Television, too, came in for some sharp criticism. “Because of television,” he said, “whole masses of people have lost touch with reality,” an opinion held by many psychiatrists. Steve’s wife, who had to come to join us, agreed, deploring the violence on TV and the filth on the screen. Nevertheless, they feel that these media have tremendous potential for good with the right programs.
Answering a question about whether he would act again, Steve said, “I was offered a part recently but the script was absolutely vile. I had to turn it down.”
Steven Hill is writing the scripts these days and might just write one for himself. But if he never acted again it would not upset him greatly. Most Americans would probably find that difficult to understand. What wouldn’t they give for the glamorous life of a Hollywood star! Steve had that life with all the glamour and fame and adulation that went with being one of the brightest stars in the theatrical firmament. But he saw that it was shallow – without substance – and willingly gave it up for the unsung but infinitely more meaningful and rewarding life of an observant Jew. He has never regretted it.
Steven Hill was born Solomon Krakowsky in Seattle, Washington He is a nephew of the late Rabbi Levi Krakowsky, world-renowned authority on Kabbalah. Before becoming an actor, Steve attended the University of Washington. He is married to the former Rachel Shenker, daughter of Rabbi and Mrs. Shenker of Baltimore. They have one son almost two months old.