Sully Boyar


Irving "Sully" Boyar was an American character actor of stage, film, and television of Russian-Jewish descent.

Early life and education

Boyar was raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, one of seven children, some of whom grew up to become lawyers and businessmen. He worked as a lawyer before turning to acting classes. He had a twin brother named Samuel.

Career

Boyer began his career as a theater actor, with small parts offered by off-Broadway and experimental productions, including those at Judson Poets Theater.
A life member of the Actors Studio, he worked with Al Pacino in Dog Day Afternoon as the bank manager Mulvaney.
His many other film credits included The Panic in Needle Park, The King of Marvin Gardens, The Gambler, Car Wash, Oliver's Story, Night of the Juggler, The Jazz Singer, Fort Apache, The Bronx, The Entity, Too Scared to Scream, Prizzi's Honor, Best Seller, The Lemon Sisters, Betsy's Wedding, In the Soup, and Just the Ticket.
On television, he appeared as Tom Feeney in the television movie, The Deadliest Season. He portrayed Judge Maurice Sanderling in the 1980s CBS series, The Equalizer. He appeared four times in the first four seasons of Law & Order, three of which portraying Judge Harvey Sirkin in a cameo role. He also guest starred on The Sopranos in 2001, playing Dr. Krakower, a psychiatrist consulting with Carmela Soprano.

Death

On March 23, 2001, Boyar died of a heart attack at age 77 while waiting for a bus in Whitestone, Queens.

Filmography

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1977KojakLouie Rindone2 episodes
1977The Deadliest SeasonTom FeeneyTV movie
1979The Rockford FilesBernard L. Petrankus1 episode
1980Charlie's AngelsStiles1 episode
1986The EqualizerJudge Maurice SanderlingEpisode: "Counterfire"
1989The EqualizerJudge Maurice SanderlingEpisode: "Trial by Ordeal"
1990Law & OrderSwerskyEpisode: "Everybody's Favorite Bagman"
1991Law & OrderJudge Harvey SirkinEpisode: "Life Choice"
1992Law & OrderArraignment Judge Harvey SirkinEpisode: "The Corporate Veil"
1993Law & OrderArraignment Judge Harvey SirkinEpisode: "Volunteers"
2001The SopranosDr. Krakower1 episode