a big lesson in acting. His revealing memories of working with John Wayne as the heavy in THE COMANCHEROS caused him to rethink his approach to the villain. When Edward G. Robinson bailed on Billy Wilder in a key role in the now classic SOME LIKE IT HOT, Nicky replaced him and tells of the support he got from Wilder and the atmosphere on the set which made Persoff furious.
Nehemiah was loaded with talent and versatility. His career was amazing; his life filled with love and adventure. Thanks to his cousin, author Jim Rosin, for helping arrange the interview. Nicky may have only been 5'7" tall but he was a GIANT on screen, leaving many powerful performances for generations to savor for years to come. May he Rest in Peace.
Nicky was also a celebrated Plein Air artist and published his autobiography, “The Many Faces of Nehemiah,” in 2021. It is available through Amazon here: www.shorturl.at/bftPW
Stay tuned to A WORD ON WESTERNS as new episodes drop on UA-cam every Sunday morning and movies every Friday night on WORD'S WAYBACK. Thanks for watching and subscribing. If you’d like to help us in keeping our western interviews, films, and tributes, please take a look at our Patreon Page and pick a level that suits you.
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I simply cannot believe this amazing actor is 102 years old....sharp as a tack... So eloquent, kind and humble....thank you Mr.. Persoff for your many years of masterful entertainment...you were and remain a treasure!...as always Rob 👍
He recently died…
@@TubenIt83 you should have given us a spoiler alert.
@@pb3615 ???? the headline says (1919-2022) It says he died in the description, too
@@hollywoodmediaprofessional3282 he wasn't at the time the video was originally posted. Same as Andrew Prine. The title and description were updated post his death, ya lemming. See Link ua-cam.com/video/L1iSCuzpL-E/v-deo.html
And get a sense of humour, Cabbage Patch.
It hasn't been long since we lost that amazing actor. Can't find the words to express how wonderful it was that you saved this interview for us.
102 Years old, and still sharp as a tack of mind! What a great actor and man Nehemiah is! Always admired the versatility of his acting. 👍👍 & 5⭐
So cool that Mr. Persoff has lived such a full long life. I loved the story of meeting his childhood hero Bob Steele.
They don't make actors like this anymore. Such talent and humility
For sure, Sue. THanks.
Nehemiah Persoff was one of those Incredible actors Who could play Any role, & Make That Role So Believable! What a Talented & Very Humble Man he was, So Glad he was Blessed to be here for 102 years, What A Legacy! RIP Mr. Persoff.
I have always liked Nehemiah Persoff in every role he played. And he played a LOT! Not only in many movies, but it seems as he made at least an appearance in every tv shows from the 60's and 70's. His IMDB file must be a long read!
Nehemiah Persoff was a great actor, but what truly amazes me is how sharp and alert he was at 102. I would have said he was 75.
Nehemiah is one of those faces that my generation and others grew up with as part of our movie and television 📺 childhood. Thank you!
Great interview with Nehemiah Persoff who was in so many famous movies. Wow!
Great interview. He is 102 years old. Wow!
I adore 'The Comancheros'. It was the first Duke's movie I remember to have seen - in Argentinean B&W late night TV - when I was 6 y.o. (~1968), in company with my grandmother. (54 years later I have lost count of how many times I have seen it! ... As with 'Rio Bravo'/'El Dorado'/'The Searchers'.)
My grandma (as most of my relatives of all genders) was a huge fan of John Wayne.
I have enjoyed Nehemiah Persoff career soooo much. One of the bestest character actors ever appearing on the Screen.
Thanks for presenting us with such beautiful interview! 👏💖
That lesson he talk about learning from Bogart is awesome. What a great thing to learn and to see. Not many actors in 2022 could say they acted with Bogart. What a great interview!!! RIP Nehemiah!!!
Love hearing these old timers talk.
This is a great interview. I've always liked Nehemiah Persoff. One of the greatest character actors of his era.
Thanks.
A man who was everywhere and anybody, for those of us who loved 1960s television and savored his many roles. Somehow I thought he would go on forever. And in a way, he will.
One of my favorite actors! Great interview!
Great interview. Thank you
Mr. Piersoff has always been one of my favorite actors. When I looked his biography up one time I was amazed he was still alive. Amazing he still has all his wits at 102. I love your channel, you breathe life into the many westerns we love. I’ve been to the Autry museum back s few years ago as it was always on my bucket list but the basement floor was closed back in 2016 when I went. I’ll be back lol. All the best.
Nehemiah Persoff, a truly great actor!
I don't quite know what to say,,, this was really special, thank you very much... Every time I saw him in a movie, I new it would be great...
