Allan Arbus

Introduction

Allan Arbus was a renowned American actor and photographer, best known for his role as psychiatrist Sidney Friedman on the popular TV series M*A*S*H. However, his life was full of interesting events and experiences even before he became a household name. In this blog post, we will dive into Allan Arbus’s early life, his career as an actor, and his contributions to the entertainment industry.

Early Life and Career

Allan Arbus

Family Background and Education

Allan Arbus was born on February 15, 1918, in New York City. He was the son of Harry Arbus, a businessman, and Rose Goldberg Arbus, a homemaker. Allan grew up in a Jewish family and attended DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx. After graduating, he enrolled at City College of New York, where he studied photography and design.

Early Career as a Photographer

After completing his studies, Allan Arbus started his career as a photographer. He worked as a fashion photographer for several magazines, including Glamour, Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar. He also collaborated with his wife, Diane Arbus, on various photography projects. Together, they created a unique style of photography that focused on capturing the essence of everyday life.

Acting Career

Breakthrough Role on M*A*S*H

Allan Arbus’s acting career began in the 1950s when he appeared in several TV shows and movies. However, his breakthrough role came in 1972 when he was cast as psychiatrist Sidney Friedman on the hit TV series M*A*S*H. His portrayal of the character was highly praised by critics and audiences alike, and he continued to appear on the show until its finale in 1983.

Other TV Shows and Movies

Aside from M*A*S*H, Allan Arbus also appeared in several other TV shows and movies throughout his career. Some of his notable performances include roles in The Electric Company, Cagney & Lacey, and Damien: Omen II. He also made appearances in movies such as Coffy, Crossroads, and Damien: Omen II.

Conclusion

Allan Arbus was a multi-talented individual who made significant contributions to both the photography and entertainment industries. His portrayal of Sidney Friedman on M*A*S*H remains one of his most memorable performances, and his unique style of photography continues to inspire artists to this day. Although he passed away in 2013, his legacy lives on, and he will always be remembered as a talented actor and photographer.

FAQ

Who is Allan Arbus?

Allan Arbus was an American actor and photographer. He is best known for his role as psychiatrist Dr. Sidney Freedman on the television series M*A*S*H.

What is MASH?

M*A*S*H is a popular American television series that aired from 1972 to 1983. The show was based on the 1970 film of the same name and followed a team of doctors and support staff stationed at the fictional 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War.

What was Allan Arbus’s role on MASH?

Allan Arbus played the role of psychiatrist Dr. Sidney Freedman on M*A*S*H. His character was known for his ability to help the show’s main characters deal with the emotional toll of war.

What was Allan Arbus’s early life like?

Allan Arbus was born on February 15, 1918, in New York City. He grew up in a wealthy family and attended DeWitt Clinton High School before studying photography at the New School for Social Research.

What other roles did Allan Arbus play?

In addition to his role on M*A*S*H, Allan Arbus appeared in a number of other television shows and films. Some of his notable roles include appearances on The Odd Couple, Starsky and Hutch, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.

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