Bob Balaban

81 years old Chicago, Illinois, USA

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.

Recent movies

# Name Character Rating
1 Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy (2023) Self -
2 80 for Brady (2023) Mark 6.3
3 Asteroid City (2023) Larkings Executive 7
4 The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun (2021) Uncle Nick 7.1
5 Isle of Dogs (2018) King (voice) 7.8
6 Spielberg (2017) Self 6.9
7 I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016) Mr. Waxcap 5.2
8 Mascots (2016) Sol Lumpkin 5.8
9 Everything Is Copy (2015) Self -
10 Hitchcock/Truffaut (2015) Narrator (voice) 7
11 The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
Top 100 by FilmGator 		M. Martin 8.1
12 The Monuments Men (2014) Pvt. Preston Savitz 6.1
13 Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight (2013) Lawyer (uncredited) -
14 Fading Gigolo (2013) Sol 6.2
15 Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Oscars 2013 		The Narrator 7.8
16 Girl Most Likely (2012) Maxwell 6.2
17 Thin Ice (2012) Leonard Dahl 6
18 Do You Like to Read? (2012) The Narrator 7
19 Howl (2010) Judge Clayton Horn 7.3
20 Rage (2009) Mr. White -
21 Recount (2008) Ben Ginsberg 6
22 License to Wed (2007) Jewelry Store Clerk (uncredited) 5.3
23 Dedication (2007) Arthur Planck 7
24 No Reservations (2007) Therapist 6.6
25 Bernard and Doris (2006) Director / Writer 7
26 Lady in the Water (2006) Harry Farber 5.4
27 Trust the Man (2005) Tobey's Therapist 6.5
28 Capote (2005)
Oscars 2006 		William Shawn 6.5
29 Marie and Bruce (2004) Roger -
30 A Mighty Wind (2003)
Oscars 2004 		Jonathan Steinbloom 8
31 Plan B (2002) James Foster -
32 The Tuxedo (2002) Winton Chalmers (uncredited) 5.6
33 The Making of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' (2001) Self -
34 The Mexican (2001) Bernie Nayman 6.3
35 The Majestic (2001) Elvin Glyde 6.9
36 Gosford Park (2001)
Oscars 2003 		Director / Writer 7
37 Ghost World (2001)
Oscars 2002 		Enid's Dad 7.3
38 Best in Show (2000) Dr. Theodore W. Millbank, III 7.8
39 Jakob the Liar (1999) Kowalsky 7
40 Three to Tango (1999) Decker 6.9
41 Waiting for Guffman (1997) Lloyd Miller 6.3
42 Deconstructing Harry (1997)
Oscars 1998 		Richard 7.4
43 Subway Stories (1997) Director / Writer -
44 Clockwatchers (1997) Milton Lasky -
45 The Late Shift (1996) Warren Littlefield -
46 Pie in the Sky (1996) Paul Entamen 7
47 Greedy (1994) Ed 7
48 City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold (1994) Dr. Jeffrey Sanborn (uncredited) 6.7
49 My Boyfriend's Back (1993) Director / Writer 7.3
50 Amos & Andrew (1993) Dr. R. A. (Roy) Fink 2
51 For Love or Money (1993) Ed Drinkwater -
52 Bob Roberts (1992) Cutting Edge Producer 5
53 Little Man Tate (1991) Quizmaster 6
54 Alice (1990) Sid Moscowitz 7.5
55 Parents (1989) Director / Writer 6.5
56 Nothing Lasts Forever (1984) Guy with Sunglasses in Espresso Bar 9
57 2010 (1984) Dr. R. Chandra 7
58 The Brass Ring (1983) Director / Writer -
59 Absence of Malice (1981) Elliott Rosen 8.5
60 Prince of the City (1981) Santimassino -
61 Altered States (1980) Arthur Rosenberg 6.8
62 Girlfriends (1978) Martin -
63 Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) David Laughlin 7.6
64 Catch-22 (1970) Capt. Orr 6
65 Me, Natalie (1969) Morris 5
66 Midnight Cowboy (1969) The Young Student 8.1