Julian Beck was an American actor, director, and playwright, born on May 31, 1925. He is best known for co-founding the experimental theater group known as the Living Theatre in 1947, which aimed to break traditional boundaries of performance and engage audiences in social and political issues. In addition to his work in theater, Beck appeared in several films, including The Last House on the Left (1972). He was also a prominent figure in the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s, advocating for artistic freedom and social change through his performances and writings. Beck passed away on September 14, 1985.