Trivia

Was nominated for Broadway's 1961 Tony Award as Best Actor (Dramatic) for "The Devil's Advocate."

Although Levene created the role of Nathan Detroit in the original Broadway production of "Guys and Dolls" in 1950, he did so with a decided handicap for a musical comedy leading man: He couldn't sing. His one solo number, "Sue Me," was deliberately written in only one octave, and when he had to sing in an ensemble number, such as "The Oldest Established," he mimed the words.

In 1925 he was working as a dress cutter for his brother Joe and wanted to become a salesman. Joe would only agree if Sam improved his "poise", so, Sam auditioned for the legendary Charles Jehlinger, at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, who gave him a scholarship and the rest is history.

Alumnus of the AADA (American Academy of Dramatic Arts), Class of 1927.

In 1950 he starred in the film With These Hands (1950), about the International Ladies' Garment Workers Union. At the opening of the film, David Dubinsky, the President of the ILGWU, told him "I know you", and Sam said "Yes, I am in the film with Arlene Francis". Dubinsky replied, "No, you were a cutter, just like me".

Originated the role of Al Lewis on Broadway in the original production of Neil Simon's Ennemis comme avant (1975). The movie role went to George Burns.

Karen Burroughs Hannsberry has a short biography of him in her book "Bad Boys: The Actors of Film Noir".