Who Is Zero Mostel? Age, Biography and Wiki
Zero Mostel was born on February 28, 1915, in Brooklyn, New York, and he became one of the most celebrated actors of his time. He gained prominence in the 20th century for his theatrical works and film performances. Mostel is best known for his roles in productions such as Fiddler on the Roof and The Producers, where his comedic genius and powerful stage presence shone through. By 2025, if Zero Mostel were still alive, he would be celebrating his 110th birthday.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 28, 1915 |
| Age | 62 Years |
| Birth Place | Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 8 September, 1977 |
| Died Place | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
Popularity
Zero Mostel's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Zero Mostel was known for his distinctive presence both on stage and on screen. He stood at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall and during his career, his weight fluctuated significantly as he embodied varied characters. His measurements reflected his robust health and stage-worthy physique that contributed to his dynamic performances.
In the last four months of his life, Mostel took on a nutritionally unsound diet (later described by his friends as a starvation diet) that reduced his weight from 304 lb to 215 lb.
During rehearsals for Arnold Wesker's new play The Merchant (in which Mostel played a reimagined version of Shakespeare's Shylock) in Philadelphia, he collapsed in his dressing room and was taken to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He was diagnosed with a respiratory disorder; it was believed he was in no danger and would be released soon.
However, on September 8, 1977, Mostel complained of dizziness and lost consciousness. The attending physicians were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead that evening. It is believed that he suffered an aortic aneurysm.
Wesker wrote a book chronicling the out-of-town tribulations that beset the play and culminated in Zero's death called The Birth of Shylock and the Death of Zero Mostel.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Zero Mostel had a vibrant public persona, he cherished his family life dearly. He was married twice: his first marriage to actress Frances Mostel lasted from 1938 until their divorce in 1942. He then married Kitty Crowford in 1945, with whom he had two children. Throughout his life, Mostel was known for his deep affection for his family, which included his children and grandchildren. Given his passing in 1977, discussions about his relationships in 2025 would focus on his enduring legacy as a father and husband.
He immigrated to the United States in 1898 with his first wife, Esther Wirklich Mostel, and young daughter, Celia. They would have three more children – Hyman, Sarah (Sadie), and Benjamin – before her death in 1908.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death, Zero Mostel's net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, a substantial amount attributed to his successful career in theatre, film, and television. He commanded a competitive salary during his peak years, particularly from his hugely successful stage performances and roles in films. While his net worth in 2025 is purely speculative, his impact on American theatre and cinema continues to be a source of financial inspiration for many associated with the arts.
In 1939, he married Clara Sverd, and the couple moved to an apartment in Brooklyn. The marriage did not last, however, since Clara could not accept the many hours Mostel spent in his studio with his fellow artists, and he did not seem to be able to provide for her at the level to which she had been accustomed.
They separated in 1941 and divorced in 1944, Clara only agreeing to the divorce in return for a percentage of Mostel's earnings for the rest of his life. The arrangement lasted until the mid-1950s.
Career, Business and Investments
Zero Mostel's career spanned several decades, earning him numerous accolades and a well-respected name in both theater and film. Mostel's career began in the 1940s, and he became a prominent figure on Broadway over the following years. Notable works include his performance in the Broadway hit A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and his unforgettable portrayal in Mel Brooks' The Producers.
Mostel's influence extended beyond acting; he was also part of various theatrical productions and business ventures that nurtured the arts. His legacy provided a foundation for future actors and comedians, making substantial contributions to the world of entertainment.
* Each director has a favorite in his cast... my favorite this time was Zero Mostel—but not to bully. I thought him an extraordinary artist and a delightful companion, one of the funniest and most original men I'd ever met... I constantly sought his company... He was one of the three people whom I rescued from the "industry's" blacklist...
For a long time, Zero had not been able to get work in films, but I got him in my film."
Social Network
Although Zero Mostel's career predates the advent of social media, he remains a topic of discussion among film and theatre enthusiasts. In 2025, conversations about his impact can be found across various platforms, including dedicated fan pages and forums discussing classic film and theatre. His works continue to inspire new generations, showcasing the importance of character-driven storytelling.
Mostel had been a leftist since college and his nightclub routine included political jabs at right-wingers.
His MGM contract was terminated, and his role in Du Barry Was a Lady was truncated, because studio executives were upset that he participated in protests against another MGM film, Tennessee Johnson, which protesters believed had downplayed the racism of former US President Andrew Johnson.
According to biographer Arthur Sainer, "MGM blacklisted Zero Mostel way before the days of the blacklist". During his Army service he was under investigation for alleged Communist Party membership. The Military Intelligence Division of the U.S. War Department said it was "reliably reported" that he was a Communist Party member.
The Post Intelligence Officer at the Army's Camp Croft, where Mostel served, believed that Mostel was "definitely a Communist." As a result of that, his application to be an entertainment director with the US Army Special Services unit was denied.
Mostel had lobbied hard to transfer to Special Services, at one point traveling to Washington to request a transfer.
Education
Zero Mostel’s educational journey began at Brooklyn College, where he immersed himself in the arts. Although he had to leave school to pursue acting full-time, his educational background subsequently enriched his performances. Mostel honed his craft through various theatrical productions and life experiences that shaped his unique style and approach to performance.
Samuel Joel "Zero" Mostel (February 28, 1915 – September 8, 1977) was an American actor, comedian, and singer.
He is best known for his portrayal of comic characters including Tevye on stage in Fiddler on the Roof, Pseudolus on stage and on screen in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Max Bialystock in the original film version of Mel Brooks' The Producers (1967).
Mostel was a student of Don Richardson and he used an acting technique based on muscle memory. He was blacklisted during the 1950s; his testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee was well publicized.
Mostel later starred in the Hollywood Blacklist drama film The Front (1976) alongside Woody Allen, for which Mostel was nominated for the British Academy Film Award for Best Supporting Actor.
