Ralph Tabakin

Ralph Tabakin (September 22, 1921 – May 13, 2001) was an American actor.

Ralph Tabakin
Born(1921-09-22)September 22, 1921
San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
DiedMay 13, 2001(2001-05-13) (aged 79)
Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.
Burial placeJudean Memorial Gardens, Olney, Maryland
OccupationActor
Spouse(s)
Madolyn Doress
​
​
(m. 1942; died 1996)​
ChildrenTwo daughters, one granddaughter
RelativesTwo sisters
Military service
Allegiance United States
Service/branch U.S. Army
Rank Staff sergeant
Battles/warsWorld War II, D-Day
AwardsTwo Bronze Stars and five Purple Hearts

Career

In his acting career, Tabakin is most associated with the work of Barry Levinson, as he appeared in fifteen of Levinson's films from Diner onward. His appearance in Diner began after a visit to the set where he impressed Levinson. Considered a lucky charm of Levinson,[1] Tabakin is perhaps best known for playing medical examiner Dr. Scheiner on the Levinson-produced TV series Homicide: Life on the Street, a recurring character from the first episode through all seven seasons and the follow-up Homicide: The Movie.

Personal life

Born in San Antonio, Texas, he was the middle child in a family of five. They would also live in New Orleans, Louisiana, before moving and settling in Richmond, Virginia. He was a World War 2 veteran, being decorated with five Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars.[2] He also worked as a Federal Aviation Administration engineer for several years.[1][3] He died in 2001 due to heart disease.[2] He is buried in Judean Memorial Gardens in Olney, Maryland.[3]

Filmography
Year Title Role Notes
1982DinerTV Customer
1984The NaturalAl's Customer
1985Young Sherlock HolmesPoliceman in Shop Window
1987Tin MenMr. Hudson
1987Good Morning, VietnamChaplain Noel
1988Rain ManShift Bosswith Dustin Hoffman
1990AvalonPrincipal Dunn
1991BugsyElevator Operator
1992ToysFred
1994Jimmy HollywoodFan in Hospital
1994DisclosureElevator Attendant
1996SleepersWardenwith Dustin Hoffman
1997Wag the DogSouthern Manwith Dustin Hoffman
1998SphereO.S.S.A. Officialwith Dustin Hoffman
1999Liberty HeightsPhil, Spotlight Man at the Gaitey

See also

References
  1. Ralph Tabakin at AllMovie
  2. "Ralph Tabakin; Actor, 79". The New York Times. Associated Press. May 16, 2001.
  3. Kelly, Jacques (May 16, 2001). "Ralph Tabakin, 79, actor who appeared in movies, 'Homicide'". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
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