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Bill Irwin

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This article is about the actor and clown. For other people, seeBill Irwin (disambiguation).
Bill Irwin
Irwin at the 2018 San Diego Comic Con
Born
William Mills Irwin

(1950-04-11)April 11, 1950(age 74)
Santa Monica, California,U.S.
Occupations
  • Actor
  • choreographer
  • clown
  • comedian
Years active1974–present
Spouses
  • Kimi Okada
    ​
    ​
    (m.1977;div.1982)​
  • Martha Roth
    ​
    (m.1990)​
Children1

William Mills Irwin(born April 11, 1950)[1]is an American actor,choreographer,clown,[2][3]andcomedian.He began as avaudeville-style stage performer and has been noted for his contribution to the renaissance of American circus during the 1970s. He has made a number of appearances on film and television, and he won aTony Awardfor his role inWho's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?.He also worked as a choreographer on Broadway and was nominated for theTony Award for Best Choreographyin 1989 forLargely New York.He is also known asMr. Noodleon theSesame StreetsegmentElmo's World,and he appeared in theSesame Streetfilm shortDoes Air Move Things?.[4]He has regularly appeared as Dr. Peter Lindstrom onLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit,and had a recurring role as "The Dick & Jane Killer" onCSI: Crime Scene Investigation.[5]From 2017 to 2019, he appeared as Cary Loudermilk on theFXtelevision seriesLegion.

Early life[edit]

Irwin was born inSanta Monica, California,to Elizabeth (née Mills), a teacher, and Horace G. Irwin, anaerospaceengineer.[6]He graduated fromOberlin Collegein 1974 and attendedRingling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown Collegethe following year. In 1975, he helped found thePickle Family CircusinSan Francisco, California.[7]He credits his experience with the circus, and performing in schools under theComprehensive Employment and Training Act,as having made him a working artist.[8]In 1979, Irwin left the company to pursue stage work.

Career[edit]

Creator and writer[edit]

Irwin has created several highly regarded stage shows that incorporate elements of clowning, often in collaboration with composerDoug Skinner.These works includedThe Regard of Flight(1982), which ran onBroadwayat the Vivian Beaumont Theatre in April 1987 for 17 performances.[9]Largely New York(1989),Fool Moon(1993),[10]The Harlequin Studies(2003),[11]andMr. Fox: A Rumination(2004).[12]Mr. Foxis a production that Irwin has worked on for years, abiographyof 19th century clownGeorge Washington Lafayette Foxthat also has autobiographical elements. In 2013, he teamed with his occasional partnerDavid Shinerto create and perform in theOff-Broadway"clowning revue-with-music"Old Hatsalong with actress and musicianNellie McKay.[13][14]Old Hatswon the 2013 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Revue.[15]Old Hatswas revived in New York City in 2016, with Shiner and Irwin returning and a new third performer, musicianShaina Taub,performing with her band between the sketches.[16]

He adaptedMolière's playLes Fourberies de Scapinas a comedy calledScapin,and has played the title role in several productions. He appeared in the play at theoff-BroadwayRoundabout Theatre CompanyLaura Pels Theatrein January through March 1997, after performing in the play at theSeattle Rep.[17]His adaptation allowed him to incorporate his signature clowning routines into the course of the action.

In 1996, Irwin performed withThe Cadets Drum and Bugle Corpsat the1996 Summer Olympics,in a "band on the run" sequence where he played Dr. Hubert Peterson of the fictitious Federation of United Marching Associations of America.[18]

Actor[edit]

Irwin in 2013

Although Irwin is best known for his theatrical clown work, he has also been featured in a number of dramatic plays. Irwin appeared withSteve MartinandRobin Williamsin theLincoln CenterOff-Broadway production ofWaiting for Godot,in 1988, in the role ofLucky.[19]Lucky's only lines consist of a famous 500-word-long monologue, an ironic element for Irwin since much of his clown-based stage work was silent.

