Bob Balaban

Born: 16th of August 1945 (80 years old)

Biography:
Robert Elmer Balaban, Born: August 16, 1945, Chicago, Illinois, U.S (Height: 5' 5" [1.65 m]). is an American actor, author, comedian, director, and producer. He is best known for his appearances in the Christopher Guest mockumentary comedies Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and For Your Consideration (2006), as well as his roles in the films Midnight Cowboy (1969), Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Altered States (1980), 2010 (1984), Deconstructing Harry (1997), and Capote (2005). Balaban has also directed three feature films, in addition to numerous television episodes and films. He is also an author of children's novels.

Balaban began his career in the 1960s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. He made his breakthrough role in the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy, playing a young hustler who befriends an aging rodeo cowboy. In the 1970s, Balaban appeared in a number of popular films, including Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), Altered States (1980), and 2010 (1984). He also continued to work in television, appearing in recurring roles on the shows Lou Grant and Designing Women.

In the 1990s, Balaban began a long and fruitful collaboration with filmmaker Christopher Guest. He appeared in all of Guest's mockumentary comedies, including Waiting for Guffman (1996), Best in Show (2000), A Mighty Wind (2003), and For Your Consideration (2006). Balaban's performances in these films were widely praised, and he earned a reputation as one of the most reliable comedic actors in Hollywood.

In addition to his work in film and television, Balaban has also directed three feature films: The Last Shot (1999), Bernie (2011), and A Little Help (2010). He is also a successful author of children's novels, and he has won several awards for his writing.

Balaban is a respected and versatile actor who has enjoyed a long and successful career in the entertainment industry. He is known for his sharp wit, his impeccable comedic timing, and his ability to create memorable characters. He is a true Renaissance man, and he is sure to continue to entertain audiences for many years to come.

Balaban has been nominated for numerous awards throughout his career. He has won two Primetime Emmy Awards, for his work on the television shows Lou Grant and Designing Women. He has also been nominated for two Tony Awards, for his performances in the Broadway plays The Norman Conquests and The Plough and the Stars.

Balaban is a recipient of the American Film Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Balaban is married to Lynn Grossman, and they have two children together. He is a resident of New York City.

Bob Balaban's Filmography

80 for Brady

80 for Brady

  •   Movie
  • 2023
Mark
Severance

Severance

  •   TV Show
  • 2022
Mark Wilkins
Isle of Dogs

Isle of Dogs

  •   Movie
  • 2018
King (voice)
Mascots

Mascots

  •   Movie
  • 2016
Sol Lumpkin
The Grand Budapest Hotel

The Grand Budapest Hotel

  •   Movie
  • 2014
M. Martin
The Monuments Men

The Monuments Men

  •   Movie
  • 2014
Pvt. Preston Savitz
Alpha House

Alpha House

  •   TV Show
  • 2013
Senator Elliot Robeson
Girl Most Likely

Girl Most Likely

  •   Movie
  • 2012
Maxwell
Moonrise Kingdom

Moonrise Kingdom

  •   Movie
  • 2012
The Narrator
Thin Ice

Thin Ice

  •   Movie
  • 2012
Leonard Dahl
Howl

Howl

  •   Movie
  • 2010
Judge Clayton Horn
Recount

Recount

  •   Movie
  • 2008
Ben Ginsberg
License to Wed

License to Wed

  •   Movie
  • 2007
Jewelry Store Clerk (uncredited)
No Reservations

No Reservations

  •   Movie
  • 2007
Therapist
For Your Consideration

For Your Consideration

  •   Movie
  • 2006
Philip Koontz
Lady in the Water

Lady in the Water

  •   Movie
  • 2006
Harry Farber
Capote

Capote

  •   Movie
  • 2005
William Shawn
American Dad!

American Dad!

  •   TV Show
  • 2005
Glen Hanover (voice)
A Mighty Wind

A Mighty Wind

  •   Movie
  • 2003
Jonathan Steinbloom
The Tuxedo

The Tuxedo

  •   Movie
  • 2002
Winton Chalmers (uncredited)
Gosford Park

Gosford Park

  •   Movie
  • 2001
Morris Weissman
The Majestic

The Majestic

  •   Movie
  • 2001
Elvin Glyde
Ghost World

Ghost World

  •   Movie
  • 2001
Enid's Dad
The Mexican

The Mexican

  •   Movie
  • 2001
Bernie Nayman
Best in Show

Best in Show

  •   Movie
  • 2000
Dr. Theodore W. Millbank, III
Three to Tango

Three to Tango

  •   Movie
  • 1999
Decker
Jakob the Liar

Jakob the Liar

  •   Movie
  • 1999
Kowalsky
Pie in the Sky

Pie in the Sky

  •   Movie
  • 1996
Paul Entamen
Friends

Friends

  •   TV Show
  • 1994
Frank Sr.
Little Man Tate

Little Man Tate

  •   Movie
  • 1991
Quizmaster
The Simpsons

The Simpsons

  •   TV Show
  • 1989
Narrator (voice)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

  •   Movie
  • 1977
David Laughlin
Catch-22

Catch-22

  •   Movie
  • 1970
Capt. Orr
Midnight Cowboy

Midnight Cowboy

  •   Movie
  • 1969
The Young Student
Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Can You Ever Forgive Me?

  •   Movie
  • 2018
Executive Producer
Alpha House

Alpha House

  •   TV Show
  • 2013
Director
Gosford Park

Gosford Park

  •   Movie
  • 2001
Producer, Idea