Tim Robbins facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tim Robbins
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Robbins at the 2013 Berlin Film Festival
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| Born |
Timothy Francis Robbins
October 16, 1958 West Covina, California, U.S.
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| Education | State University of New York at Plattsburgh University of California, Los Angeles (BA) |
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| Years active | 1982–present |
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Works
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Full list |
| Spouse(s) |
Gratiela Brancusi
(m. 2017; div. 2022) |
| Partner(s) | Susan Sarandon (1988–2009) |
| Children | 2, including Miles |
| Parent(s) |
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| Awards | Full list |
Timothy Francis Robbins (born October 16, 1958) is an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter. He is well-known for his roles in many popular films. These include playing Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption (1994) and Jacob Singer in Jacob's Ladder (1990).
Robbins won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe for his acting in Mystic River (2003). He also won a Golden Globe for his role in The Player (1992). Beyond acting, he has directed films like Bob Roberts (1992) and Dead Man Walking (1995). For Dead Man Walking, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director.
On television, Robbins has appeared in shows such as The Brink (2015) and Here and Now (2018). From 2023 to 2025, he starred as Bernard Holland in the Apple TV+ series Silo.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Tim Robbins was born in West Covina, California. He grew up in New York City. His mother, Mary Cecelia, was a musician. His father, Gilbert Lee Robbins, was a singer, actor, and manager of The Gaslight Cafe. Tim has two sisters, Adele and Gabrielle, and a brother, composer David Robbins.
His family moved to Greenwich Village when he was young. His father was part of a folk music group called the Highwaymen. Tim started performing in theater at age twelve. He joined the drama club at Stuyvesant High School. After high school, he studied at SUNY Plattsburgh for two years. Then, he moved back to California to study at the UCLA Film School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Drama in 1981.
His Acting Journey
Robbins began his acting career at Theater for the New City. He performed in their summer Street Theater shows. He also played the main character in a musical version of The Little Prince. After college in 1981, Robbins started The Actors' Gang, an experimental theater group in Los Angeles. He founded it with actor friends from his college softball team, including John Cusack.
In 1982, he appeared in three episodes of the TV show St. Elsewhere. He had small roles in films like No Small Affair (1984) and Fraternity Vacation (1985). He also played Lt. Sam "Merlin" Wells in the fighter pilot film Top Gun (1986). His big break came with the baseball film Bull Durham (1988). In this movie, he starred with Susan Sarandon and Kevin Costner.
Robbins played a film executive in Robert Altman's movie The Player (1992). Critics praised his performance, and he won the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival. He also made his first film as a director and screenwriter with Bob Roberts (1992). This film was a mockumentary about a political candidate. Later, Robbins starred with Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption (1994). This movie was based on a Stephen King story.
Directing and Social Themes
Tim Robbins has written, produced, and directed several films that explore important social topics. One notable film is Dead Man Walking (1995). This movie is about capital punishment and starred Susan Sarandon and Sean Penn. For this film, Robbins received an Oscar nomination for Best Director. Critics praised the film for making people think deeply.
His next directing project was Cradle Will Rock (1999), a musical set during the Great Depression. Robbins has also acted in Hollywood thrillers like Arlington Road (1999) and Antitrust (2001). He also appeared in comedies such as The Hudsucker Proxy (1994) and Nothing to Lose (1997).
In 2003, Robbins won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and a SAG Award for his role in Mystic River. He played a man who was deeply affected by a difficult experience as a child. As of 2006, he was the tallest Academy Award-winning actor, standing at 6 feet 5 inches.
In 2006, Robbins directed a play based on George Orwell's novel 1984. This play was performed at The Actors' Gang theater in Culver City, California. It also traveled to other places like Athens, Greece, and Hong Kong.
Robbins appeared in the films The Lucky Ones and City of Ember (both 2008). His next film role was as Senator Hammond in the superhero movie Green Lantern (2011).
Music and Television Work
In 2010, Tim Robbins released an album called Tim Robbins & The Rogues Gallery Band. This album featured songs he had written over 25 years. He then went on a world tour with his band. He had been offered a chance to record an album earlier, in 1992, but he waited because he wanted to have something meaningful to say through his music.
Robbins also directed two episodes of the HBO series Treme. This show follows the lives of people in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He directed the episodes "Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky" in 2011 and "Promised Land" in 2012. Robbins became interested in the show while filming Green Lantern in New Orleans. He felt the show accurately showed the city and its people.
In 2013, he was a member of the jury at the 63rd Berlin International Film Festival. In late 2024, Robbins and The Actors' Gang presented his play 'Topsy Turvy - Ramazuri' at the Csokonai National Theatre in Debrecen.
Personal Life
In 1988, Tim Robbins started a relationship with actress Susan Sarandon. They met while working on the film Bull Durham. They have two sons: John "Jack" Henry (born 1989) and Miles Robbins (born 1992). Robbins's relationship with Sarandon ended in December 2009.
Robbins married Gratiela Brancusi in 2017. They separated in 2020, and their divorce was finalized in 2022.
Tim Robbins is a big fan of the New York Mets baseball team. He shared a special memory of his mother getting him tickets to see the Mets win the World Series on his 11th birthday.
Political Views
Tim Robbins has shared his political views over the years. He supported Ralph Nader's 2000 presidential campaign. In 2007, he campaigned for Senator John Edwards in the 2008 U.S. presidential election. He also spoke at a 2016 campaign event for Bernie Sanders.
Robbins spoke out against the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In 2003, a celebration for the 15th anniversary of Bull Durham at the National Baseball Hall of Fame was canceled. The Hall of Fame president said Robbins's views could "undermine the U.S. position." Bull Durham co-star Kevin Costner defended Robbins, saying his courage helps democracy.
In 2023, Robbins shared his concerns about certain government actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. He felt they affected freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. He mentioned that his character in the TV series Silo, a leader who stops disagreement, was inspired by politicians who supported strict rules.
Filmography
Awards and Nominations
See also
In Spanish: Tim Robbins para niños
