Ralph Tabakin

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
Madolyn Doress
​
​
(m. 1942; died 1996)​
ChildrenTwo daughters, one granddaughter
RelativesTwo sisters
Military service
AllegianceUnited States United States
Service / branch U.S. Army
Rank Staff sergeant
Battles / warsWorld War II, D-Day
AwardsTwo Bronze Stars and five Purple Hearts

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

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,[citation needed] 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 II veteran, being decorated with five Purple Hearts and two Bronze Stars.[1] He also worked as a Federal Aviation Administration engineer for several years.[2] He died in 2001 due to heart disease.[1] He is buried in Judean Memorial Gardens in Olney, Maryland.[2]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1982 Diner TV Customer
1984 The Natural Al's Customer
1985 Young Sherlock Holmes Policeman in Shop Window
1987 Tin Men Mr. Hudson
1987 Good Morning, Vietnam Chaplain Noel
1988 Rain Man Shift Boss with Dustin Hoffman
1990 Avalon Principal Dunn
1991 Bugsy Elevator Operator
1992 Toys Fred
1994 Jimmy Hollywood Fan in Hospital
1994 Disclosure Elevator Attendant
1996 Sleepers Warden with Dustin Hoffman
1997 Wag the Dog Southern Man with Dustin Hoffman
1998 Sphere O.S.S.A. Official with Dustin Hoffman
1999 Liberty Heights Phil, Spotlight Man at the Gaitey

See also

References

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