Thanks, Scott.
Great interview Rob, and with the perfect splicing of photos and film clips ,really bring the story alive. Well done sir.
Mr. Persoff was an excellent actor and great storyteller; I am sorry to hear of his passing. He was great in "The Comancheros", one of my favorite movies. Thanks, Rob, for another wonderful interview.
What was the cause of death?
Wow, wow, wow Rob. What an incredible man. As a Registered Nurse, I'm fascinated by our forefathers history so to speak. We can all learn from our aged population.
And then we have John Wayne. I'll say no more but kind regards this late Sunday night from Adelaide, South Australia. 🇦🇺 🪃
Thanks, sammy.
Thanks Rob, another great interview. Nikki was fun to listen to its a shame you can’t have him on again. R.I.P. Nehemiah.
Another fantastic interview.
I was watching Mr. Persoff in a Gunsmoke episode just last week and then I looked him up on IMDB and was amazed how long he had been around. Also it was so touching to hear him talk about his hero Bob Steele. Great show Rob.
He was an amazing story teller.
102, he had an amazing life. Such a loss.
sharp 102 year old. enjoyed this interview. from an 80 year old great granny in Snowy Montana, May 8, 2022
Happy Mother's Day, Marjorie.
Many thanks, Rob, for this superb interview. Persoff was a fascinating actor and fine painter. Rest in Power, Sir. Many thanks again, Rob, and stay safe.
Sharp as a tack at his age is as amazing as the versatility of his acting roles. 👍
@@OdeeOz Agreed, Odee, well said!
You are far too kind to this old trail hand, @@arlineabdalian8974 👍⭐
@@OdeeOz I only speak the truth, cowboy!
Unfortunate that Mr. Persoff died last month.. Now this wonderful interview is part of the Word on Westerns history.
What a pleasure to see the last interview with the great Mr. Persoff. He came across as honest and willing to share his experience with movies back in the old days. Thank you so much!.
Thanks, Joan. We sure were lucky.
What a versatile and talented actor! Thank you for this excellent interview. I have a wonderful friend here in the Texas Panhandle who is 102 and sharp as a tack. She had hip replacement at 99. Getting around great! Aunt Tince.
Thanks, Nancy and good for Aunt Tince!!
That was a great interview Robb.I bet he had a million more stories to tell. I'm sorry he passed away.
That’s another wonderful movie,wonderful acting on all the actor n actress.
A very good morning Rob, let's go for another entrevew of golden age of westerns. Thanks
Rob, you're doing the Lord's work keeping this history alive and preserving these wonderful stars and cinematic greats.
Added in Edit: I have to admit, the Bob Steele thing got me a little misty.
😎 Rob , you never disappoint ….best interviewer since Edward R. Murrow ….👍….we should all be as sharpe at 102
RIP 🙏🙏🙏 Mr Persoff
Thanks, DOX
Rest in peace sir. You've earned it many times over. Thank you for your memorable performances.
What a lovely man, may he rest in peace.
Wonderful character actor has left us but his amazing body of work is still entertaining us. Thank you so much for this. I'm so happy that he was able to get his book out not to long before he passed. Your interviews get the best stories out of people.
Thanks, roberta. When I held the book up at the end of our first interview posted in January, Nicky was very pleased with the way the interview turned out and thrilled when 150 orders for his autobiography came in that day. I'm happy he could experience the excitement and read all of the wonderful comments that came in about that episode.
@@AWordonWesterns I requested a copy for my library and it's on hold.
I could have listened to him for hours. Food interview Rob.
You're making me hungry, Eric. Thanks.
Lol well we need need you to do an interview were everybody eats while taking at Sametime, no I need to prof read messages alitle better. Thanks.
Watched the “Cowboys” again the other day. Stopped and realized just how good of a movie it was! Believe it was Rob Caridine’s first movie. Then there was Mr. Nightlinger. So many great scenes like the “Soiled doves” and Bruce Dern the guy you love to hate. Especially John Wayne’s death scene, and the boys revenge.
I'm a big fan of Nehemiah Persoff. May he RIP. John Wayne, Bogie and Marlon Brando were larger than life. The movie Some Like It Hot is also my favorite films. This is a wonderful interview, Rob. Thank you! Humphrey Bogart and George Raft were always wearing their fedora with a unique style. It was a lot of fun for me to watch this exclusive. That's a good Mother's Day treat!
Thanks, Nicole. Happy Mother's Day.
@@AWordonWesterns Thanks, Rob.