He directed the 1998Roundabout Theatre Companyproduction ofA Flea in Her Ear.He appeared in 2002 withSally Fieldin the replacement cast ofThe Goat or Who is Sylvia?[20]In 2005, he starred as George alongsideKathleen Turnerin a revival ofEdward Albee'sWho's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?,for which he won a Tony Award.[21]He played Vladimir (Didi) in the 2009 Broadway revival ofWaiting for Godot,[22]and Mr. McAfee in the Broadway revival ofBye Bye Birdie.In 2011, he appeared inKing Learat thePublic Theatre.[23]In 2023, he played Clov in theIrish Repertory Theatre's Off-Broadway production ofEndgame.[24]

Film and television[edit]

Irwin's first featured film role was in 1980, appearing asHarold Hamgravyin Robert Altman'sPopeyestarringRobin Williams.He has appeared in over 20 films, mainly in supporting roles. Irwin's principal film roles include playingEddie CollinsinEight Men Out,which tells the story of the "Black Sox"gambling scandal of 1919, andMy Blue Heaven,a 1990 comedy withSteve MartinandRick Moranis.Irwin tap-danced in a leading role in 1991'sStepping OutwithLiza Minnelli,appeared as a mime in thePaul MazurskyfilmScenes from a MallalongsideWoody AllenandBette Midler,and playedCharlie Sheen's father inHot Shots!(1991). His authentic vaudevillian skills landed him a role in theSam ShepardfilmSilent Tonguein 1994, and he appeared in film adaptations ofHow the Grinch Stole Christmas,The Laramie ProjectandA Midsummer Night's Dream.He played an ex-brain surgeon and house salesman in the Nickelodeon seriesThe Adventures of Pete & Pete.In 2006, Irwin played the solitary Mr. Leeds inM. Night Shyamalan'sLady in the Waterand had a small role as Uncle Teddy in 2007'sAcross the Universe.He received critical acclaim for his role as Paul, father toAnne Hathaway's character Kym, in the 2008 dramaRachel Getting Married.[7][25]

Irwin's most notable television roles have been Enrico Ballati, "The Flying Man", on the television seriesNorthern Exposure,Mr. Noodlein theElmo's Worldsegment of the PBS children's showSesame Street,and the "Dick & Jane" serial killerNate HaskellonCSI: Crime Scene Investigation.He was featured in the 1988music videoof "Don't Worry, Be Happy"byBobby McFerrin(along with McFerrin and Robin Williams) and the 1996music videoof "Let Me into Your Heart"byMary Chapin Carpenter.Irwin was also featured in HBO's 1997 productionSubway Stories.He has also appeared onThe Cosby Show,Saturday Night Live,3rd Rock from the Sun,Law & Order,andLights Out.

In 2011, Irwin guest starred in the pilot episode of the CBS television dramaA Gifted Man.[26]He starred in the 2013medical dramaTNT television series,Monday Morningsas Buck Tierney.[27]In 2014, he guest starred in the episode "The One Percent Solution" of CBS'Elementary.

Irwin voices the robot TARS in the filmInterstellarand puppeteers the robot in most scenes (those which are not computer-generated). He is featured in thePBSseriesGreat Performances,in the episode titled "Bill Irwin, Clown Prince", initially broadcast in December 2004.[28]

He regularly appears on theNBCcrime seriesLaw & Order: Special Victims Unitas therapist Dr. Peter Lindstrom. Lindstrom normally appears on the show while counseling main character CaptainOlivia Benson.[5]Irwin also appeared on the television seriesSleepy Hollow,playing the character of Atticus Nevins. Between 2017 and 2019, he appeared in theFXtelevision seriesLegion.

In 2020, he appeared as Su'Kal inStar Trek: Discovery.In 2022, Irwin guest starred onThe Gilded AgeonHBO.

