DIRECTOR · BORN 1924 · DIED 2011
Sidney Lumet
- Born
- 25 June 1924, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Died
- 9 April 2011
- Known for
- The Manchurian Candidate (2004), I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale (2009), A Decade Under the Influence (2003), Breakdown: 1975 (2025)
62 archived facts 4 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
14 Facts About Sidney Lumet's Life and Family
- #004
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.
- #011
Lumet was the former son-in-law of the famous singer and actress Lena Horne; he was married to Horne's daughter, the journalist and author Gail Lumet Buckley (née Gail Jones). This marriage strengthened Lumet's ties to artistic and literary circles. He had two daughters from his marriage to Gail: Amy and Jenny.
- #018
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.
- #020
Lumet directed four members of the Redgrave family in his films: Michael Redgrave in The Hill (1965), his son Corin Redgrave in The Deadly Affair (1967), his daughter Lynn Redgrave in The Deadly Affair (1967) and The Last of the Mobile Hot Shots (1970), and his daughter Vanessa Redgrave in The Sea Gull (1968) and Murder on the Orient Express (1974). These collaborations show the family's acting talent and Lumet's desire to work with them.
- #023
Lumet directed the actor Bobby Cannavale, his son-in-law at the time, in two films: Night Falls on Manhattan (1996) and Gloria (1999). These collaborations gave Cannavale important experience early in his career. Lumet was comfortable turning family ties into professional collaborations.
- #025
Lumet was the former father-in-law of actor Bobby Cannavale and writer P.J. O'Rourke. These family ties broadened his connection to the worlds of art and literature. Lumet's personal life was as colorful as his professional career.
- #028
Lumet's children are sound editor Amy Lumet and actor Jenny Lumet. Both daughters followed in their father's footsteps and built careers in film and television. Jenny appeared in several of her father's films and is also known as a screenwriter.
- #029
Lumet directed his father, Baruch Lumet, in two films: The Pawnbroker (1964) and The Group (1966). These collaborations show the professional relationship between father and son. Baruch was an actor trained in the Yiddish theater and took small roles in his son's films.
- #033
Lumet directed his daughter Jenny Lumet in three films: Deathtrap (1982), Running on Empty (1988) and Q&A (1990). Jenny displayed her acting talent in her father's films. These collaborations are an example of family ties carrying over into professional life.
- #037
After Lumet's death he was survived by his wife Mary Gimbel, his stepdaughter Leslie Gimbel, his two daughters Amy and Jenny from his marriage to Gail Lumet Buckley, his stepson Bailey Gimbel, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. This large family shows how strong the bonds in his private life were.
- #045
Lumet was a member of the Democratic Party. His political views were reflected in his films; he particularly dealt with themes of justice, equality and social criticism. This context led to him being referred to as an 'engaged' director.
- #048
Lumet directed Beau Bridges in Child's Play (1972) and Lovin' Molly (1974), and his younger brother Jeff Bridges in The Morning After (1986). These collaborations show the acting talent of the Bridges family and Lumet's desire to work with them.
- #049
Lumet directed Christopher Plummer in Stage Struck (1958) and his daughter Amanda Plummer in Daniel (1983). This shows that Lumet, who had the opportunity to work with two Plummers from different generations, carried family ties into his professional life.
- #050
Lumet was the stepfather of sound editor Leslie Gimbel and Bailey Gimbel. These family ties show that he had a large family structure in his private life. His relationship with his stepchildren suggests he was a loving father figure.
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