Thank for interviewing Mr.Persoff, he is truly among one of the GREATS of all time. Hollywood needs to take a lesson from these actors of long ago. Thank you Mr.Persoff for all the years of great acting.👍🤠🌵🇺🇸
Robe, what an amazing Interview. We are alllso fortunate tthat you were able to get this interview and preserve it and share . Thank You.
Thanks so much, Luis.
A truly wonderful actor. I watched The Comancheros again after watching your interview with Mr. Persoff the first time. I'll never get tired of this wonderful "John Wayne movie." And every film I've seen Nehemiah Persoff in has been fabulous! God bless this great actor. Thank you as always, Mr. Word!
Thanks, Andy.
As usual this was a captivating interview. My goodness Nehemiah is sharp as a tack. 102! Fantastic 👍
What a charming interview with Mr. Persoff, Rob.
A true legend of acting, especially as a character actor. He played so many roles. I can hardly watch a TV show made before 1980 that did not have Nehemiah Persoff in at least 1 episode. Sad to know he is no longer with us. Thank you Rob once gain for sharing this interview with us.
What a treasure he was. Loves this man and he is so candid. I could listen to him for hours. Thank you Rob.
NEHEMIAH PERSOFF is a classic example of a great character actor, the kind who can play anything well... the kind you don't get anymore!
What a career, what a variety of roles this man has played... and the fact that he can still recall them and tell the stories to Rob at such an age is truly amazing.
I knew he lived out his life in the most picturesque part of California by the ocean in Cambria, near Hearst Castle which he mentioned in the interview.
Of all the early western stars it was funny that Bob Steele was his favorite, and then getting to meet him... most people remember him for TV's F TROOP or as a heavy in those old Warner Brothers movies. I bet he was surprised and taken back when Persoff a fellow actor, said how much he admired him. Still he's right about Stuart Whitman's and Ina Balin's acting styles being out of place with the Duke.
After his personal financial losses on making THE ALAMO, the Duke made a whole slew of pictures for the money, and on THE COMANCHEROS he did also take on a good part of the directing with Curtiz's failing health.
This was probably Nehemiah Persoff's last interview and it's fitting that Rob should be the one speaking for all of us!
Wonderful interview and some great lessons in acting from a true professional. Thanks, Rob!
That was an outstanding interview! There are so few people left from that era of American cinema that it's a rare opportunity to get so many great stories firsthand.
I remember when you first did this interview , how amazing how sharp Persoff was, and how wonderful it must of been working with the greats through all those years. R.I.P.
I love you Nicky! Thank you for being 10 feet tall on stage in Man of LaMancha and Fiddler On the Roof! What a life changing opportunity to perform with you on stage when I was a sophomore in college if the desert in Palm Springs in 1970. So grateful! So generous! Much live always! xoxoxo❤🎉😊
Love it!
Very entertaining and informative. Thanks so much. RIP a wonderful actor.
Rob it is so great that you have this marvelous actor stored in your archives. To think that we just lost him a few days ago and I am so glad we aren't having to say, "I wish you had interviewed him before he passed away"! He was certainly in a ton of films and TV shows. I guess I pretty much type cast him as a Mexican character because most of my memories of him was when he portrayed one. Truly had a sound mind when you interviewed him and I bet he kept it right to the end.
Thanks, Wayne. Yes, we were very lucky to have him guest on a zoom. I was thrilled and glad he was still so sharp. What a full career!
Thanks for another great interview Rob. He was one of my all time favorite actors.
Wow! So lucky to talk to him toward the end. He was always good in every role - but the amazing thing is how clear in the head he was at 102!! I would have sworn that was a 70 year old guy talking.
I remember Bob Steele mainly from his role as Trooper Duffy on F-Troop. I've seen him in other roles including one memorable scene from a contemporary 1930s B-western where, as I recall, a rancher he is aiding pulls a Thompson sub-machine gun out of his car so they can hose down some flying desperadoes. Ah, the good old days.
Nehemiah Persoff was always one of my favorites in the movies and on TV. Thank you so much for this lovely interview.
I was unaware of his death last month. When I was on Facebook, I friend-requested him, and he was marvelous. He’d actually acknowledge each statement made, and would engage conversationally. Wonderful, warm gentleman. R.I.P. Nicky.
Thanks, Matt. He surely was.
great show Rob, nice to have seen Nehemiah career, never guessed he played so many rolls and
looked so different, great actor, thanks Rob
Another great interview Rob! Thanks!
So great to see this. Thanks for all the work you do Rob.
Way to draw out his stories for a great conversation. Thanks, Rob!
Rob, I really don’t think you’ll ever top this interview, Nehemiah is an incredible interview! Thanks for sharing!💫
OK. Thanks, Larry, but I'm gonna try!
