On This Day in History, March 26: Third Time the Charm For Oscar-Winner Arkin
Alan Arkin was born in Brooklyn on March 26, 1934, son of David Arkin and his wife Beatrice. He lived in Brooklyn until his family moved to California when he was 11. Arkin detested school, but fondly recalls the time he won a Spade Cooley talent contest by imitating Brooklyn actor Danny Kaye.
Arkin was educated at Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles State College, and Bennington College. He wrote songs and performed with the folk singing ensemble known as “The Tarriers.”
After he left the group, Arkin made his professional debut improvising with the Compass Players at the Crystal Palace in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1959. In 1960 he joined the legendary Second City group in Chicago, also an improvisational theater.