Charles Grodin

Charles Grodin (born April 21, 1935) is an American actor, comedian, author, and former television talk show host. Grodin began his acting career in the 1960s appearing in TV serials including The Virginian. He had a small part as an obstetrician in Roman Polanski's Rosemary's Baby in 1968. In the 1970s he moved into film acting, including playing the lead in Elaine May's The Heartbreak Kid (1972) and supporting roles in Mike Nichols' Catch-22 (1970) and Warren Beatty's Heaven Can Wait (1978). He became a familiar face as a supporting actor in many Hollywood comedies of the era, including Real Life (1979), Seems Like Old Times (1980), Ishtar (1987), and Dave (1993). Grodin co-starred alongside Robert De Niro in the action comedy Midnight Run (1988), and in the family film Beethoven (1992). He made frequent appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman.

Charles Grodin
Grodin in February 2013
Born (1935-04-21) April 21, 1935
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
OccupationActor, author, comedian
Years active1954–present
Known forThe Heartbreak Kid (1972)
Midnight Run (1988)
Catch-22 (1970)
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Seems Like Old Times (1980)
Ishtar (1987)
Beethoven (1992)
Dave (1993)
Spouse(s)Julie Ferguson (divorced)
Elissa Durwood (1983–present)
Children2

In the mid-1990s, Grodin retired from acting, and wrote several autobiographies, and became a talk show host on CNBC and in 2000 a political commentator for 60 Minutes II. He returned to acting with a handful of roles in the mid-2010s and appeared in a recurring role as a philosophical doctor in Louis C.K.'s FX show Louie and Noah Baumbach's film While We're Young (2015).

Grodin has won several awards, including Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special in 1978 for the Paul Simon Special alongside Chevy Chase, Lorne Michaels, Paul Simon, and Lily Tomlin. He was also nominated Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for The Heartbreak Kid in 1972. He won Best Actor at the 1988 Valladolid International Film Festival for Midnight Run, and the American Comedy Award for Funniest Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his performance in Dave in 1993.

Early life

Grodin was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Orthodox Jewish parents,[1][2] Lena (née Singer), who worked in the family store and volunteered for disabled veterans, and Theodore I. Grodin, who sold wholesale supplies.[3] His maternal grandfather was an immigrant from Russia who "came from a long line of rabbis" and moved to Chesapeake at the turn of the 20th century. Grodin has an older brother, Jack.[4]

Grodin attended the University of Miami but left without graduating to pursue acting.[5] He studied acting at HB Studio[6] in New York City under Uta Hagen.

Career

1950s/1960s: Early career

Grodin's film debut was an uncredited bit part in Disney's 1954 film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. A student of Lee Strasberg and Uta Hagen, he made his Broadway debut in a production of Tchin-Tchin, opposite Anthony Quinn.[7] In 1965, he became an assistant to director Gene Saks and appeared on several television series including The Virginian.

Grodin had a small but pivotal part playing an obstetrician in the 1968 horror film, Rosemary's Baby. In 1964, he played Matt Stevens on the ABC soap opera the Young Marrieds.[8] During the late 1960s, he also co-wrote and directed Hooray! It's a Glorious Day...and All That, a Broadway play, and directed Lovers and Other Strangers and Thieves, also on Broadway.[9] He also directed Simon and Garfunkel's television special Songs of America in 1969. However, he turned down the part of Benjamin Braddock in The Graduate because of the low salary offered by producer Lawrence Turman, although Turman assured him that the part would make him a star, as it ultimately did for Dustin Hoffman.

1970s/1980s: Film work

After a supporting role in the 1970 comedy film Catch-22, Grodin gained recognition as a comedy actor when he played the lead role in the 1972 film The Heartbreak Kid. Grodin subsequently appeared in several films during the decade, including 11 Harrowhouse in 1974, the 1976 version of King Kong and the hit 1978 comedy Heaven Can Wait. During the 1970s, he also frequently appeared on Broadway and was involved in producing several plays.

In 1981, he landed in a role in The Great Muppet Caper playing Nicky Holiday, a jewel thief who falls in love with Miss Piggy. He also appeared that same year opposite Lily Tomlin in The Incredible Shrinking Woman. His 1980s roles included Neil Simon's Seems Like Old Times (opposite Chevy Chase and Goldie Hawn) and 1988's well-reviewed comedy Midnight Run, a buddy movie co-starring Robert De Niro. Grodin also appeared in the 1986 CBS mini-series sendup Fresno, playing the evil son of a raisin matriarch (Carol Burnett).

