Stella Adler

Stella Adler was one of America's most influential acting teachers and a central figure in shaping modern American theater. The only American to have studied the "Method" directly with its originator, Constantin Stanislavsky, Adler brought an unmatched authenticity and insight to her craft. Her legendary list of students includes Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro, Warren Beatty, and Harvey Keitel, all of whom credited her with transforming their approach to acting.

Adler’s roots in the theater ran deep—she began performing as a child in the company of her father, Jacob Adler, a giant of Yiddish theater. She quickly established herself on Broadway before joining the Group Theater at its founding in 1931, becoming an integral member of that groundbreaking ensemble. Her acclaimed portrayal in the Group Theater’s production of Clifford Odets’ "Awake and Sing" became one of her signature roles.

A pivotal split with Lee Strasberg over the true meaning of Stanislavsky’s teachings led Adler to devote herself to instruction. She first taught at the Dramatic Workshop of the New School for Social Research, and in 1949, she established her own school, where she mentored generations of actors and became a revered authority on performance. Stella Adler’s passionate belief that great acting stems from imagination, empathy, and a connection to the wider world remains at the core of her enduring legacy.