Peter Riegert facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Peter Riegert
Riegert at the premiere of The Rose in 1979
Born	(1947-04-11) April 11, 1947 (age 78) The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Alma mater	The State University of New York (The University at Buffalo)
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1975–present

Peter Riegert, born on April 11, 1947, is an American actor. He has appeared in many popular movies and television shows. Some of his most famous roles include Donald "Boon" Schoenstein in Animal House (1978) and "Mac" MacIntyre in Local Hero (1983). He also played Sam Posner in Crossing Delancey (1988) and Lt. Mitch Kellaway in The Mask (1994).

Beyond acting, Peter Riegert has also directed films. He directed a short film called By Courier in 2000. This film was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. On television, he played Ronald Zellman, a politician, in The Sopranos (2001–2002). He also appeared in the series Damages (2007) and Dads (2013–2014). He was nominated for an Primetime Emmy Award for his acting in the film Barbarians at the Gate in 1993.

Early Life and Education

Peter Riegert was born in the Bronx, New York, on April 11, 1947. His mother, Lucille, was a piano teacher, and his father, Milton Riegert, worked with food. Peter grew up in Hartsdale, New York. His family was Jewish, but they did not strictly follow religious traditions.

He finished high school at Ardsley High School in 1964. Later, he went to the University at Buffalo. Before becoming an actor, he worked in different jobs. He was a teacher, a waiter, and even a social worker. Eventually, he decided that acting was the career for him.

Acting Career

Peter Riegert has had a long and successful career in both theater, film, and television.

On Stage

Peter Riegert first performed on Broadway in a musical called Dance with Me. He also acted in other Broadway plays like The Old Neighborhood and The Nerd. He has also performed in many plays Off-Broadway, which are shows in smaller theaters in New York City.

In Movies

Peter Riegert's first movie role was in National Lampoon's Animal House in 1978. After that, he appeared in many other films. These include Crossing Delancey, Local Hero, and The Mask. He also acted in Traffic and We Bought a Zoo.

On Television

Peter Riegert's first TV appearance was in two episodes of the show M*A*S*H. He is well-known for playing Ronald Zellman, a politician, in The Sopranos. He also played a lawyer named Chauncey Zeirko in several episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

He starred with Bette Midler in the TV movie Gypsy. He also appeared in the HBO film Barbarians at the Gate, which earned him an Emmy Award nomination. In 1984, he played a composer in the miniseries Ellis Island. He was also in the final episode of Seinfeld, playing the president of NBC.

Peter Riegert has lent his voice to animated characters, like Max Weinstein in an episode of Family Guy. He also guest-starred in Leverage and had a role in One Tree Hill. He played Judge Harvey Winter in The Good Wife and David Sachs in Dads. More recently, he appeared in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Succession.

Director and Writer

Peter Riegert has also worked behind the camera as a director and writer.

He wrote and directed the short film By Courier. This film was based on a short story by O. Henry. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. He also won an award for Best First Feature at the Marco Island Film Festival for it.

In 2004, Riegert directed and co-wrote the film King of the Corner. He also acted in this movie alongside Isabella Rossellini. Other famous actors like Eric Bogosian and Rita Moreno were also in the film.

Voice Work

Peter Riegert has used his voice for more than just acting roles. He has narrated several audiobooks. He read Michael Chabon's The Yiddish Policemen's Union, which was nominated for an award. He also narrated The Voyage of the Narwhal and stories by Raymond Carver.

He was also the narrator for The First Basket. This is a documentary film that explores how professional basketball has influenced Jewish culture.

Filmography

Film Roles

Television Roles

See also

In Spanish: Peter Riegert para niños