Personal life[edit]

He is married to Martha Roth, an "actress-turned-nurse midwife", whom he met while seeking treatment for a stiff neck.[29]They have an adopted son, Santos Patrick Morales Irwin, who was born on December 9, 1991.[29]

Awards and honors[edit]

Irwin was awarded theNational Endowment for the ArtsChoreographer's Fellowship in 1981 and 1983. In 1984, he was named aGuggenheim Fellowand was the first performance artist to be awarded a five-yearMacArthur Fellowship.ForLargely New York,he won aNew York Drama Critics CircleSpecial Citation in 1988, and anOuter Critics Circle AwardandDrama Desk Awardin 1989. This show also received five nominations for Tony Awards.[30]

In 1992, he won anObie Awardfor his performance inTexts for Nothing.Together withDavid Shiner,he won a specialTony Award for Live Theatrical Presentationin 1999 for their show,Fool Moon.[31]In 1993, this show had already won a Drama Desk Award for "Unique Theatrical Experience" and an Outer Critics Circle "Special Achievement" Award.[citation needed]

In 2000, the Jazz Tap Ensemble in Los Angeles received a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) "for a commission of a new work by Bill Irwin."[32]

In 2004, the Signature Theatre Company (New York), received a $40,000 NEA grant for "the world premiere production of 'Mr. Fox: A Rumination' by Bill Irwin."[33]

In 2005, he won theTony Awardfor Best Actor in a Play for his appearance as George in the revival ofEdward Albee'sWho's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?[34]

Irwin received a 2008CFCA Awardnomination for "Best Supporting Actor" for his role inRachel Getting Married.In 2010,The New Victory Theaterpresented Irwin with the first-ever New Victory Arts Award.[35]He was honored for "bringing the arts to kids and kids to the arts."Nathan LaneandJonathan Demmespoke at the ceremony. Irwin is also on the board ofThe New 42nd Street, Inc.

Filmography and stage work[edit]

