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.
| Organization | Category | Movie | |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAFTA Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Close Encounters of the Third Kind | Nominated |
Condor
as Reuel Abbott
Episodes: 20
First Aired: Jun 06, 2018
The Politician
as Keaton Hobart
Episodes: 8
First Aired: Sep 27, 2019
The Chair
as Elliot Rentz
Episodes: 6
First Aired: Aug 20, 2021
Seinfeld
as Russell Dalrymple
Episodes: 6
First Aired: Jul 05, 1989
Show Me a Hero
as Leonard B. Sand
Episodes: 6
First Aired: Aug 16, 2015
Broad City
as Arthur Wexler
Episodes: 3
First Aired: Jan 22, 2014
Web Therapy
as Ted Mitchell
Episodes: 3
First Aired: Sep 22, 2008
Wormwood
as Dr. Harold A. Abramson
Episodes: 3
First Aired: Dec 15, 2017
Alpha House
as Senator Elliot Robeson
Episodes: 2
First Aired: Apr 19, 2013
The Good Wife
as Gordon Higgs
Episodes: 2
First Aired: Sep 22, 2009
Severance
as Mark Wilkins
Episodes: 2
First Aired: Feb 17, 2022
The West Wing
as Ted Marcus
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Sep 22, 1999
Friends
as Frank Sr.
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Sep 22, 1994
The Simpsons
as Narrator (voice)
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Dec 17, 1989
Maude
as Ambrose Riley
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Sep 12, 1972
Amazing Stories
as Jo-Jo Gillespie
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Sep 29, 1985
Girls
as Therapist
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Apr 15, 2012
Space Force
as Ron (voice)
Episodes: 1
First Aired: May 29, 2020
Tom Goes to the Mayor
as Walt Pickle (voice)
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Nov 14, 2004
Love, American Style
as Nick
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Sep 29, 1969
Web Therapy
as Ted Mitchell
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Jul 19, 2011
Summer Camp Island
as Gerald (voice)
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Jul 07, 2018
China, IL
as (voice)
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Oct 02, 2011
Hopeless Pictures
Episodes: 8
First Aired: Aug 19, 2005
Moguls & Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood
as Self
Episodes: 7
First Aired: Nov 01, 2010
Miami Vice
Episodes: 2
First Aired: Sep 16, 1984
The Mod Squad
Episodes: 2
First Aired: Sep 24, 1968
Now and Again
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Sep 24, 1999
Legend
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Apr 18, 1995
Room 222
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Sep 11, 1969
Hank
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Sep 24, 1965
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
as Self
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Apr 27, 2014
James Cameron's Story of Science Fiction
as Self
Episodes: 1
First Aired: Apr 29, 2018
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