Who was Ben Gazzara?

Biagio Anthony Gazzara (August 28, 1930 – February 3, 2012) was an American actor and director of film, stage, and television. He received numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Drama Desk Award, in addition to nominations for three Golden Globe Awards and three Tony Awards.

His other best-known films include "The Bridge at Remagen" (1969), "Capone" (1975) "Voyage of the Damned" (1976), "Saint Jack" (1979), "Road House" (1989), "The Spanish Prisoner" (1997), "The Big Lebowski" (1998), "Buffalo '66" (1998), "Happiness" (1998), "The Thomas Crown Affair" (1999), "Summer of Sam" (1999), "Dogville" (2003) and "Paris, je t'aime" (2006). He was a recurring collaborator with John Cassavetes, working with him on "Husbands" (1970), "The Killing of a Chinese Bookie" (1976) and "Opening Night" (1977). He also had a successful and prolific film career in Europe, particularly Italy, where he worked with preeminent directors like Giuseppe Tornatore, Giuliano Montaldo, Marco Ferreri, and Lars von Trier.

Gazzara was known for his gritty, naturalistic portrayals of intense, often amoral characters. According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Gazzara positioned himself for 'creative elbow room,' seeking edgy characters in non-mainstream productions or infusing mainstream productions with idiosyncratic supporting turns.".