Date of Birth : Nov 28th 1923
American character actor of Broadway, film and television. Karen was born Jacob Karnofsky in Wilkes-Barre, Northeastern Pennsylvania, the son of Russian-born Jewish immigrants Mae (née Freed) and Joseph H. Karnofsky, a produce dealer. As a young man, Karen was encouraged to be an actor by U.S. Congressman Daniel J. Flood, who was an amateur thespian himself, recruiting him into a production at the Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre. He attended the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York. His big break came when he was asked to understudy Karl Malden in the original Broadway production of A Streecar Named Desire .
On television he played Dr. Burke on As the World Turns and was the original Lincoln Tyler on All My Children. He is perhaps best known for his recurring role on the television series Eight Is Enough. He is also well-known on the east coast for his 20 years as television and radio spokesman for the Pathmark supermarket chain. He also appeared on the Golden Girls as a prospective love interest for Dorothy.
His notable film credits include the 1982’s Poltergeist, 1985’s The Return of the Living Dead, 1987’s Wall Street and most recently in 2006’s The Pursuit of Happyness.
CAREER
The Pursuit of Happyness ( 2007 )
Thirteen Days ( 2001 )
Any Given Sunday ( 2000 )
Apt Pupil ( 1999 )
Joyride ( 1996 )
Congo ( 1995 )
Wall Street ( 1988 )
Return of the Living Dead ( 1985 )