Hy Anzell (September 7, 1923 – August 23, 2003) was a Yiddish-speaking[1] American actor. He originated the role of the flower shop owner, "Mr. Mushnik", in the original off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors with Ellen Greene and Lee Wilkof.[2] He was also in the original 1976 Broadway cast of Checking Out.

Hy Anzell
Anzell in 1950
Born(1923-09-07)September 7, 1923
DiedAugust 23, 2003(2003-08-23) (aged 79)
OccupationActor
Years active1954–2003

He appeared in dozens of films and television programs. He had roles in a number of films directed by Woody Allen, beginning with Bananas, and notably including Annie Hall (in which he had his best-known movie role as Uncle Joey Nichols).[3][4]

He died of natural causes at age 79.[3] Anzell was Jewish.[5]

Filmography

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Year Title Role Notes
1954 Bengal Brigade Sepoy Uncredited
1954 The Silver Chalice Workman in Joseph's Courtyard Uncredited
1955 The Seven Little Foys Dresser at 'Iroquois' Uncredited
1957 The True Story of Jesse James John - Jury Foreman Uncredited
1957 Beau James Reporter Uncredited
1958 Party Girl Man in Hall Uncredited
1968 What's So Bad About Feeling Good? Uncredited
1969 John and Mary Taxi Driver Uncredited
1971 Bananas Patient In Operating Room
1973 The Stone Killer Cab Driver
1974 The Taking of Pelham One Two Three Latimer, Toll Booth Guard Uncredited
1976 Death Play Harry
1977 Annie Hall Joey Nichols
1987 Radio Days Mr. Waldbaum
1987 Ironweed Rosskam
1989 Dead Bang Captain Waxman
1989 Crimes and Misdemeanors Seder Guest
1990 Pacific Heights Locksmith
1992 Crossing the Bridge Manny Goldfarb
1993 The Cemetery Club Al
1997 Deconstructing Harry Max

References

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  1. ^ Sadie Stein, "Jitterbug Perfume", The Paris Review, May 28, 2014.
  2. ^ John Simon, "Campsites", New York, August 23, 1982.
  3. ^ a b Lauren Lyster, "Hy Anzell: Actor", Variety, August 25, 2003.
  4. ^ Hy Anzell, All Movie Guide at The New York Times (accessed 2014-04-24).
  5. ^ LLC, New York Media (March 2, 1987). "New York Magazine". New York Media, LLC – via Google Books.
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