Michael Wager (born Emanuel Weisgal, April 29, 1925 c. January 2012) was an American film and television actor.
Wager was born in New York, New York, and nicknamed "Mendy". He was the son of Meyer Weisgal, a journalist, publisher, playwright, fundraiser, and Zionist activist, and Shirley (Hirshfeld).
He appeared in the war films, Hill 24 Doesn't Answer and Exodus, and he appeared in a recurring role, as Jonas Roving, on the soap opera Ryan's Hope. One of his roles was Thomas the Apostle in King of Kings. He also appeared in the soap opera Search for Tomorrow and made TV commercials.
Personal life Wager married Susan Blanchard on October 9, 1962. He was bisexual.
Wager was a good friend of composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife Felicia. He lived above them in The Dakota in New York City.
In popular culture He was hugely into opera and the opera queen Mendy in Terrence McNally's play The Lisbon Traviata was based on him.
He was portrayed by Zachary Booth in Bradley Cooper's 2023 film Maestro.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes 1955 Hill 24 Doesn't Answer Allan Goodman 1960 Exodus David Ben Ami 1961 King of Kings Thomas 1976 The Adams Chronicles Albert Gallatin Miniseries 1980 Jane Austen in Manhattan George Midash 1981 Ryan's Hope Jonas Roving Recurring role
References
External links
Michael Wager at the University of Wisconsin's Actors Studio audio collection