Herb Edelman was an American television and film actor best remembered for his role as Stanley Zbornak, the ex-husband of Dorothy Zbornak (played by Bea Arthur) on the hit sitcom “The Golden Girls.” His distinctive voice and appearance made him a recognizable character actor throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
Biography Table
| Full Name | Herbert Edelman |
|---|---|
| Profession | TV and Film Actor |
| Birthday | November 5 |
| Birth Year | 1933 |
| Death | July 21, 1996 (age 62) |
| Birth Sign | Scorpio |
| Birthplace | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Net Worth at Death | $1-2 Million (Estimated) |
| Height | 6’5" (196 cm) |
| Relationship Status | Divorced from Louise Sorel (1964-1970) |
Early Life & Background
Herbert Edelman was born on November 5, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a Jewish family in Brooklyn shaped his distinctive personality and speaking style that would later become his trademark in acting roles.
Education and Early Career
Before becoming an actor, Edelman worked as a hotel manager and taxi driver in New York City. These everyday experiences gave him insight into the common man characters he would later portray so effectively. His path to acting was not traditional, as he came to the profession relatively late compared to many of his contemporaries.
Early Influences
Growing up in Brooklyn during the 1930s and 1940s exposed Edelman to a rich tapestry of characters and personalities that would later influence his acting style. His ability to portray authentic, relatable characters stemmed from his observations of real people in his community.
Career Journey
Herb Edelman’s acting career began with guest appearances on television shows in the 1960s. His tall frame and distinctive voice made him stand out even in small roles.
Television Beginnings
He began his career with multiple guest appearances on television, including roles in “The Reporter,” “The Nurses,” and “Honey West.” These early appearances helped establish him as a reliable character actor who could bring authenticity to various roles.
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Breakthrough Roles
Edelman’s first starring role on television came in 1976 when he appeared as the title character, Big John Martin, in the short-lived series “Big John, Little John.” Though the series only lasted for one season, it demonstrated Edelman’s ability to carry a show.
Golden Girls Success
Edelman achieved his most recognizable role as Stanley Zbornak on “The Golden Girls,” appearing in recurring episodes throughout the show’s run from 1985 to 1992. His portrayal of Dorothy’s unreliable ex-husband earned him two Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
Film Career
In addition to his television work, Edelman appeared in several notable films. He had memorable roles in Neil Simon adaptations, including “Barefoot in the Park” (1967) and “The Odd Couple” (1968), both starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau. His film work showcased his versatility as a character actor.
Personal Life
Herb Edelman was married to soap opera actress Louise Sorel from 1964 to 1970. The marriage ended in divorce, and Edelman kept much of his personal life private after that.
Relationships
While his marriage to Louise Sorel is his only documented significant relationship, Edelman maintained close professional relationships with many in the entertainment industry, including his recurring castmates on “The Golden Girls.”
Health and Final Years
Edelman continued to work steadily throughout his career until health issues began to affect him in the 1990s. He passed away on July 21, 1996, at the age of 62 due to emphysema.
Net Worth & Financial Success
At the time of his death in 1996, Herb Edelman’s estimated net worth was between $1-2 million. As a character actor who worked consistently for decades, he earned a comfortable living through his television and film appearances.
Income Sources
Edelman’s wealth came primarily from:
- Regular television roles and guest appearances
- Film performances
- Possible residuals from reruns of popular shows like “The Golden Girls”
- Voice acting work
Legacy Value
Since his passing, Edelman’s work continues to be seen in reruns, particularly his appearances on “The Golden Girls,” which has maintained popularity and gained new audiences through streaming platforms. This ongoing presence has preserved his artistic legacy.
Notable Facts & Trivia
Herb Edelman has several interesting facts associated with his career:
- His first starring role was in the 1976 series “Big John, Little John”
- He received two Emmy nominations for his role as Stanley Zbornak on “The Golden Girls”
- At 6’5" tall, he was notably taller than most of his co-stars
- He had a recurring role on the medical drama “St. Elsewhere”
- One of his early television appearances was on the popular sitcom “Bewitched” with Elizabeth Montgomery
- He appeared in multiple Neil Simon film adaptations, showing the playwright’s appreciation for his acting style
Physical Appearance
Herb Edelman stood at an impressive 6’5" (196 cm), making him quite tall even by Hollywood standards. His height, combined with his distinctive voice and expressive face, made him instantly recognizable to television and film audiences.
Distinctive Features
Edelman’s most recognizable traits included:
- His considerable height
- His distinctively deep, sometimes gravelly voice
- Expressive face well-suited for both comedy and drama
- Natural, authentic demeanor that made his characters believable
Acting Style & Contributions
Herb Edelman was known for bringing authenticity to his roles, often playing everyday characters that audiences could relate to. His background as a former taxi driver and hotel manager informed his understanding of working-class characters.
Character Actor Legacy
As a character actor rather than a leading man, Edelman exemplified the crucial role that supporting players have in creating memorable television and films. His ability to make even brief appearances memorable ensured steady work throughout his career.
Collaboration with Neil Simon
His appearances in multiple Neil Simon productions suggest that the famed playwright appreciated Edelman’s ability to deliver Simon’s distinctive dialogue with the perfect timing and inflection required for comedy.
Cultural Impact
While not a household name in the way some leading actors are, Herb Edelman’s contributions to television and film have had lasting impact, particularly through “The Golden Girls,” which continues to find new audiences decades after its original run.
Stanley Zbornak’s Impact
His portrayal of Stanley Zbornak created one of television’s most memorable ex-husbands—a character so well-defined that he could generate laughs simply by walking through a door. The character has become part of television history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Herb Edelman’s most famous role? A: Herb Edelman is best known for playing Stanley Zbornak, Dorothy’s ex-husband on “The Golden Girls,” a role that earned him two Emmy Award nominations.
Q: When did Herb Edelman die? A: Herb Edelman passed away on July 21, 1996, at the age of 62 from emphysema.
Q: How tall was Herb Edelman? A: Herb Edelman was notably tall at 6’5" (196 cm).
Q: Was Herb Edelman married? A: Yes, Herb Edelman was married to soap opera actress Louise Sorel from 1964 to 1970. They divorced after six years of marriage.
Q: What other shows did Herb Edelman appear in besides “The Golden Girls”? A: Herb Edelman appeared in many television shows including “St. Elsewhere,” “Bewitched,” “The Reporter,” “The Nurses,” “Honey West,” and starred in “Big John, Little John.”