His Hollywood film roles of the 1980s usually saw him cast as uptight, bland and world-weary white collar professionals, such as a psychiatrist having a nervous breakdown (The Couch Trip), a health conscious accountant (Midnight Run), an ineffectual advertising executive (Taking Care of Business), and a lonely, socially awkward nerd (The Lonely Guy). He was cast against this type as a scheming CIA agent in Ishtar.

Commenting on his work with regard to Ishtar, Hal Hinson in The Washington Post observed: "Grodin has a one-of-a-kind quality on the screen, a sort of inspired spinelessness. And with his cat-burglar rhythms – he seems to play all his scenes as if someone were asleep in the next room – he's become a very sly scene-stealer."[10] Sandra Brennan at Rovi noted that: "Whereas many funnymen have been popular for their ability to overreact and mug their way around everyday obstacles, Grodin belonged, from the beginning, to the Bob Newhart school of wry comedy that values understatement and subtlety."[7]

Aside from his film work, he was a frequent presence on television. In 1977, Grodin hosted an episode of the NBC sketch show Saturday Night Live, where the entire episode revolved around his forgetting that the show was live, and he proceeded to wreck sketches because of his failure to prepare accordingly.[11] His many talk show appearances from the 1970s to the present have often included confrontational and mock angry segments. At one time Johnny Carson "banned" him from The Tonight Show appearances after taking offense at things Grodin had said. The NBC network would receive angry letters from viewers who didn't understand the joke, that he was playing a persona, trying to be as different from typical talk show guests as possible. His appearances on Late Night With David Letterman would sometimes erupt into shouting and name-calling, but Letterman always enjoyed Grodin's segments.[12]

1990s: Family films

Grodin's career took a turn in 1992, when he played the nervous family man George Newton in the kids' comedy Beethoven, opposite Bonnie Hunt. The film was a box-office hit, and he reprised the role in the 1993 sequel, Beethoven's 2nd. Also in 1993, Grodin played the role of Harrison Winslow in the movie Heart and Souls. After a supporting role in the acclaimed Ivan Reitman comedy Dave, Grodin took a lead role in It Runs in the Family (a.k.a. My Summer Story), which received a limited theatrical release in 1994. That same year also saw the much-delayed release of Clifford, in which Grodin portrayed the frustrated uncle opposite Martin Short's title role. After a 12-year-long hiatus from film, Grodin returned to acting in the Zach Braff comedy The Ex (2006).[13]

Grodin at the Book Expo 2007 at the Javits Center, New York City

2010s: Career resurgence

In the 2010s Grodin made more frequent acting appearances, guest starring on television shows such as Law and Order: SVU and The Michael J. Fox Show. Grodin had several supporting roles in films, including Barry Levinson's The Humbling (2014) and Noah Baumbach's While We're Young (2015).

In 2015, Grodin was cast in a recurring role in Louis C.K.'s acclaimed FX show Louie as Dr. Bigelow, C.K.'s philosophical doctor and mentor in Season 4 and 5. In an interview with Deadline, Grodin talked about his relationship with C.K. stating, "I find him to be the single most talented person that I’ve ever worked with, he’s a wonderful director, writer, and actor".[14][15]

Talk show host

From 1995 to 1998, Grodin hosted his own issues-oriented talk show, The Charles Grodin Show, on CNBC and, starting in 2000, became a political commentator for 60 Minutes II. In 2004, Grodin wrote The Right Kind of People, an Off-Broadway play about co-op boards in certain buildings in Manhattan. Grodin's commentaries continue to be heard on New York City radio station WCBS and other affiliates of the CBS Radio Network, as well as on the CBS Radio Network's Weekend Roundup.

Author

He is also a best-selling author; his works include It Would Be So Nice If You Weren't Here, Just When I Thought I'd Heard Everything: Humorous Observations on Life in America and How I Get Through Life. His book, If I Only Knew Then...Learning from Our Mistakes was released in November 2007 by Springboard Press. It is a collection of essays from his famous friends (and friends of friends), with all author proceeds going to the Help USA charity. His book How I Got To Be Whoever It Is I Am came out in April 2009.

