Meet the cast of The Chosen

Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1940s New York, 'The Chosen' delves into the complex and often turbulent relationship between two Jewish teenage boys, Reuven Malter and Danny Saunders. Barry Miller takes on the role of Reuven, an introspective young man from a more modern and liberal family, while Robby Benson embodies Danny, the son of a strict Hasidic rabbi. Their friendship is forged in the crucible of their contrasting upbringing, as they navigate the societal and familial pressures that threaten to pull them apart.

As the story unfolds, the deep-rooted differences between Reuven's and Danny's families become starkly evident. Reuven's father, a progressive thinker, encourages his son to embrace education and the secular world, while Danny's father imposes a rigid adherence to tradition and religious practice. Despite these differences, both boys share a profound bond, united by their experiences and struggles as Jewish youth in a changing America. The narrative explores their friendship's evolution as they confront external challenges and internal conflicts, reflecting the larger themes of faith, loyalty, and the pursuit of identity.

Through moments of camaraderie and contention, 'The Chosen' captures the essence of adolescence—the yearning for freedom and the quest for self-understanding. The film poignantly illustrates how the boys' friendship is tested by their families' expectations and their personal aspirations. Ultimately, it is a story of love, perseverance, and the power of connection that transcends cultural boundaries, leaving a lasting impact on both their lives and the audience.

Full Cast of The Chosen

Barry Miller

Reuven Malter

Barry Miller delivered a compelling performance as Reuven Malter in the 1981 film adaptation of Chaim Potok's novel "The Chosen." As the steadfast and inquisitive son of a devout Jewish scholar, Miller's portrayal captured the essence of a young man grappling with the complexities of faith, identity, and his burgeoning independence. His nuanced acting brought depth to Reuven's internal struggles, particularly in his interactions with his father and his friendship with Daniel Saunders, played by Robby Benson. Miller's Reuven exuded a quiet strength and intelligence, highlighting the character's loyalty and his quest for understanding in a changing world. His performance was both earnest and emotionally resonant, serving as a cornerstone for the film's exploration of father-son relationships and the challenges of adhering to tradition in the face of modernity.

Robby Benson

Danny Saunders

Robby Benson delivered a nuanced and emotionally resonant performance as Danny Saunders in the 1981 film "The Chosen," directed by Jeremy Kagan. Adapted from Chaim Potok's novel of the same name, the film explores the complexities of friendship, faith, and father-son relationships against the backdrop of 1940s Brooklyn. Benson's portrayal of Danny, the son of a Hasidic rabbi, captures the internal struggle of a young man torn between the expectations of his strict religious upbringing and his own personal desires for independence and self-expression. His performance is marked by a palpable intensity and a deep sensitivity, as he navigates the pressures of his insular community and the burgeoning friendship with Reuven Malter, played by Barry Miller. Benson's Danny is a character caught between two worlds, and his journey towards reconciling his heritage with his individuality is conveyed with a poignancy that lies at the heart of the film's enduring appeal. His interactions with his father, Reb Saunders, portrayed by Rod Steiger, are particularly powerful, showcasing the tension and ultimate understanding that define their relationship. Benson's ability to embody the quiet turmoil and eventual awakening of Danny Saunders makes his performance a standout and a testament to his versatility as an actor.

Maximilian Schell

Professor David Malter

Maximilian Schell delivered a deeply moving performance as Professor David Malter in the 1981 film "The Chosen," an adaptation of Chaim Potok's novel of the same name. Schell brought a quiet dignity and profound emotional depth to the role of the secular Jewish intellectual and devoted father, who navigates the complex interpersonal dynamics of his traditional Hasidic community in 1940s Brooklyn. His portrayal of Malter is one of intellectual curiosity and compassion, as he guides his son Danny through the challenges of reconciling their cultural heritage with the modern world. Schell's performance is marked by moments of tenderness and strength, as he embodies the character's struggle to maintain his ideals while fostering understanding and respect between disparate worlds. His scenes with Robby Benson, who plays Danny's friend Reuven Malter, are particularly poignant, showcasing Schell's ability to convey wisdom and empathy, making Professor Malter a figure of both moral authority and paternal warmth. Schell's nuanced acting anchors the film, providing a touching exploration of fatherhood, faith, and the enduring quest for knowledge and peace.

Rod Steiger

Reb Saunders

Rod Steiger delivered a performance of remarkable depth and intensity as Reb Saunders in the 1981 film "The Chosen," based on the novel by Chaim Potok. Steiger's portrayal of the Hasidic Jewish tzaddik, a spiritual leader and father, is a complex tapestry of piety, authority, and emotional restraint. His Reb Saunders is a man of profound faith and wisdom, who communicates with his followers and family through a resonant, booming voice that seems to echo the divine. Steiger captures the internal struggle of a father grappling with the modernization of his sons, particularly in the context of post-World War II America, where traditional values are being challenged. His interactions with his son, Danny, are fraught with a love that is often unspoken but palpable, conveyed through the subtlest of glances and the slightest inflections. Steiger's performance is a testament to his ability to embody characters with authenticity and nuance, earning him widespread acclaim and solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest actors of his generation. His Reb Saunders is not just a character in a film but a lasting embodiment of a cultural and spiritual leader, striving to maintain the delicate balance between heritage and progression.

Hildy Brooks

Mrs. Saunders

Hildy Brooks delivered a memorable performance as Mrs. Saunders in the movie 'The Chosen,' a film adaptation of Chaim Potok's novel of the same name. As the caring and insightful mother of Danny Saunders, Brooks brought a nuanced portrayal of a woman deeply rooted in her Jewish faith and community, yet open-hearted and understanding of the broader world her son navigates. Her interactions with Robby Benson's Danny are laden with a mixture of maternal affection, quiet strength, and an unspoken wisdom that reflects the complex dynamics within their Hasidic household. Brooks's performance is particularly poignant in the scenes where she grapples with the generational and ideological gaps between her traditional values and the changing worldviews of her son, showcasing her ability to convey the depth of a mother's love and the pain of potential loss. Her embodiment of Mrs. Saunders is a testament to her talent for bringing emotional resonance and authenticity to the characters she portrays.