Sam Kressen (October 5, 1918 - December 27, 1991) was an American
actor perhaps best known for his portrayal of Benjamin
Franklin.Kressen was a native of Philadelphia. During his years at
that city's Central High School, he took classes in debate, oratory,
and public speaking. After graduation, he acted with the Neighborhood
Players, which later became the Society Hill Playhouse. He also was a
graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.Kressen began portraying
Ben Franklin in 1956, taking on the role for a variety of events. His
association with Franklin became more widely known when he played the
character in the national company's production of the musical 1776 in
1970 and 1971, and he continued playing that part in the Independence
Mall Theatre's production of 1776 in 1976. In 1988, Krassen performed
in a production of 1776 for the 600th time as the play continued at
Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey.Kressen also acted on
Broadway, portraying Mr. Korngold in Golden Rainbow (1968), and in
touring companies of Funny Girl, Luther, Mame, and The Andersonville
Trial. Additionally, he performed in regional theaters, including the
Camden County Music Fair and the Storrowton Music Fair.
actor perhaps best known for his portrayal of Benjamin
Franklin.Kressen was a native of Philadelphia. During his years at
that city's Central High School, he took classes in debate, oratory,
and public speaking. After graduation, he acted with the Neighborhood
Players, which later became the Society Hill Playhouse. He also was a
graduate of the University of Pennsylvania.Kressen began portraying
Ben Franklin in 1956, taking on the role for a variety of events. His
association with Franklin became more widely known when he played the
character in the national company's production of the musical 1776 in
1970 and 1971, and he continued playing that part in the Independence
Mall Theatre's production of 1776 in 1976. In 1988, Krassen performed
in a production of 1776 for the 600th time as the play continued at
Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn, New Jersey.Kressen also acted on
Broadway, portraying Mr. Korngold in Golden Rainbow (1968), and in
touring companies of Funny Girl, Luther, Mame, and The Andersonville
Trial. Additionally, he performed in regional theaters, including the
Camden County Music Fair and the Storrowton Music Fair.
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