Zero Mostel
ActingAbout Zero Mostel
Samuel Joel “Zero” Mostel (February 28, 1915 – September 8, 1977) was an American actor. He was best known for his portrayal of comic characters such as Tevye onstage in Fiddler on the Roof, Pseudolus onstage and onscreen in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Max Bialystock in the original film version of The Producers. He was blacklisted during the 1950s, and his testimony before the House Committee on Un-American Activities was well-publicized. He was a Tony Award and Obie Award winner.
Zero Mostel Movies & Career Overview
The filmography of Zero Mostel reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 38 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.
Dominant Genre
A large portion of Zero Mostel's work falls within the Comedy genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.
Success Ratio
Approximately 50% of Zero Mostel's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.
One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Carol + 2, which stands out as a key performance.
Best Zero Mostel Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Zero Mostel's career based on audience ratings.
Full Filmography
Every movie Zero Mostel has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Remembering Gene Wilder | Self (archive footage) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2018 | Mel Brooks: Unwrapped | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 2013 | Mel Brooks: Make a Noise | Self (archive footage) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2007 | Hitler: The Comedy Years | Max Bialystock (archive footage) (uncredited) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2005 | Broadway's Lost Treasures III: The Best of The Tony Awards | Pseudolus ("A Funny Thing Happened on the ...") (arch. foot.) | Hit | Similar → |
| 2003 | Broadway's Lost Treasures | Tevye (segment "Fiddler On The Roof") | Average | Similar → |
| 1986 | The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years | Self (archive footage) | Average | Similar → |
| 1985 | Muppet Treasures | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1979 | Best Boy | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1978 | Watership Down | Kehaar (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1977 | Ride of the Valkyrie | - | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Little Drummer Boy: Book II | Brutus (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | The Front | Hecky Brown | Hit | Similar → |
| 1976 | Mastermind | Inspector Hoku Ichihara | Flop | Similar → |
| 1975 | Journey into Fear | Kopelkin | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | Fore Play | President / Don Pasquale | Flop | Similar → |
| 1974 | Once Upon a Scoundrel | Carlos del Refugio | Flop | Similar → |
| 1974 | Rhinoceros | John | Average | Similar → |
| 1973 | Marco | Kublai Khan | Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Saga of Sonora | Heavy Harry | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1973 | Old Faithful | Ranger Zeppel | Flop | Similar → |
| 1972 | The Hot Rock | Abe Greenberg | Hit | Similar → |
| 1970 | The Angel Levine | Morris Mishkin | Flop | Similar → |
| 1969 | The Great Bank Robbery | Rev. Pious Blue | Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Great Catherine | Potemkin | Average | Similar → |
| 1968 | The Producers | Max Bialystock | Hit | Similar → |
| 1968 | Red, White, and Zero | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 1966 | A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum | Pseudolus | Average | Similar → |
| 1966 | Carol + 2 | Self | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1961 | Waiting for Godot | Estragon / Gogo | Average | Similar → |
| 1959 | The World of Sholom Aleichem | Melamed / Maxel | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Model and the Marriage Broker | George Wixted | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Guy Who Came Back | Boots Mullins | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | Mr. Belvedere Rings the Bell | Emmett | Hit | Similar → |
| 1951 | Sirocco | Balukjiaan | Average | Similar → |
| 1951 | The Enforcer | 'Big Babe' Lazich | Hit | Similar → |
| 1950 | Panic in the Streets | Raymond Fitch | Hit | Similar → |
| 1943 | Du Barry Was a Lady | Rami, the Swami / Taliostra | Hit | Similar → |
Zero Mostel - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Zero Mostel?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Zero Mostel is "Carol + 2" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has Zero Mostel acted in?
Zero Mostel has been featured in at least 38 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Zero Mostel?
Other notable films include "Saga of Sonora", "The World of Sholom Aleichem", and "Mel Brooks: Make a Noise".