Bob Balaban

Bob Balaban

Born 1945-08-16 (age 80) Chicago, Illinois, USA
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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.

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Known For

The Grand Budapest Hotel
The Grand Budapest Hotel

2014

as M. Martin

Close Encounters of the Third Kind
Isle of Dogs
Isle of Dogs

2018

as King (voice)

The Tuxedo
The Tuxedo

2002

as Winton Chalmers (uncredited)

Asteroid City
Asteroid City

2023

as Larkings Executive

No Reservations
No Reservations

2007

as Therapist

The Majestic
The Majestic

2001

as Elvin Glyde

Midnight Cowboy
Midnight Cowboy

1969

as The Young Student

2010
2010

1984

as Dr. R. Chandra

Catch-22
Catch-22

1970

as Capt. Orr

Moonrise Kingdom
Moonrise Kingdom

2012

as The Narrator

The Mexican
The Mexican

2001

as Bernie Nayman

Gosford Park
Gosford Park

2001

as Morris Weissman

The Monuments Men
The Monuments Men

2014

as Pvt. Preston Savitz

For Your Consideration
For Your Consideration

2006

as Philip Koontz

Deconstructing Harry
Deconstructing Harry

1997

as Richard

Ghost World
Ghost World

2001

as Enid's Dad

80 for Brady
80 for Brady

2023

as Mark

Lady in the Water
Lady in the Water

2006

as Harry Farber