Original “Reportrait” of Steiger by artist George Haessler, comprising a stippled-ink portrait with extensive handwritten contributions from the actor, on an off-white 13.75 x 16.75 sheet, signed in red ink “Rod Steiger, April 3, 1959, NYC.” Steiger comments on acting, anger, and Broadway vs. Hollywood. Some excerpts: “I believe the basis of acting lies in the successful discovery of one’s self as he is (not what he thinks he is) and the ability to draw from that discovery those elements that expose, consciously and unconsciously, the character given by the playwrite [sic]…. My anger is based on those ‘criminals’ who bring unnecessary pain into the world…. I found a seeming ‘freedom’ on Broadway that I didn’t find in Hollywood—but I discovered, in my opinion, the yoke of commercialism has drawn tighter. The fear of loss of money has gained and the difference between these two cities became very slight….” The sheet is also signed and dated by Haessler at lower right. In very good condition, with a touch of mild soiling and a few faint marginal stains, small loss to blank corner at upper right, and a few wrinkles and small tears. Striking for display! R&R COA.
