DIRECTOR · BORN 1924 · DIED 2011
Sidney Lumet
- Born
- 25 June 1924, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Died
- 9 April 2011
- Known for
- Taxi Driver (1976), 12 Angry Men (1957), Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
25 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Nov 2026
Sidney Lumet (25 June 1924 – 9 April 2011) was a director best known for Taxi Driver, 12 Angry Men and Dog Day Afternoon.
25 Interesting Facts About Sidney Lumet
Interesting Facts (10)
- #001
After the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, Lumet decided to continue filming his series 100 Centre Street in New York that day, which sparked controversy. He told crew members they could leave if they wished, but no one left the set. The incident demonstrated Lumet's commitment to his work and his understanding of maintaining productivity even in difficult times.
Sidney Lumet: portraitImage: Wikimedia Commons · Carl Van Vechten, Public domain - #002
Lumet earned a reputation for finishing his films under budget and ahead of schedule. This disciplined working style made him a reliable director in Hollywood and increased his value in the eyes of the studios. His productivity, especially in the 1970s, allowed him to achieve both critical and commercial success.
- #003
Lumet made a habit of taking a short nap during lunch on set to conserve his energy. He would go to his trailer, swallow a small sandwich in one bite, and sleep for the rest of the break. Over the years he became so disciplined that he did not even need to set an alarm. This routine was a practical method that kept him fresh despite his intense shooting schedules.
- #004
Roger Ebert said of Lumet's book 'Making Movies' that it 'contains more common sense about how movies are actually made than any other book I have read.' The book offers practical knowledge and insights into the directing process. Ebert's praise shows that the book has become an indispensable resource for film students and professionals.
- #005
In the early 1970s, Lumet was offered the chance to direct a new version of the bestselling novel 'Marjorie Morningstar.' Finding the novel's look at the Jewish American experience fascinating, Lumet went to meet with the studio. But when the studio executives asked him to reduce the film's 'ethnic identity' and not cast Jewish actors in the lead roles, Lumet was disgusted. In his book 'Making Movies,' he recounted that he objected to this plan in a mocking tone and was eventually fired from the project.
- #006
- #007
Lumet was the first director of Funny Girl (1968), but he had disagreements with producer Ray Stark and star Barbra Streisand and left the project. William Wyler was brought in to replace him. This departure shows Lumet's sensitivity about creative control; he did not want to compromise his own vision.
- #008
- #009
Lumet directed comedian and actor Alan King in three films: Bye Bye Braverman (1968), The Anderson Tapes (1971) and Just Tell Me What You Want (1980). King showed in these films that he was also successful in dramatic roles. Lumet brought out his serious acting as well as his comedic talent.
- #010
Characters & Cast (3)
- #011
Roger Ebert relayed a theory of Sidney Lumet's about the inconsistency in Marlon Brando's performances. According to Lumet, on the first scene Brando shot for any director, he would do exactly two takes: in one he displayed his technical skill and research, and in the other he delivered his lines flatly. If the director chose the bland take, Brando would continue the same way for the rest of the film. This theory provided a framework Ebert frequently used in his reviews to explain the ups and downs of Brando's career.
- #012
Lumet wanted to direct Death Wish (1974) with Jack Lemmon in the lead role. However, this project did not come to fruition and the film was made with Charles Bronson under the direction of Michael Winner. Lumet's wish shows his interest in the action and thriller genres.
- #013
Lumet directed Martin Balsam in three films: 12 Angry Men (1957), The Anderson Tapes (1971) and Murder on the Orient Express (1974). Balsam is especially remembered for his role as a juror in 12 Angry Men. These collaborations show Lumet's tendency to reuse his casts frequently.
Career & Awards (6)
- #014
At the 2005 Savannah Film Festival, Lumet was given a lifetime achievement award by the Savannah College of Art and Design. However, the award was later found hidden in bushes at a three-way intersection in Brooklyn. The incident remained in memory as a strange story of the award's loss and recovery.
- #015
During World War II, Lumet served in the United States Army as a radar technician in the Far East. This military experience contributed to his development of a disciplined work ethic and technical skills. Lumet, who stepped into a film career after the war, also reflected the experiences he gained during this period in his films.
- #016
- #017
Three of Lumet's films appeared on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 Most Inspiring Films of All Time: 12 Angry Men (1957) at No. 42, The Verdict (1982) at No. 75 and Serpico (1973) at No. 84. These films inspired audiences with their themes of justice, honesty and individual struggle.
- #018
- #019
Life & Family (6)
- #020
Sidney Lumet put forward the idea of making the characters Cuban in the 1983 film Scarface and incorporating the 1980 Mariel boatlift into the story. This suggestion strengthened the film's narrative focus on the immigrant experience and the dark side of the American Dream. Lumet's contribution played an important role in the film achieving cult status.
- #021
Lumet was born the son of Baruch Lumet and Eugenia Wermus, who were actors in the Yiddish theater. The family moved to New York when he was a baby and joined the Yiddish Art Theatre. This theater background fostered Lumet's interest in the performing arts and helped him develop his acting ability at an early age.
- #022
- #023
- #024
- #025
Related pages
- Robert Cummings — Sidney Lumet comes up in the facts on that page
- Candice Bergen — Sidney Lumet comes up in the facts on that page
- Bradley Cooper — Sidney Lumet comes up in the facts on that page
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
- Wikipedia
- IMDb
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