Stephen Tobolowsky facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen Tobolowsky
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Tobolowsky at the 2012 Texas Book Festival
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| Born |
Stephen Harold Tobolowsky
May 30, 1951 Dallas, Texas, U.S.
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| Education | Southern Methodist University (BFA) University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (MFA) |
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| Years active | 1975−present |
| Spouse(s) |
Ann Hearn
(m. 1988) |
| Children | 2 |
Stephen Harold Tobolowsky (born May 30, 1951) is an American actor and writer. You might know him from his many roles in movies and TV shows. He is famous for playing the funny insurance salesman Ned Ryerson in the movie Groundhog Day.
He has also played memorable characters on television. These include Sandy Ryerson in Glee, "Action" Jack Barker in Silicon Valley, and Principal Earl Ball in The Goldbergs. He also played Dr. Leslie Berkowitz in One Day at a Time.
Besides acting, Tobolowsky has a monthly audio podcast called The Tobolowsky Files. In it, he tells true stories about his life and career. He has also written three books for people to enjoy.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Stephen Tobolowsky was born in Dallas, Texas. As a kid, he and his brother loved to create imaginative games. His book, The Dangerous Animals Club, tells stories about how children played and had fun in the 20th century.
He was a talented baseball player when he was young. Unfortunately, a serious illness as a child stopped him from becoming an athlete. He graduated from Justin F. Kimball High School and later went to Southern Methodist University. He earned a master's degree from the University of Illinois in 1975.
When he was younger, Tobolowsky was in a band called A Cast of Thousands. The band recorded two songs that featured a guitarist named Steve Vaughan, who later became famous as Stevie Ray Vaughan.
A Career in Acting and Writing
Tobolowsky has appeared in more than 200 movies and many TV shows. He is a character actor, which means he often plays unique and interesting supporting characters. He has also worked in theater, acting in and directing plays in cities like New York and Los Angeles.
In 2002, he was nominated for a Tony Award, a major award for theater, for his role in the play Morning's at Seven.
He co-wrote the movie True Stories with David Byrne and Beth Henley. He also directed a movie called Two Idiots in Hollywood, which was based on a play he wrote.
Since 2009, he has hosted a popular podcast called The Tobolowsky Files. In each episode, he shares personal stories from his life in a fun and interesting way.
Famous Roles
Tobolowsky is known for playing many different kinds of characters. Here are some of his most famous roles in movies and on television.
Movies
- Ned Ryerson in Groundhog Day (1993) - A very cheerful and slightly annoying insurance salesman.
- Sammy Jankis in Memento (2000) - A man who has lost his memory, a key part of the movie's mystery.
- Happy Chapman in Garfield (2004) - The main villain who wants to get rid of Garfield.
- Uncle Ubb (voice) in The Lorax (2012) - A fun character in the animated Dr. Seuss movie.
- Principal Purdy (voice) in Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014) - The principal at Sherman's school.
- Mr. Elton Bates in Freaky Friday (2003) - A teacher at the high school. He returned to this role in Freakier Friday (2025).
Television
- Principal Flutie in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1996) - The first principal of Sunnydale High in the unaired pilot.
- Hugo Jarry in Deadwood (2005–2006) - The commissioner in the western town of Deadwood.
- Bob Bishop in Heroes (2007–2008) - A mysterious character with special powers.
- Sandy Ryerson in Glee (2009–2011) - The former glee club director at William McKinley High School.
- Stu Beggs in ... (2011–2014) - A recurring character in the comedy series.
- Principal Earl Ball in The Goldbergs (2014–2023) - The often-frustrated but caring principal of William Penn Academy.
- Dr. Leslie Berkowitz in One Day at a Time (2017–2020) - The lonely but kind boss and friend of the main character, Penelope.
See also
In Spanish: Stephen Tobolowsky para niños
