Bob Balaban
Acting
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.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
as David Laughlin
Age 32 (now 80)
I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House
as Mr. Waxcap
Age 71 (now 80)
Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy
as Self
Age 77 (now 80)
The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun
as Uncle Nick
Age 76 (now 80)
I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House
as Mr. Waxcap
Age 71 (now 80)
Exploring the Set of 'Moonrise Kingdom'
as Self / The Narrator
Age 70 (now 80)
We the Economy: 20 Short Films You Can't Afford to Miss
Director
Age 69 (now 80)
Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight
as Lawyer (uncredited)
Age 68 (now 80)
The Five Stages of Grief
as Voice of Daniel's father
Age 65 (now 80)
Prince of the City: The Real Story
as Self / Santimassino
Age 61 (now 80)
Controversy and Acclaim: The Timelessness of a Groundbreaking Film
as Self
Age 60 (now 80)
Kramer vs. Kramer: Kenny to Cosmo
as Self
Age 59 (now 80)
The Making of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'
as Self
Age 55 (now 80)
Tex, the Passive/Aggressive Gunslinger
as Tex
Age 54 (now 80)
City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold
as Dr. Jeffrey Sanborn (uncredited)
Age 48 (now 80)
Nothing Lasts Forever
as Guy with Sunglasses in Espresso Bar
Age 39 (now 80)
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
as David Laughlin
Age 32 (now 80)
James Cameron's Story of Science Fiction
as Self
Age 72 (now 80)
Last Week Tonight with John Oliver
as Self
Age 68 (now 80)
Moguls & Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood
as Self
Age 65 (now 80)
The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman
Producer
Age 60 (now 80)
Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist
as Bob (voice)
Age 49 (now 80) Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist
Additional Writing
Age 49 (now 80)
Gathering insights...
Also Known As
Robert Elmer Balaban, Robert Balaban, 鮑勃・巴拉班
IMDB
nm0000837