SSAT Upper Level Reading Comprehension Practice Test 27

José Ferrer was known as one of the most successful American film actors of his generation, but he actually began his career in theater. He was born January 8, 1909 in Puerto Rico and moved to the United States when he was six years old. His acting skills were first showcased while he attended Princeton University and performed with the Triangle Club, a student acting group whose alumni also include Jimmy Stewart and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

After graduating, Ferrer continued to perform in theater until he made his Broadway debut in 1935 in the play Charley's Aunt. He had many successful roles on Broadway, including a role in 1943 when he played the villain Iago in Shakespeare's play Othello. The title role of Othello in that production was played by the acclaimed actor Paul Robeson. With these two powerful performers, Othello became the longest running play in Broadway history (at the time). Ferrer's greatest role, though, was still to come.

In 1946, Ferrer was cast in the title role of Cyrano de Bergerac. He won the prestigious Tony award as Cyrano, the tragic hero who fights men with supreme courage but cowardly hides his love for the beautiful Roxanne. His success in this role led directly to his repeated performances as Cyrano in a film version (for which he won an Oscar) and a television version (for which he won an Emmy). He is the only actor to win all three of those special awards for playing the same role. This feat is all the more remarkable because Cyrano de Bergerac was known as a desirable role, one that had been played very well previously by other talented actors.

Through these roles, Ferrer earned a reputation on Broadway as an extremely flexible actor, talented enough to play many diverse roles. Eight years after his debut in professional theater, he finally started performing in movies. Once he began appearing in films, that skill translated into many great performances and memorable roles. His film career included both acting and directing opportunities and lasted nearly forty years.

1. Which of the following is the primary purpose of the passage?

• A. To discuss the success of Puerto Rican actors on Broadway
• B. To suggest that José Ferrer was the best actor ever to play Cyrano de Bergerac
• C. To provide a synopsis of the career of a well-regarded American actor
• D. To contrast the history of theater with the history of television
• E. To compare two great Broadway actors, Paul Robeson and José Ferrer

2. The author would most likely agree with which of the following?

• A. Ferrer's career was long because he was able to play many different roles.
• B. Ferrer regretted waiting years before he became a screen actor.
• C. Princeton University's Triangle Club allowed Ferrer to learn from Jimmy Stewart and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
• D. Cyrano de Bergerac is the greatest role ever written for the Broadway stage.
• E. Cyrano de Bergerac was Ferrer's favorite role to perform.

3. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?

• A. Most members of the Triangle Club have successful acting careers.
• B. Ferrer was more honored by his Tony award than by his Emmy or Oscar.
• C. The record-setting run of Othello may have been in part due to Paul Robeson.
• D. Ferrer did not perform again on Broadway after he began performing in movies.
• E. Ferrer's performance as Cyrano set a record that still stands today.

4. The author would most likely agree with all of the following EXCEPT

• A. Paul Robeson was seen by some as a very talented actor
• B. Ferrer is somewhat responsible for the success of the longest-running Broadway play in history
• C. some actors consider Cyrano de Bergerac a role they would like to perform
• D. it is difficult to win prestigious acting awards
• E. Ferrer's successful performance in Othello was his first Broadway performance

5. Which of the following best describes the author's attitude toward José Ferrer?

• A. Indifference
• B. Envy
• C. Friendship
• D. Isolation
• E. Admiration