Born in New York City. This veteran character actor made his mark with an Oscar®-nominated performance (for best supporting actor) in MARTY (1955), a noted "buddy" role that he reprised from the celebrated 1953 TV play by Paddy Chayefsky. The late 1950s and early 60s were Mantell's busiest period in features, with roles in STORM CENTER (1956), THE SAD SACK and BEAU JAMES (both 1957); he also contributed a memorable bit as a travelling salesman in Alfred Hitchcock's chilling THE BIRDS (1963). Mantell is also known for playing Lawrence Walsh, an associate of Jack Nicholson's Jake Gittes in Roman Polanski's neo-noir, CHINATOWN (1974) and again in the Nicholson-directed sequel, THE TWO JAKES (1990). He appeared extensively on television in weekly dramas and TV series from 1952 until 1982.  Nominated for Supporting Actor 1955: MARTY 1 nomination