Personal life

Grodin has two children: daughter Marion (a comedian), from his marriage to Julie Ferguson, and son, Nicholas, from his marriage to Elissa Durwood.[16][17][18] For a period in the 2000s, Grodin gave up show business to be a stay-at-home dad to his children.[19]

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Notes
1964 The Young Marrieds Matt Crane Stevens #2
Sex and the College Girl Bob
1968 Rosemary's Baby Dr. C.C. Hill
1970 Catch-22 Capt. Aarfy Aardvark
1972 The Heartbreak Kid Lenny Cantrow
1974 11 Harrowhouse Howard R. Chesser Writer
Paradise Co-director
1976 King Kong Fred Wilson
1977 Thieves Martin Cramer
1978 Just Me and You Michael Lindsay
Heaven Can Wait Tony Abbott
1979 Real Life Warren Yeager
Sunburn Jake
1980 It's My Turn Homer
Seems Like Old Times Dist. Atty. Ira J. Parks
1981 The Incredible Shrinking Woman Vance Kramer
The Great Muppet Caper Nicky Holiday
1984 The Lonely Guy Warren Evans
The Woman in Red Buddy
1985 Movers & Shakers Herb Derman Writer, producer
1986 Last Resort George Lollar
1987 Ishtar Jim Harrison
1988 The Couch Trip George Maitlin
You Can't Hurry Love Mr. Glerman
Midnight Run Jonathan Mardukas
1989 Cranium Command Left Brain
1990 Taking Care of Business Spencer Barnes
1992 Beethoven George Newton
1993 Dave Murray Blum
So I Married an Axe Murderer Commandeered Driver
Heart and Souls Harrison Winslow
Beethoven's 2nd George Newton
1994 Clifford Martin Daniels
My Summer Story Mr. Parker (The Old Man)
2006 The Ex Bob Kowalski
2014 The Humbling Jerry
While We're Young Leslie
2016 The Comedian Dick D'Angelo
2017 The Private Life of a Modern Woman Arthur

Television
Year Title Role Notes
1958 Decision Young Hoodlum Episode: "Man Against Crime"
1958 Armstrong Circle Theatre Phelps Episode: "The Nautilus"
1960 Have Gun – Will Travel Proctor's Henchman Episode: "Fogg Bound"
1961 The Play of the Week Performer Episode: Black Monday
1961 The Defenders Thomas Martin Episode: "The Apostle"
1965 The Young Marrieds Matt Crane Stevens 65 episodes
My Mother the Car Fred Episode: "Burned at the Steak"
The Trials of O'Brien Peter Farnum Episode: "Picture Me a Murder"
1966 Felony Squad Edgar Episode: "Penny Game, a Two-Bit Murder"
Shane Jed 2 episodes
1967 The Iron Horse Alex Episode: "The Pembrooke Blood"
The F.B.I. Carl Platt Episode: "Sky on Fire"
Captain Nice News Vendor Episode: "One Rotten Apple"
The Virginian Arnie Doud Episode: "The Reckoning"
The Guns of Will Sonnett Bells Pickering Episode: "A Bell for Jeff Sonnett"
N.Y.P.D. Joey Diamond Episode: "Money Man"
1968 The Big Valley Mark Dunigan Episode: "The Good Thieves"
1969 Judd, for the Defense Dist. Atty. Tom Durant Episode: "An Elephant in a Cigar Box"
Simon and Garfunkel: Songs of America Himself Director, producer
1977 The Paul Simon Special Charles Writer
Saturday Night Live Himself/Host Episode: Charles Grodin/Paul Simon
1978 The Grass is Always Greener
Over the Septic Tank		 Jim Benson Television movie
1981 Laverne & Shirley Himself Episode: "Friendly Persuasion"
1983 Charley's Aunt Lord Fancourt Babberly Television Movie
1986 Fresno Cane Kensington Miniseries
1987 American Playhouse Lord Fancourt Babberly Episode: "Charley's Aunt"
1990 The Magical World of Disney Quentin Fitzwaller Episode: "The Muppets at Walt Disney World"
1995-96 The Charles Grodin Show Host 3 episodes
2000 60 Minutes II Correspondent
2012 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Brett Forrester Episode: "Lessons Learned"
2013 The Michael J. Fox Show Steve Henry Episode: "Thanksgiving"
Brazzaville Teen-Ager Father Short film
2014–15 Louie Dr. Bigelow 5 episodes
2015 Waiting for Ishtar Himself Documentary
2016 Madoff Carl Shapiro Miniseries; 4 episodes