Film roles
Year Title Role Notes
1980 Popeye Ham Gravy,the Old Boyfriend
1988 A New Life Eric
1988 Eight Men Out Eddie Collins
1990 My Blue Heaven Kirby
1991 Scenes from a Mall Mime
1991 Hot Shots! Buzz Harley
1991 Stepping Out Geoffrey
1993 Silent Tongue Comic
1993 Manhattan by Numbers Floyd
1993 Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit Unnamed Brother #1 Uncredited
1994 Water Ride The Man in the Gray Hat Short film
1998 Illuminata Marco
1999 Just the Ticket Ray Charles
1999 A Midsummer Night's Dream Tom Snout
2000 How the Grinch Stole Christmas Lou Lou Who
2001 Elmo's World: The Wild Wild West Mr. Noodle Direct-to-video
2002 Igby Goes Down Lt. Smith
2004 The Truth About Miranda Emile
2004 The Manchurian Candidate Scoutmaster
2005 Elmo Visits the Doctor Mr. Noodle Direct-to-video
2006 Elmo's World: Reach for the Sky Mr. Noodle Direct-to-video
2006 Lady in the Water Mr. Leeds
2006 Elmo's World: Pets! Mr. Noodle Direct-to-video
2007 Dark Matter Hal Silver
2007 Elmo's World: What Makes You Happy? Mr. Noodle Direct-to-video
2007 Across the Universe Uncle Teddy
2008 Rachel Getting Married Paul Buchman
2010 Goldstar, Ohio Chief Jeff 'Goob' Garver Short film
2011 Higher Ground Pastor Bud
2011 Elmo's World: Penguins and Friends Additional voices Direct-to-video
2011 Elmo's World: People in Your Neighborhood Additional voices Direct-to-video
2012 Elmo's World - Favorite Things Additional voices Direct-to-video
2014 Interstellar TARS (voice) Provides puppetry for TARS and CASE
2014 Frozen on Broadway: First Look Director Short film
2015 Identity Theft Mark Short film
2015 Ricki and the Flash Single Dad
2016 Old Hats Himself
2018 Ballet Now Himself Documentary
2020 Irresistible Elton Chambers
2022 Spoiler Alert Bob
2023 Rustin A. J. Muste
2024 High Tide Scott
Television roles
Year Title Role Notes
1979 Struck by Lightning Episode: "Frank Meets the Press"
1982 Saturday Night Live The Dancing Man Segment: "The Dancing Man"
1983 The Regard of Flight Performer TV movie
1987 The Cosby Show Eddie Bartholomew Episode: "The Show Must Go On"
1990 The Circus Pierrot The Clown / Miranda's Father TV movie
1991–1992 Northern Exposure Enrico Bellati 2 episodes
1992 The Last Mile The Maestro TV short
1992–2010; 2017–present Sesame Street Mr. Noodle, Air Mime, Professor Television Recurring; 25 episodes
1993 Great Performances Master of Ceremony Episode: "Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall"
1993 TriBeCa Gene KellyClone Episode: "The Loft"
1994 Monte Video Clown Episode: "Erntedankfest"
1996 The Adventures of Pete & Pete The Broker Episode: "35 Hours"
1997 Subway Stories Himself TV movie; segment: "Subway Car from Hell"
1998 3rd Rock from the Sun Pickles Episode: "Pickles and Ice Cream"
2002 The Laramie Project Harry Woods TV movie
2006 Law & Order: Criminal Intent Nate Royce Episode: "Masquerade"
2008 Law & Order Ellison Conway Episode: "Bogeyman"
2008 Life on Mars Dr. Schwahn Episode: "Tuesday's Dead"
2008–2011 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Nate Haskell Recurring
2011 The Good Wife Fred Medkiff Episode: "Ham Sandwich"
2011 Lights Out Hal Brennan Recurring
2011 A Gifted Man Ron Vinetz Episode: "Pilot"
2013 Monday Mornings Dr. Buck Tierney Main cast
2013–2022[36][37] Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Dr. Peter Lindstrom Recurring; 17 episodes
2014 Elementary Richard Balsille Episode: "The One Percent Solution"
2014 Blue Bloods Cardinal Brennan 2 episodes
2015 South of Hell Enos Abascal Main cast
2015–2016 Sleepy Hollow Atticus Nevins 4 episodes
2016 Confirmation Jack Danforth TV movie
2016 Quarry Harlowe Episode: "Seldom Realized"
2017 Julie's Greenroom Himself 2 episodes
2017 Doubt Judge 2 episodes
2017–2019 Legion Cary Loudermilk Main cast
2018, 2022 This Is Us Dr. Spencer 2 episodes
2020–2021 Star Trek: Discovery Su'Kal 3 episodes
2021 New Amsterdam Grandpa Calvin 3 episodes
2022 The Gilded Age Cornelius Eckhard Episode: "Face the Music"
2022 The Dropout Channing Robertson 4 episodes
2022 The Andy Warhol Diaries Andy Warhol(voice) 6 episodes
Music videos
Year Title Role Notes
1988 "Don't Worry, Be Happy" Himself Music video;Bobby McFerrin
1996 "Let Me into Your Heart" Himself Music video;Mary Chapin Carpenter
Stage work
Year Title Role Notes
1984 Accidental Death of an Anarchist The Sergeant Broadway
1987 The Regard of Flight Writer and performer Broadway
1988 Waiting for Godot Lucky Off-Broadway
Drama Desk Award nomination
1989 Largely New York The Post-Modern Hoofer
Director, choreographer, and writer 		Broadway
Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatrical Experience
Tony Award nominations for Best Actor in a Play, Best Choreography, Best Direction of a Play, and Best Play
1993 Fool Moon Creator and performer Broadway
1995 Fool Moon Creator and performer Broadway
1998 Fool Moon Creator and performer Broadway
2002 The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? Martin Broadway
2005 Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? George Broadway
Tony Award
Drama Desk Award nomination
2007 Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? George National tour
2009 Waiting for Godot Vladimir Broadway
Drama Desk Award nomination
2009 Bye Bye Birdie Harry MacAfee Broadway
2011 King Lear The Fool Off-Broadway
Drama Desk Award nomination
2018 The Iceman Cometh Ed Mosher Broadway
2019 Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus Movement choreographer Broadway
2023 Endgame[38] Clov Off-Broadway
2024 On Beckett Himself Guthrie Theater

References[edit]

