Page "Rod Steiger" Paragraph 2

Steiger appeared in over 100 motion pictures.

He began his acting career in theatre and on live television in the early 1950s.

On May 24, 1953, an episode of Goodyear Television Playhouse jump-started his career.

The episode was the story of Marty written by Paddy Chayefsky.

Marty is the story of a lonely homely butcher from the Bronx in search of love.

Refusing to sign a seven-year studio contract, Steiger later turned down the role in the film version in 1955.

Signing a studio contract at that time would " pigeon-hole " Steiger as to the roles he would later play and image portrayed on screen ; those were two things Steiger objected to throughout his career.

The role of Marty was turned over to Ernest Borgnine.

Borgnine would receive the Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Rod Steiger never regretted his decision to turn down the film role of Marty.