@@AWordonWesterns And no doubt you will succeed! But he was excellent!💫
Rob I just can't thank you enough for the work you are doing !
Nehemiah Persoff is a PRIME example of the rare and rapidly fleeting !
Without having someone caring enough to capture these extremely special moments on camera, these talented men and women are simply lost to time without an entire generation ever knowing they existed !
Did you say this was the last of your series ?
i think you might be on to something very special Rob !
Maybe even longer series' might have great value for those of us who are hungry for the rich wealth of knowledge these folks possess !
My vote is,
Keep these wonderful series'coming Rob !
I can't begin to thank you enough !
Thanks, quads. Not the last of A WORD ON WESTERNS but the last of the interview with Nehemiah, which I'd saved for one of this month's John Wayne episodes.
@@AWordonWesterns
Rob,
You were so wise to have saved Neimiah's interview for this series of interviews !
I would definitely hope that this would not be the last of your overall series !
Short sighted as I can sometimes be, that thought hadn't even crossed my mind !
With so much
( well garbage frankly)
able to be available,
I hold out hope that programming like yours will be here for a long time to come !
Due to my injury,
I am not able to travel easily, so being able to visit the
Autry Museum is just about impossible for me !
But I continue to enjoy your interviews, not to mention, full length movies !
And continue to hold out hope for a few more great Westerns while I'm still kicking !
Keep up your wonderful work Rob !
Thank you again !
What a great interview !!
I'm not a name person so I wasn't sure who this guy was until you began to document his career. It took me back to my youth, this honorable man was a big part of the movies I would dream and imagine with. What a wonderful joy to see he's blessed with his memories as well.
Thank you
Thanks, DA. Check out our earlier episode with Nehemiah from January about working with James Arness. He was amazing.
Great actor.
A preservation of history and a thoughtful glimpse into a talented great actor! Thanks 🙏
He appeared in many films and guested on many tv shows mainly Dramas, Westerns, Action Adventures,
he rarely did comedic roles but I remember he guest starred on the sitcom Gilligan's Island as the exiled
revolutionary who hid out on the island; Bob Steele like many actors from the early days of their careers
were later relegated to bit parts Bob was in Shenandoah but in a very small part as a Union Soldier
Nehemiah and Bob along with many other actors from that era are sorely missed in Hollywood today.
I was never a big fan of Nehemiah Persoff however, after this interview I see him in a different light. ( I`m taking a second look at Comancheros and Day of the Badman.) Thank you!
Good for you, TT. Enjoy!
Thanks Rob for a great history lesson not only on John Wyane and Nicky Nehemiah but the history of method acting and the Actors Studio so much appreciation for westerns and film making in just one episode.
Thanks, rich.
Wow, his vocal cadence is so quick. Amazing. So much energy. 102??? What?? I’ve been a fan of great character actors my whole life. I probably have seen this great actor more than any other. Man he was in every single tv show during my youth. Great actor!!!
Thanks, Doug. We sure were fortunate to have him join for a Zoom.
The Commancheros has always been one of my favorite Duke films: fast moving, punchy dialogue & gorgeous cinematography ….More than that, Duke was never so HIMSELF as he was in that film
As always you get guests who can tell the stories about how movies and people who made the films really were and are. Very informative and interesting episode.
Thanks, Jim.
Thank you Rob! What a lovely interview. In my opinion he out performed John Wayne in Comencheros and I love John Wayne!
When I graduated HS in the mid 70s I worked at an auto shop. The owner was born in 1919. He was still a middle aged man at the time, his hair wasn't even grey yet. I remember when WW2 vets were still fairly young men. Seeing this makes me realize how quickly time flies and how short life is.
Morning Rob, thanks for the Sunday Western entertainment.
I like them too!
@@elizabethbeckman1947 Westerns are kind of like my Mommy and Daddy to be honest.
.... that and the Encyclopedia of (1960) Britanica were my source for fairness, decency, morals, ethics, and gave me some sense I was part of a family in my own country.
@@elizabethbeckman1947 is my favorite character in Westerns is Hop-a-long Cassidy (I have 80/90% of all the films)
... The FILMS never make fun of people who are different, even if the things that are said might 'raise eyebrows' today.
.... The scripts recognized the rights of Fellow Americans and there are several of the Films I think took risk for their time.
.... One of them shortly after WW2 where the Script was about Chinese people hiding in an undiscovered Paradise in the southwest.
.... Hop-A-Long helps to secure their homesteads and FIGHTS the BAD Guys to make sure the LAW is FAIR to Everyone!
