New Rochelle in Westchester County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Elia Kazan
(1909 - 2003)
| | New Rochelle Walk of Fame | |
Elia Kazan was described as one of the most honored and influential directors in Broadway and Hollywood history. He was also vilified for his appearance before the House Committee on Un-American Activities in 1952. He produced and wrote screenplays and novels and acted professionally for eight years before becoming a stage and film director. Elia was a member of the influential Group Theater and co-founded the Actors Studio in 1947 that introduced "Method" acting to the American stage and cinema.
Kazan also introduced a new generation of unknown young actors to movie audiences, including Marlon Brando, James Dean, Julie Harris, Warren Beatty, Lee Remick and Eli Wallach. He directed 21 different actors to Oscar nominations resulting in nine wins. He became one of the consummate filmmakers of the 20th century after directing a string of successful films, including, Splendor in the Grass, On the Waterfront, and East of Eden. During his career, he won two Oscars for Best Director, received an Honorary Oscar in 1999, and won three Tony Awards and four Golden Globes.
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Born Elias Kazanjoglou in Constantinople, Turkey to parents of Greek decent, Elia Kazan was four years old when his father moved to New York City and shortened the family name to Kazan. In 1922, the family moved to 731 Webster Avenue in New Rochelle. He graduated from New Rochelle High School and was a frequent patron of the New Rochelle Public Library.
Elia Kazan was married three times and had an affair with actress Marilyn Monroe before she married Arthur Miller. He died in 2003 in New York City at the age of 94.
Erected by City of New Rochelle, NY; New Rochelle Downtown Business District.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Immigration. A significant historical year for this entry is 1952.
Location. 40° 54.611′ N, 73° 46.994′ W. Marker is
Regionally, this marker is in the Hudson Valley and in the New York City Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Pearl Primus (here, next to this marker); Richard Roundtree (here, next to this marker); Whitney M. Young, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Don Hewett (here, next to this marker); Monty Hall (a few steps from this marker); Richard Courant & Kurt Friedrichs (a few steps from this marker); Edwin & Gertrude Thanhouser (a few steps from this marker); Adrian Iselin and Family (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Rochelle.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 160 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 24, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
