Born Norman Adelberg in 1924, he served in the Army during World War
II. At the end of the conflict he had the opportunity to benefit from
the GI Bill program meant to help returning soldiers to
start or resume studying. That is how, while attending Texas Christian
University, he discovered on the boards of on-campus theater that he
had a talent for acting. This was the beginning of a long, long career.
Though most of the time in small or even bit parts, Alden, worked for
such big names as
Howard Hawks,
Jerry Lewis,
Walt Disney,
Woody Allen and
Tim Burton. He might have become a
major star himself after
Richard C. Sarafian chose him for
the title role of
Andy (1965). The director
must have been very pleased with Alden for, as Andy Chadakis - the
retarded son of elderly Greek immigrants - he showed remarkable acting
ability . Unfortunately, the film was little seen and the gifted actor
landed no other parts of such importance and quality afterward.
Our House(2006)as Old Fellah
Detective(2005)as Judge Olividat
Like Family(2003)as Sidney
Night of the Wolf(2002)as Carl Casey
JAG(1995)as Mr. Platt
Two for the Money(1972)
Looking Back to the Future(2009)
Looking Back at the Future(2006)as Self
The 100 Most Unexpected TV Moments(2005)as Self
WatchMojo(2006)as Self - Sir Kay
Wyatt Earp: Return to Tombstone(1994)as Johnny Ringo (flashback sequence) (as Norm Alden)
Dan August: The Trouble with Women(1980)as Benjamin Marsh
Back to the Planet of the Apes(1980)as Zako
