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.
as Lenny
as Larkings Executive
as Mark
as Mark Wilkins(2 eps)
as Elliot Rentz(6 eps)
as Uncle Aaron
as Ron (voice)(1 ep)
as Keaton Hobart(8 eps)
as Himself
as Shelley
as Gerald (voice)(1 ep)
as Reuel Abbott(20 eps)
as Self(1 ep)
as King (voice)
as Dr. Harold A. Abramson(3 eps)
as Self
as Secretary Burns(1 ep)
as Sol Lumpkin
as Mr. Waxcap
as Wilhelm Hesse (voice)
as Self
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as Narrator (voice)
as Leonard B. Sand(6 eps)
as Self(1 ep)
as Sol
as M. Martin
as Pvt. Preston Savitz
as Arthur Wexler(3 eps)
as Lawyer (uncredited)
as Maxwell
as Melvin Schmelff / Tumbleweed Tim(1 ep)
as Senator Elliot Robeson(2 eps)
as The Narrator
as The Narrator
as Therapist(1 ep)
as Leonard Dahl
as (voice)(1 ep)
as Ted Mitchell(1 ep)
as Voice of Daniel's father
as Self(7 eps)
as Judge Clayton Horn
as Bob
as Mr. White
as Gordon Higgs(2 eps)
as Self
as Ted Mitchell(3 eps)
as Ben Ginsberg
as Arthur Planck
as Jewelry Store Clerk (uncredited)
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as Philip Koontz
as Harry Farber
as William Shawn
as Tobey's Therapist
as Glen Hanover (voice)(1 ep)
as Walt Pickle (voice)(1 ep)
as Doctor(1 ep)
as Jonathan Crouch Esq.
as Roger
as Jonathan Steinbloom
as Self - Guest(1 ep)
as Winton Chalmers (uncredited)
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as Morris Weissman
as Elvin Glyde
as Enid's Dad
as Nayman
as Dr. Theodore W. Millbank, III
as Harry Hopkins
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as Ted Marcus(1 ep)
as Kowalsky
as Justice Eli MacCorckle
as Dr. William Powell
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as Wolfe Rollins
as Milton Lasky
as Mr. Webster
as Lloyd Miller
as Warren Littlefield
as Paul Entamen
as Bob (voice)(1 ep)
as Frank Sr.(1 ep)
as Dr. Jeffrey Sanborn (uncredited)
as Ed
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as Dr. R. A. (Roy) Fink
as Cutting Edge Producer
as Lou Finkleberg
as Quizmaster
as Sid Moscowitz
as Ira Preduski
as Narrator (voice)(1 ep)
as Russell Dalrymple(6 eps)
as Elliott Webley
as Self
as Warren Gerber
as Jo-Jo Gillespie(1 ep)
as Dr. R. Chandra
as Ira Stone(2 eps)
as Guy with Sunglasses in Espresso Bar
as Himself
as Carter Hill
as Elliott Rosen
as Santimassino
as Arthur Rosenberg
as Self(1 ep)
as Martin
as David Laughlin
as Joey Egan
as Victor Karp
as Ambrose Riley(1 ep)
as Bernie
as Wilkie
as Elliot
as Capt. Orr
as Nick(1 ep)
as Morris
as The Young Student
as Self(1 ep)
