Elia Kazan died: confirmed facts
Elia Kazan, the influential director and filmmaker, died on September 20, 2004. His death was attributed to complications from pneumonia at his home in New York City. This status clarifier outlines the verified date, location, and medical circumstances, drawing on authoritative sources to confirm the facts and remove ambiguity. Below is a concise, sourced overview of the key details.
Key facts table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of death | September 20, 2004 | Obituary records |
| Place of death | New York City, New York, USA | Published reports |
| Reported cause | Pneumonia | Medical/official statements |
| Age at death | 94 years old | Biographical sources |
Background on Elia Kazan
Born in 1909 in Constantinople (now Istanbul) and raised in the United States, Kazan became a central figure in mid-20th century cinema and theater. He is widely recognized for directing films such as A Streetcar Named Desire, East of Eden, and On the Waterfront, the latter earning him an Academy Award for Best Director in 1954. His work shaped American dramatic realism and influenced generations of filmmakers and actors.
Confirming the status of his death
Since his passing in 2004, authoritative sources including major newspapers, obituaries, and databases have consistently reported that Elia Kazan died on September 20, 2004, in New York City. No credible reports suggest otherwise, and no conflicting timelines have emerged. In informational terms, his death is a settled fact with strong consensus among primary and secondary sources.
Details around the cause
Public records and published obituaries indicate pneumonia as the proximate cause of death. While specific medical records are private, the repeated citation of pneumonia in reputable outlets supports a consistent explanation. This aligns with typical outcomes for elderly individuals with preexisting vulnerabilities, without implying any unusual circumstances.
Common questions about his death
- When exactly did Elia Kazan die? He died on September 20, 2004.
- Where did he die? He died at his home in New York City, New York, USA.
- How old was he? He was 94 years old at the time of his death.
- Was his death sudden or expected? Given his age and reported illness, it followed a period of known health decline.
Legacy after death
Kazan’s death did not diminish his complex legacy, which remains debated due to his testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee in the 1950s. Nevertheless, his contributions to film and theater endure in curricula, restorations, and critical reassessments. By separating biographical facts from controversy, his career continues to be studied with clarity and context.
Reliable sources summary
Key information about Kazan’s death is corroborated by The New York Times, Variety, official biographies, and publicly available databases. These sources confirm the date, location, and reported cause, forming a reliable foundation for any discussion of his death. Cross-referencing multiple outlets reduces uncertainty and supports an evidence-based conclusion.
Why this matters now
Although Kazan died in 2004, sustained public interest in his work and controversies can prompt renewed questions about his circumstances. Providing clear, sourced answers helps audiences contextualize his death within his broader biography and prevents misinformation from taking root. Accurate reporting ensures that discussions of his life remain grounded in verified details.
Summary
Elia Kazan died on September 20, 2004, at his home in New York City, reportedly from pneumonia at age 94. This status clarifier compiles verified details into a coherent account, supported by a facts table, key context, and frequently asked questions. By prioritizing authoritative sources and transparent sourcing, the article offers durable, evergreen value to readers seeking clarity about his death.