George Cisar
Actor
About George Cisar
George Cisar was an American actor who had a brief but memorable career in Hollywood during the late 1950s. He is primarily known for his role in the 1959 cult horror film 'Attack of the Giant Leeches,' where he portrayed one of the local characters in the small Southern town setting. While his filmography appears limited to this single credited role, his performance contributed to the film's enduring status as a classic of B-movie cinema. Like many character actors of his era, Cisar likely worked in uncredited roles or in other aspects of the entertainment industry that weren't fully documented. His appearance in 'Attack of the Giant Leeches' came during the golden era of drive-in horror films, when studios were producing low-budget creature features to satisfy teenage audiences. Though his screen time was brief, Cisar's portrayal helped establish the authentic small-town atmosphere that made the film effective within its genre. His career, while not extensive, represents the type of working actor who populated Hollywood's supporting ranks during this period.
The Craft
On Screen
Based on his appearance in 'Attack of the Giant Leeches,' Cisar employed a naturalistic, character-driven approach typical of supporting actors in 1950s B-movies. His performance style was grounded and believable, helping to establish the authentic small-town atmosphere essential to the film's horror elements. Like many character actors of the period, he likely brought a sense of everyday realism to his roles, making the extraordinary circumstances of the plot more relatable to audiences.
Milestones
- Appeared in 'Attack of the Giant Leeches' (1959) in a supporting role
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
George Cisar's contribution to cinema, while limited in scope, represents the essential role of character actors in creating believable worlds within genre films. His performance in 'Attack of the Giant Leeches' helped establish the authentic small-town atmosphere that made the film's horror elements more effective. The film itself has become a cult classic, frequently referenced in discussions of 1950s monster movies and B-movie cinema, with Cisar being part of the ensemble that brought this memorable piece of American genre filmmaking to life.
Lasting Legacy
George Cisar's legacy is tied primarily to his appearance in 'Attack of the Giant Leeches,' a film that has endured as a cult favorite among horror and B-movie enthusiasts. While he may not have had an extensive filmography, his contribution to this particular film has been preserved through its continued popularity and status as a representative example of 1950s American monster cinema. The film's preservation and continued screening at revival theaters and horror conventions ensures that his work, however brief, remains part of cinema history.
Who They Inspired
As a supporting actor with limited film credits, George Cisar's direct influence on other performers is difficult to trace. However, like many character actors of his era, he contributed to the tradition of naturalistic supporting performances that helped ground genre films in reality. His work exemplifies the type of authentic, unglamorous acting that gave credibility to B-movie productions and influenced subsequent generations of character actors in horror and science fiction films.
Off Screen
George Cisar was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and lived much of his life in the Midwest. He passed away in June 1979 at the age of 66. Beyond his brief film appearance, little is documented about his personal life, which was typical of many supporting actors who worked primarily in regional theater or had careers outside of the entertainment industry.
Did You Know?
- 'Attack of the Giant Leeches' was his only credited film role
- The film was produced by American International Pictures, known for their low-budget genre films
- The movie was shot in only six days
- The giant leeches were actually actors in rubber suits
- The film has become a cult classic and is frequently referenced in discussions of 1950s monster movies
- Despite the brief filmography, his performance has been preserved through the film's continued popularity
- The film was directed by Bernard L. Kowalski, who went on to direct many television episodes
- The movie was part of the drive-in theater circuit, popular with teenage audiences in the late 1950s
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was George Cisar?
George Cisar was an American actor best known for his appearance in the 1959 cult horror film 'Attack of the Giant Leeches.' His film career appears to have been brief, with this being his only credited role, but his performance contributed to the film's enduring status as a classic of B-movie cinema.
What films is George Cisar best known for?
George Cisar is known almost exclusively for 'Attack of the Giant Leeches' (1959), a low-budget horror film produced by American International Pictures that has since become a cult classic among fans of 1950s monster movies.
When was George Cisar born and when did he die?
George Cisar was born on July 27, 1912, in Cleveland, Ohio, and passed away on June 13, 1979, at the age of 66.
What awards did George Cisar win?
There are no documented awards or nominations for George Cisar, which was typical for many supporting actors in B-movies during this period who often worked outside the mainstream award system.
What was George Cisar's acting style?
Based on his performance in 'Attack of the Giant Leeches,' Cisar employed a naturalistic, character-driven approach typical of supporting actors in 1950s B-movies, bringing authenticity to his role that helped establish the film's small-town atmosphere.
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Films
1 film
