Biff Elliot (born Leon Shalek; July 26, 1923 – August 15, 2012) was an American actor. He is perhaps best known for his role as detective Mike Hammer in the 1953 version of I, the Jury.
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Early life
Elliot was born in Lynn, Massachusetts, the son of Susan (née Bernstein) and Israel Shalek. He was the youngest of three brothers. His ancestors were Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe.
He attended the University of Maine and played on the freshman football team.
From 1943 he served three years with the 34th Infantry Regiment in World War II.
Career
Elliot, who had acted during his college years, abandoned writing to pursue television roles. He appeared in many important dramatic shows of the time, mostly playing tough, working-class characters.
When Elliot was spotted by a Hollywood attorney while performing in a television episode, the attorney recommended him to Victor Saville, the producer who was preparing the first film adaption of Mickey Spillane's I, the Jury. After securing the part following a 15-minute audition, Elliot was brought to Hollywood and prepared for the role by reading Mike Hammer novels, often spending the entire night reading them. I, the Jury became Elliot's first leading film role, and he was the first actor to portray the Mike Hammer character in a film. Although Elliot was signed to a long-term contract as Mike Hammer, other actors were later cast in the role.
