Tatar began his television career behind the scenes, first as a cue card holder for such shows as The Kate Smith Show and The Jimmie Rodgers Show. He also read and answered mail sent by fans to those shows and to The Honeymooners, starring Jackie Gleason. Working with Jackie Gleason as his personal assistant provided Ben with a working journey to Paris, traveling aboard the, to make the movie Gigot, directed by Gene Kelly. His additional film credits included The Thin Red Line, which was filmed in location in Spain and released in 1964; the 1965 film, Battle of the Bulge; and The Wind and the Lion in 1975. He was also in "Patton," and worked as director of the English versions and as dialogue coach for films of Vicente Aranda, whose work included "The Blood-Spattered Bride" and "The Exquisite Cadaver," during which he got to know actress Capucine and became companion to actress Judy Matheson. Tatar also worked with Telly Savalas. Tatar worked in Spain throughout the 1960s and 1970s, where he became a language voice dubbing director and voice-over artist for television and film production companies based in the Spain. His fluency in five languages – English, French, German, Italian and Spanish – aided him in the profession.
Pittsburgh
In 1981, Tatar moved back from New York City to his native Pittsburgh to care for his mother. He settled in Pittsburgh's Highland Park neighborhood, where he resided for more than thirty years. Away from the acting hubs in New York and Los Angeles, Tatar turned his professional attention to local theater, as well as film and television productions filmed on-location in the Pittsburgh area. Tatar's return to Pittsburgh benefited Pittsburgh cultural endeavors: he did much acting and directing and also voice-overs. He was a member of the JCC Theatre Club for many years. His later work included productions at the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre and for the Jewish Theatre of Pittsburgh. He also appeared in numerous low-budget horror films produced in Pittsburgh. In 1995, Tatar co-starred in the Hallmark Hall of Fame television movie, The Piano Lesson, which was written by playwright, August Wilson, another Pittsburgh native.
Personal life
Tatar authored an unpublished autobiography titled, The Dream Never Dies, in which he wrote of his early career, his work with leading actors on various films, his relationship with Ava Gardner and his voice-over career in Spain. In addition to acting, Tatar created word searches and compiled crossword puzzles for the publishing firm Dell Publishing.
Death
Tatar died from chronic pulmonary disease at UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on November 29, 2012 at the age of 82. Tatar, who never married, was buried at B'nai Israel Cemetery.
Films
1995 The Piano Lesson – as the watermelon man 1993 The Cemetery Club – man 1990 Two Evil Eyes – actor 1975 The Wind and the Lion – sketch artist 1972 Pancho Villa – as Private Bates 1969 Land Raiders – as Loomis 1967 Bang, Bang Kid – as Leech 1966 Battle of the Bulge – actor 1965 Crack in the World – as Indian Ambassador 1964 The Thin Red Line – actor