Theatre
Year Title Role Notes
1962Tchin-TchinPerformer - Robert PrickettPlymouth Theatre, Broadway
1964Absence of a CelloPerformer - Perry LittlewoodAmbassador Theatre, Broadway
1968Lovers and Other StrangersDirectorBrooks Atkinson Theatre, Broadway
1974ThievesDirector - ProducerLongacre Theatre, Broadway
1975Same Time, Next YearPerformer - GeorgeBrooks Atkinson Theatre, Broadway
1977Unexpected GuestsDirectorLittle Theatre, Broadway

Awards and nominations
YearAwardCategoryFilmResultRef.
1972 Golden Globe Award Best Actor - Musical/Comedy The Heartbreak Kid Nominated [20]
1978 Primetime Emmy Award Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special The Paul Simon Special Won
1980 Golden Raspberry Award Worst Supporting Actor Seems Like Old Times' Nominated
1988 Valladolid International Film Festival Best Actor Midnight Run Won
1993 Saturn Awards Best Supporting Actor Heart and Souls Nominated
1993 American Comedy Award Funniest Supporting Actor - Film Dave Won
2006 William Kunstler Award Racial Justice[19] Won

Bibliography

Plays

  • Grodin, Charles. Price of Fame: A Play. New York: Samuel French, 1991. ISBN 978-0-573-69220-8.
  • Grodin, Charles. One of the All-Time Greats: A Comedy. New York: S. French, 1992. ISBN 978-0-573-69366-3.
  • Grodin, Charles. The Right Kind of People. New York: Samuel French, 2008. ISBN 978-0-573-65107-6.

Books

See also

Grodin is mentioned as a hero of Mac and Dennis in an episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

References
  1. Foundas, Scott (2 May 2007). "Don't Call It a Comeback". LA Weekly. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  2. Pine, Dan (26 November 2004). "The heartfelt kid". Jewish News Weekly. jweekly.com. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  3. "Charles Grodin Biography (1935–)". Filmreference.com. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
  4. Vancheri, Barbara (19 April 2009). "Humanitarian always has been Charles Grodin's main role". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Post-gazette.com. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
  5. Grodin, Charls (5 September 1989). "Playhouse provided training ground for Grodin". Pittsburgh Press. Retrieved 13 March 2014.
  6. HB Studio Alumni
  7. Brennan, Sandra. "Charles Grodin Information Biography". All Rovi.com. Archived from the original on 23 October 2011. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  8. TV Guide Guide to TV. Barnes and Noble. 2004. p. 716. ISBN 0-7607-5634-1.
  9. "Thieves". Internet Broadway Database. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  10. Hinson, Hal (15 May 1987). "Ishtar". The Washington Post. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  11. Rabin, Nathan (31 October 2008). "Saturday Night Live (Classic): "Charles Grodin/Paul Simon". The A.V. Club. Retrieved 14 November 2019.
  12. Pitchel, Samantha (21 December 2011). "The Awkward, Hostile, and Absolutely Hilarious Late Night Appearances of Charles Grodin". Vulture. Retrieved 14 November 2019.
  13. "The Ex". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  14. "Charles Grodin on Working With Louis C.K. In 'Louie' & Why He's Like "No Other Director"". Deadline. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  15. "Veteran Actor Charles Grodin on Playing Louis C.K.'s Doctor". Esquire. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  16. Strauss, Robert (27 January 1997). "Getting Serious Charles Grodin, Veteran of Many Flaky Film Roles, Is Using His Cable Talk Show To Speak Out About Important Social Issues. this Is Thrilling To Me, He Says". The Philadelphia Inquirer. Articles.philly.com. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  17. Glassman, Marvin (30 January 2013). "Comedienne stars in 'Growing up Grodin'". Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  18. Charles Grodin; Gotham Comedy Club. Retrieved 15 April 2012
  19. Smith, Liz (24 May 2006). "More to M than meets the eye". Variety.
  20. "Charles Grodin - Awards". Internet Movie Database. 6 April 2020.
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