In this article, Norma Crane was an accomplished American actress who excelled in theatre, film, and television throughout her distinguished career. Perhaps best known for her portrayal of Golde in the 1971 adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof film adaptation as well as other notable productions like Tea and Sympathy, The Crucible, They Call Me Mister Tibbs and Penelope; her talents made her one of the go-to performers who could adapt easily from strong-willed matriarchs to vulnerable female characters; she became close with Natalie Wood during Wood’s battle with breast cancer; unfortunately she passed away aged 44 leaving an impressive legacy behind.
Early Life and Career
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Norma Crane was born Norma Anna Bella Zuckerman on November 10, 1928 in Brooklyn, New York and raised by her aunt in El Paso, Texas after the mother passed during childbirth. She studied drama at Texas State College for Women in Denton before making her Broadway debut as Elizabeth Proctor in Arthur Miller’s Crucible play; receiving rave reviews as she quickly attracted Hollywood interest.
She moved to Los Angeles during the mid-1950s, and quickly made an impactful debut as Ellie Martin on Studio One, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Untouchables and Have Gun – Will Travel live TV dramas. Her film debut came later that same year in Vincente Minnelli’s Tea and Sympathy when she played Ellie Martin (Ellie Martin is played by Anne Hathaway in this version), as Ellie befriends troubled student Ellie Martin played by Anne Hathaway). Throughout the 60s she worked both in film and TV, appearing in films such as The Stripper All in a Night’s Work They Call Me Mister Tibbs Penelope as well as guest-starring on shows like The Fugitive The Flying Nun Ben Casey and The Twilight Zone among others.
Fiddler on the Roof and Later Years
Norma Crane rose to fame with her performance of Golde in Fiddler on the Roof’s film adaptation in 1971, earning accolades both from critics and audiences. Based on Sholem Aleichem’s stories about Jewish family life in Tsarist Russia, Crane’s performance as Golde was well received both critics and audiences, as she expertly balanced tradition with change, love with duty, humor with sorrow in a powerful performance that included songs like “Tradition”, “Sabbath Prayer”, Do You Love Me?” and Sunrise Sunset”. Her chemistry with Topol who played Tevye was so impressive that the film earned 8 Academy Award nominations with three winning nominations out of 10.
Crane was diagnosed with breast cancer while filming Fiddler on the Roof and underwent surgery and chemotherapy; unfortunately, her disease proved terminal. Nonetheless, she continued working until her death, appearing in two more movies: The Man Without a Country and Breezy as well as recording an episode of Love Story for television broadcast. Her final public appearance took place at its premiere performance in Los Angeles on November 3, 1971.
Norma Crane died on September 28, 1973 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and was cremated and interred at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery. Herb Sargent, whom she had married in 1961 but divorced later. Additionally, Natalie Wood reportedly paid all medical and funeral costs related to Norma’s passing.
Legacy and Influence
Norma Crane left behind an impressive body of work demonstrating her immense talent as an actress. Her performances ranged from strong-willed matriarchs to vulnerable characters; loyal wives to independent career women; comic relief to dramatic force. In addition, she displayed skills in singing, dancing, comedy, drama, romance as well as being highly respected by colleagues for her professionalism and devotion to her craft.
Norma Crane will long be remembered for her iconic performance as Golde in Fiddler on the Roof, an American cinema and musical theatre classic. Crane has inspired many other actresses who have played Golde on stage or screen since. Additionally, her performance was recognized with various awards and honors: she won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, was nominated for a BAFTA Award and inducted into Texas Film Hall of Fame.
Norma Crane was an indelibly memorable performer of both stage and screen who left an unforgettable mark on American entertainment history. She lived her life with passion, courage, and grace; shining brightly both onstage and screen; touching hearts around the globe through her performances – she will forever be remembered Norma Crane will always be remembered.
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