| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Allan Arbus |
| Occupation | Actor, Photographer |
| Date of Birth | February 15, 1918 |
| Date of Death | April 19, 2013 |
| Place of Birth | New York City, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Parents | Rose Goldberg, Harry Arbus |
| Spouse | Mariclare Costello (m. 1977–2013), Diane Arbus (m. 1941–1969) |
| Children | Doon Arbus, Amy Arbus, Arin Arbus |
| Net Worth (2024) | $2 million |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Photography |
Introduction
Allan Franklin Arbus, born February 15, 1918, in New York City, was an American actor and photographer whose multifaceted career spanned several decades in both the visual and performing arts. He passed away on April 19, 2013, leaving behind a legacy rich with artistic contributions and memorable performances, particularly his role as psychiatrist Dr. Sidney Freedman on the CBS television series MAS*H.
Early Life and Education
Arbus was born into a Jewish family in New York City, the son of stockbroker Harry Arbus and his wife Rose (née Goldberg). He attended DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, where his initial interest in acting was sparked by a role in a student play. Additionally, Arbus developed a passion for music, inspired by the recordings of Benny Goodman, which led him to take up the clarinet.
Photography Career
Arbus’s journey into photography began in the 1940s when he served as a photographer for the United States Army. After completing his military service in 1946, he and his first wife, Diane Arbus (née Nemerov), whom he married in 1941, established a photographic advertising business in Manhattan. The business thrived, with their work appearing in major magazines such as Glamour, Seventeen, Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar, as well as in advertising for Russeks, a Fifth Avenue department store.
Their collaboration was notably recognized in Edward Steichen’s acclaimed photo exhibition "The Family of Man," which included a photograph credited to the couple. However, their professional partnership dissolved in 1956, leading to their formal separation in 1959 and eventual divorce in 1969.
Transition to Acting
Post-divorce, Arbus relocated to California in 1969, shifting his focus entirely to acting—a decision that brought a new dimension to his career. His breakthrough came with a lead role in Robert Downey Sr.’s cult film "Greaser’s Palace" (1972). Arbus’s portrayal in this film, alongside a young Robert Downey Jr., set the stage for subsequent roles in both film and television.
Versatile Acting Skills
Notably, Arbus starred opposite Bette Davis in "Scream, Pretty Peggy" (1973) and portrayed Gregory LaCava in "W.C. Fields and Me" (1976). His versatile acting skills earned him the role of Maj. Sidney Freedman on MAS*H, which became one of his most enduring roles, enhancing his reputation as a skilled character actor.
Appearence in TV Shows
Throughout his career, Arbus appeared in over seventy TV shows and movies, including a brief appearance in "Cinderella Liberty" (1973), "Coffy" (1973) as a drug dealer, and "Damien – Omen II" (1978), where he played one of Damien’s many victims. His television credits extend beyond MAS*H, with guest roles in popular series such as "Law & Order," "In the Heat of the Night," "L.A. Law," "Matlock," "Starsky and Hutch," and "Judging Amy."
Personal Life
Allan and Diane Arbus had two children, photographer Amy Arbus and writer and art director Doon Arbus. Following his separation from Diane and her subsequent tragic suicide in 1971, Arbus married actress Mariclare Costello in 1977. The couple had one daughter, Arin Arbus, who is the associate artistic director at Theatre for a New Audience.
Net Worth and Source of Wealth
As of 2024, Allan Arbus has an estimated net worth of $2 million. His wealth primarily stems from his successful acting career on television and his earlier ventures in the field of photography.
Death and Legacy
Arbus died of congestive heart failure at the age of 95 in Los Angeles. His death marked the end of a storied life filled with creative achievements and personal trials. Remembered for both his photography and his acting, Allan Arbus remains a significant figure in the annals of American art and entertainment. His ashes were given to his family, leaving a tangible remembrance of his profound impact both as a professional and a patriarch.
References
- Biography.com. (n.d.). Allan Arbus. Retrieved from
- IMDb. (n.d.). Allan Arbus. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0033339/
