Martin Alan Feldman (July 8, 1934 – December 2, 1982) was a British actor, comedian and writer. He was known for his prominent, misaligned eyes.
Feldman’s distinctive and unique eyes were primarily caused by a medical condition called Graves’ disease, which is an autoimmune disorder leading to an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). A common symptom of Graves’ disease is Graves’ ophthalmopathy, also known as thyroid eye disease, which causes the eyes to protrude (exophthalmos) and can lead to misalignment.
While Graves’ disease was the main cause, some sources also suggest that a childhood injury, a car crash, or reconstructive eye surgery may have contributed to the unusual appearance of his eyes.
Feldman famously embraced his unique look, turning what could have been a disadvantage into a comedic trademark, most notably in his iconic role as Igor (pronounced “Eye-gor”) in Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein.
“Marty had a condition that was opposite of cross eyes,” the director said. “His eyes would be on the outer edge. So, in order to hide from Marty Feldman you had to go right up to his face. His peripheral vision was acute, but he couldn’t see you if you were right in front of him, because he couldn’t cross his eyes.”
Brooks, who was working with Feldman for the first time, said that directing Marty Feldman was a little different than directing other actors. “First I tried to find out where he was looking. His eyes stare in about 19 different directions. They look like hardboiled eggs that somebody painted eyeballs on and didn’t paint them on right. So first I’d get in the path of his vision and try to signal him down. Then I’d say, ‘Marty, be very good.’ He’d say, ‘All right.’ And he was. After Marty, there will never be another Igor. They’ll have to retire that part. He’s it.”
Feldman knew that looking different was an asset in comedy. “I could have my eyes fixed and my nose straightened, but I think it would be a mistake. Comedians too often try to turn themselves into leading men. They force the thin man inside the fat man out into the open unnaturally and lose touch with their real talents.”
Though Feldman appreciated the fact that his eyes made him funnier, he apparently would have preferred to look quite different. He once said he wanted to be reincarnated as Miles Davis, playing the trumpet.
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