Bob Balaban facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bob Balaban
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Balaban in 2014
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| Born |
Robert Elmer Balaban
August 16, 1945 |
| Education | Colgate University, New York University, B.A. |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1965–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Lynn Grossman
(m. 1977) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) |
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| Family |
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Robert "Bob" Elmer Balaban (born August 16, 1945) is an American actor, director, producer, and author. You might recognize him from his roles in movies by directors like Wes Anderson and Christopher Guest. He has appeared in many famous films and TV shows since his career began in 1965.
Besides acting, Balaban has directed movies and TV episodes. He was also a producer for the movie Gosford Park (2001), which earned him a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Picture. He is also the author of a series of popular children's novels.
Some of his most well-known movie roles are in Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977), The Monuments Men (2014), and Capote (2005). He is also a frequent actor in Wes Anderson's films, including Moonrise Kingdom (2012), The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), and Isle of Dogs (2018).
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Early Life and Family
Bob Balaban was born in Chicago, Illinois, to a Jewish family. His mother, Eleanor, was an actress, and his father, Elmer Balaban, was a pioneer in the movie theater and cable television business. His family was very involved in the entertainment industry.
His uncles and other relatives founded the famous Balaban and Katz Theatre company in Chicago. They owned many grand movie palaces, like the Chicago and Uptown Theatres. His uncle, Barney Balaban, was the president of Paramount Pictures for almost 30 years. Growing up in such a family gave him a unique look into the world of movies.
Balaban studied at Colgate University and later at New York University. He also studied acting with the famous teacher Uta Hagen.
Acting Career
Balaban's career began on the stage. In 1967, he played the character Linus in the first-ever production of the play You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. His first movie role was a small part in Midnight Cowboy (1969).
Famous Movie Roles
In the 1970s, Balaban became more well-known for his role as the interpreter David Laughlin in Steven Spielberg's science fiction classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977). In the 1980s, he played Dr. Chandra, the creator of the famous computer HAL 9000, in the movie 2010.
He is also known for appearing in many of director Christopher Guest's funny "mockumentary" films, such as Waiting for Guffman (1996) and Best in Show (2000). He has also worked with director Wes Anderson many times, often playing quirky and memorable characters. He was the narrator in Moonrise Kingdom (2012) and played M. Martin in The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014).
Television Appearances
Balaban has also had many memorable roles on television. In the 1990s, he played Russell Dalrymple, the president of NBC, in the popular sitcom Seinfeld. He also made a guest appearance on Friends as Phoebe Buffay's father.
More recently, he has appeared in shows like The Good Wife, Broad City, and The Politician. In 2021, he was the narrator for an episode of The Simpsons.
Directing and Producing
Balaban is not just an actor; he also works behind the camera. He has directed several movies, including Parents (1989) and The Last Good Time (1994). He has also directed episodes for many TV shows, such as Eerie, Indiana and Nurse Jackie.
As a producer, he helped make the movie Gosford Park (2001). For his work, he was nominated for an Academy Award. He also acted in the movie.
Writing for Children
In addition to his work in film and television, Balaban is an author. He wrote a series of six children's books about a bionic dog named McGrowl. This shows another side of his creative talent, writing exciting stories for young readers.
Personal Life
Balaban is married to Lynn Grossman, and they have two daughters. He lives in Manhattan, New York City. He is active in a charity that works to help people who have been wrongly convicted of crimes.
Selected Filmography
Here are some of Bob Balaban's most notable roles in movies and television.
Film
- Midnight Cowboy (1969) - The Young Student
- Catch-22 (1970) - Capt. Orr
- Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) - David Laughlin
- Altered States (1980) - Arthur Rosenberg
- Absence of Malice (1981) - Elliott Rosen
- 2010: The Year We Make Contact (1984) - Dr. Chandra
- Waiting for Guffman (1996) - Lloyd Miller
- Deconstructing Harry (1997) - Richard
- Best in Show (2000) - Dr. Theodore W. Millbank, III
- Gosford Park (2001) - Morris Weissman (Also producer and writer)
- The Majestic (2001) - Elvin Clyde
- A Mighty Wind (2003) - Jonathan Steinbloom
- Capote (2005) - William Shawn
- Lady in the Water (2006) - Harry Farber
- Moonrise Kingdom (2012) - Narrator
- The Monuments Men (2014) - Pvt. Preston Savitz
- The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) - M. Martin
- Isle of Dogs (2018) - King (Voice)
- The French Dispatch (2021) - Uncle Nick
- Asteroid City (2023) - Larkings Executive
Television
- Miami Vice (1985–1986) - Ira Stone
- Seinfeld (1992–1993) - Russell Dalrymple
- Friends (1998) - Frank Buffay Sr.
- The West Wing (2000) - Ted Marcus
- Recount (2008) - Ben Ginsberg
- The Good Wife (2011–2012) - Gordon Higgs
- Show Me a Hero (2015) - Judge Leonard Burke Sand
- The Politician (2019) - Keaton Hobart
- The Simpsons (2021) - Narrator (Voice)
- The Chair (2021) - Elliot Rentz
Awards and Nominations
Bob Balaban has been recognized for his work in the film industry with several awards and nominations.
- Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Picture for Gosford Park (2001).
- British Academy Film Awards: Won for Outstanding British Film for Gosford Park (2001).
- Primetime Emmy Awards: Nominated four times, including for acting in Recount and for directing.
- Screen Actors Guild Awards: Won for Outstanding Cast for Gosford Park (2001).
- Tony Awards: Nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Play for The Inspector General (1979).
See also
In Spanish: Bob Balaban para niños
