About
Rod Steiger was an American actor celebrated for his intense and often volatile character portrayals. Closely associated with method acting, he fully embodied his roles, sometimes leading to conflicts on set. Steiger is remembered for his roles in classic films like 'On the Waterfront' where he played Marlon Brando's brother, and 'In the Heat of the Night,' for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. He also won the Silver Bear for Best Actor for his role in 'The Pawnbroker'.
Career Timeline
Early Television Roles
Begins his acting career with television roles.
On the Waterfront
Gains recognition for his supporting role in 'On the Waterfront'.
The Pawnbroker Acclaim
Receives acclaim for his role in 'The Pawnbroker'.
In the Heat of the Night
Wins the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in 'In the Heat of the Night'.
Waterloo
Stars in Waterloo, which is considered a big-budget box office bomb.
The Amityville Horror
Stars in The Amityville Horror, which is commercially successful.
The Ballad of the Sad
Continues to work in film and television, taking on smaller roles.
Passes Away
Rod Steiger dies in July 2002, leaving behind a legacy in Hollywood.
Remembered Performance
Steiger's intense acting style continues to be remembered, particularly his performance in 'In the Heat of the Night'.
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Last updated: February 21, 2026