WOW.... 1946 I think that film was made.
@@Labor_Jones Thanks so much. It was for me Roy and Dale; my brother, younger by 2 years, later pointed to the McCain father/son relationship portrayed by Chuck and Johnny that resonated for him. Our dad, RIP, worked long hours 7 days a week, built his accounting practice from scratch. Some vicarious living through reel Westerns; history buffs (my path) know it wasn't 100% as depicted, but I think it's important to recognize the need for both. We need our heroes - lots of reasons.
@@elizabethbeckman1947 They had some Amazing writers back then and knew the craft, the people they were working with (the team) and everyone could flesh out so many strong characters in a very limited period, of what, 25 minutes t.v. time.
.... I think if I had begun watching movies in 1928 with early sound and the Musicals they made into films like they do with Marvel and other SUPER Hero WORSHIP fantasy where the Wrongs how ever Wrong are righted by ONE PERSON and his pal Gaby.
...... It's not the CRAFT isn't Amazing, but that the undeveloped characters, as in if they were demi-gods instead of fantasy disingenuous and makes life a comic book.
lol Right?
Nehemiah is a national treasure. Thank you Rob for interviewing him so that he shall be forever recognized, remembered and honored for the great actor and human being he was.
Amazing the guest you have and the knowledge share with all of us. Thanks Rob!
Mr. Persoff has always been a favorite character actor. He also did the Twilight Zone on TV. He was always typecast as the villain. It's amazing he really could make a role his own. What is also incredible is all the wonderful actors that he played with are all gone. God bless him at 101. He's a wonderful man.
Magnificent!!! Wonderful!!! How fortunate for all of us that you were able to get this interview. One of the very best actors of his or any generation. Always one of my favorites. Perhaps my favorite interview that you've done. And with it you've given us all an amazing gift. Thank you Rob.
Thanks, Clayton. Yes, I/we were lucky to get this terrific time with Nehemiah, and him still so very sharp and articulate. What a thrill. Did you see my earlier post with Nicky? More good stuff on the first portion of our conversation. Hope to see you on the Ride in September!! ua-cam.com/video/nuG4ycA4weU/v-deo.html
an honor to watch the video. amazing long life and a treasure trove of great stories about top celebs Persoff worked with. WOW is a top line podcast
I watched him in 'Man From Uncle' and was amazed how great an actor he is
What a gracious man Nehemiah Persoff was to share such intimate stories. He has quite the memory at 102 years! His life interacts w/so many greats and I always liked seeing him, but could
I always liked seeing him but could never remember his name. I was amazed at his acting ability of completely different characters… excellent talent. Thanks Rob, this is in two posts by a wrong touch mistake.
What a very fine consummate actor the man was. Nehemiah Persoff was also a regular guest star on Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and other TV series of the day in addition to his vastly numerous movie credits.
His acting was captivating... Just watched an episode of Adam 12.. brought me here.. May his soul rest...🌷🌺💐♥️🌸🙏🏾🙏🏾
One of the most memorable roles to me of Nehemiah Persoff was in an episode of Gunsmoke. It was captivating and so nuanced. I saw it again on Grit or somewhere not long ago. He was a great actor.
One of the great actors of the old great time movies, he lived a good life and we all loved him and we going to miss him, R.I.P. Mr Persoff and may your memories be a blessing ❤
This kind of interview should be HOURS long.
when he seemed to lose his way once i thought darn he is too far gone to get a good interview. then he refocused and went along for quite some time with great clarity of memories. precious final interview
Brilliant, Rob! Thanks.
What a wonderful interview and so fortunate to have done it when you did.
I love the way when actor says he/she has a story wana hear it?. Rob always says please, and Rob being an historian can remember movie names and actors names and years where it was shot and small details it makes the actors want to give more. You're like a really good director Rob, you get the best performance from each person you interview. Thx for your excellent work.
You are so kind, plumber man. Thank you!
I've seen him on soooooo many shows but never knew his name until today when I looked up an IMDB listing for an excellent episode of Adam-12 in which he appeared. Such an impressive career and long life. Thanks for this interesting interview.
Thanks, Dave. We were sure lucky to have him for two episodes. Wonderful stories from a very talented man. RIP
I was less than 10 when I remember him in the TV series The Untouchables when he played, I think, Frank Nitti, IIRC..always held me captive with his mean, stern personna...all his roles...truly spellbound watching him work. RIP sir.
Nehemiah played Jake Gussack, Capone's bookkeeper in a couple of episodes. Nicky talks about it in the episode with him we posted in January where he also talks about GUNSMOKE. I think you'll enjoy it.