Stella Adler

It was during her first professional stint at London that she met Horace Eliascheff whom she later married. The couple was blessed with a child, Elle. The marriage, however, did not last long and was annulled.

In 1943, she tied the nuptial knot with one of the founders of the Group Theatre, Harold Cluman. This alliance too was not for the keeps as the couple parted ways in 1960.

She married for the third time to Mitchell A. Wilson. The marriage lasted until the latter’s death in 1973.

Stella Adler was born to the actor couple, Sara and Jacob P. Adler, in New York City. She had five siblings, all of whom followed their parents’ footsteps and were professional actors.

Her parents co-founded the Independent Yiddish Art Company to promote Yiddish Theatre in the early 20th century United States. At the age of four, she joined them by making her stage debut in one of her father’s productions, ‘Broken Hearts’.

Born in a family of professional actors, acting came naturally to the talented young girl who further polished her skills by watching other actors and learning through observation.

Her continuous and active participation in acting and drama left her with little time to attain formal education. Nevertheless, she attended public schools and New York University as and when work permitted.

Her first major breakthrough in stage was in London for the play, Elisa Ben Avia, wherein she played the character of Naomi. Produced by her father’s company, the show lasted for a year after which she made returned to New York.

In 1922, she made her English language debut with the Broadway play ‘The World We Live In’ as the Butterfly. She also spent a season in vaudeville circuit.

The visit by the famous Russian actor-director Konstantin Stanislavski and his troop, Moscow Art Theatre, was instrumental in casting a powerful influence over her and shaping much of her future career.

In 1925, she became a part of the American Laboratory Theatre. Here, she was exposed to Stanislavski’s theories and his art style.

Six years later, she joined the Group Theatre, New York, which was founded by Harold Cluman, Lee Strasberg and Cheryl Crawford. She worked for different plays, including, ‘Success Story’, ‘Awake and Sing!’, ‘Paradise Lost’ and ‘Golden Boy And More to Give to People’