Known for 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.
Born
August 16, 1945 (age 81)
Birthplace
Chicago, Illinois, USA
Filmography
125 films, 56 shows


We the Economy: 20 Short Films You Can't Afford to Miss
2014
country: United States
Everyone’s talking about it, but who can explain it? Paul G. Allen’s Vulcan Productions and Morgan Spurlock’s Cinelan have partnered to produce WE THE ECONOMY 20 Short Films You Can’t Afford to Miss. Each film is helmed by an acclaimed filmmaker, each with their own creative vision. The series aims to drive awareness and establish a better understanding of the U.S. economy. Told through animation, comedy, musical, non-fiction, and scripted films, WE THE ECONOMY seeks to demystify a complicated topic while empowering the public to take control of their own economic futures.


Georgia O'Keeffe
2009 · 1h 29m
country: United States
Biopic of American artist Georgia O'Keeffe and her husband, photographer Alfred Stieglitz.


Bernard and Doris
2006 · 1h 43m
country: United Kingdom
Tobacco heiress Doris Duke develops an unlikely friendship with her butler, Bernard Lafferty.


The Exonerated
2006 · 1h 35m
country: United States
Six people tell their stories on a single subject - how they got wrongfully convicted to death penalty, but later got exonerated.
The Wedding Toast
The Wedding Toast
1999 · 3m
country: Unknown
A best man gives an increasingly uncomfortable toast at his friends' wedding reception.


Subway Stories
1997 · 1h 21m
country: United States
An anthology of 10 stories depicting real-life incidents of subway riders in New York City, which range from compassion and love to violence and loss.


George Romero's Golden Tales 3
1995 · 1h 43m
country: United States


The Last Good Time
1994 · 1h 30m
country: United States
A reclusive aging widower struggling with tax problems has a complete change in his views of life as he has a chance encounter with a young woman who moves in with him briefly.


My Boyfriend's Back
1993 · 1h 25m
country: United States
Missy McCloud is the most beautiful girl in school and Johnny Dingle has been in love with her for years. One night, as Johnny tries to stop an armed robbery and save Missy from danger, he's killed, but resurrected as a zombie not long after. Now, with the help of his mentor, self-proclaimed Zombie Expert Maggie, Johnny must control his flesh-eating urges while trying to win the heart of Missy.


Tales from the Darkside
1990 · 1h 30m
country: Unknown
A compilation of episodes from the classic '80s horror anthology TV series "Tales From The Darkside" for the VHS market.


Parents
1989 · 1h 22m
country: United States
Michael is a young boy living in a typical 1950s suburbanite home... except for his bizarre and horrific nightmares, and continued unease around his parents. Young Michael begins to suspect his parents are cooking more than just hamburgers on the grill outside, but has trouble explaining his fears to his new-found friend Sheila, or the school's social worker.


Penn & Teller's Invisible Thread
1987 · 41m
country: United States
Penn Jillette and Teller are called upon to display their unique brand of humor to save civilization from strange extraterrestrial beings who have invaded Earth and who, disgruntled and bored with the mundane nature of human life, threaten to blow up the planet unless someone gives them a good reason not to.


Trick or Treat
1983 · 30m
country: United States
Town miser Gideon Hackles spends Halloween hiding IOU's in his house, which he then rigs as haunted and invites local kids to search for the IOU's so he can scare them. This year, he gets his comeuppance.


The Brass Ring
1983 · 1h 21m
country: United States
A mother afflicted with depression comes into conflict with own mother and children when she refuses to seek professional health care.