Biographie
Ben Hammer, a stocky, versatile, and captivating character actor, was born on December 8, 1924, in Brooklyn, New York. He frequently played judges, priests, doctors, and other authority figures in numerous films and television shows. Some of his most memorable film roles include a square middle-aged scientist in the cult sci-fi/horror classic "Invasion of the Bee Girls," Young Dar's father in the charming fantasy adventure "The Beastmaster," and the spirited elderly character Hal in the acclaimed "Survival Quest." On television, Hammer had a recurring role as Judge Herman Mooney on the popular series "Law & Order." He also guest-starred on many shows, including "Highway to Heaven," "Airwolf," "T.J. Hooker," "The A-Team," "Fame," "Simon & Simon," "Barney Miller," "CHiPs," "The Incredible Hulk," "Charlie's Angels," "The Streets of San Francisco," "Kojak," "Police Woman," "Mannix," "Ironside," "Mission: Impossible," and "The Virginian."
In addition to his screen work, Hammer enjoyed a long and distinguished career on Broadway. He made his stage debut in 1956 with "The Great Sebastians." Other theatrical productions he appeared in include "The Tenth Man," "The Deputy," "The Three Sisters," "The Crucible," "Golda," and "The Gathering." Hammer married his wife Dorothea, a potter, on December 21, 1958. He passed away on September 18, 2017, at the age of 92, and was survived by two daughters.