  1. ^"Bill Irwin Biography".Brodway World.Retrieved9 September2020.
  2. ^Isherwood, Charles(4 March 2013)."Aging Clowns and Brand-New Gags: 'Old Hats,' With Bill Irwin and David Shiner".The New York Times.Retrieved8 April2013.
  3. ^Brantley, Ben(8 November 2011)."A Fool, His King and the Madness That Engulfs Them".The New York Times.Retrieved8 April2013.
  4. ^Gussow, Mel(11 May 2008)."How to Deal with Midlife: Keep Dancing".The New York Times.Retrieved8 April2013.
  5. ^ab"Television".thebillirwin. Archived fromthe originalon 2017-03-24.Retrieved2016-01-21.
  6. ^Bill Irwin Biography (1950-)filmreference
  7. ^ab"Irwin Biography"tcm, accessed August 18, 2013
  8. ^The National Campaign to Hire Artists to Work in Schools,accessed November 27, 2020
  9. ^"The Regard of Flighton Broadway ",playbillvault, accessed May 12, 2015.
  10. ^Simonson, Robert;Jones, Kenneth (November 2, 1998)."Irwin and Shiner's 'Fool Moon' Rises on Bway's Atkinson, Nov. 17".Playbill.
  11. ^Jones, Kenneth (August 7, 2003)."Bill Irwin's 'Harlequin Studies', Dissecting Theatre's Clown, Premieres Sept. 3 Off-Bway".Playbill.
  12. ^Jones, Kenneth (April 13, 2004)."Be a Clown: Bill Irwin's 'Mr. Fox: A Rumination' Conjures Forgotten American Actor".Playbill.
  13. ^Isherwood, Charles(March 4, 2013)."Aging Clowns and Brand-New Gags".The New York Times.
  14. ^Gans, Andrew; Jones, Kenneth (April 2, 2013)."Off-Broadway Run of Acclaimed 'Old Hats', By Bill Irwin and David Shiner, Extended Again".Playbill.
  15. ^Hetrick, Adam; Gans, Andrew (May 10, 2013)."Billy Porter, Andrea Martin, 'Pippin', 'Matilda', 'Vanya and Sonia' Win Drama Desk Awards".Playbill.
  16. ^Genzlinger, Neil (February 18, 2016)."Review: 'Old Hats,' Mime and Mayhem From Irwin and Shiner".The New York Times.
  17. ^Viagas, Robert (January 10, 1997)."Bill Irwin Scapin Opens Jan. 9 Off-Broadway".Playbill.
  18. ^"DCI Cadets 1996 Olympics Performance".
  19. ^Isenberg, Barbara.'Godot' Leaves Them Waiting for Tickets "Los Angeles Times,November 22, 1988
  20. ^Ehren, Christine (September 9, 2002)."Sally Field and Bill Irwin Prepare a New 'Goat' for Broadway".Playbill.RetrievedJanuary 19,2017.
  21. ^Simonson, Robert (September 4, 2005)."'Virginia Woolf' Howls Its Last on Broadway Sept. 4 ".Playbill.
  22. ^Jones, Kenneth (April 30, 2009)."Irwin and Lane Are Waiting for Godot, Opening April 30".Playbill.Archived fromthe originalon February 14, 2015.
  23. ^Hetrick, Adam (October 18, 2011)."'King Lear', With Sam Waterston, Kelli O'Hara, Bill Irwin and Frank Wood, Begins at the Public Oct. 18 ".Playbill.
  24. ^"Endgame by Samuel Beckett".irishrep.org.RetrievedFebruary 3,2023.
  25. ^"Filmography".Movies & TV Dept.The New York Times.2008. Archived fromthe originalon May 31, 2008.RetrievedAugust 17,2013.
  26. ^Wallemberg, Christopher (September 17, 2011)."STAGE TO SCREENS: A 2011-12 TV Season Packed With Stage Stars".Playbill.
  27. ^Ross, Robyn."TNT Orders David E. Kelley's Medical Drama 'Monday Mornings'"May 2012
  28. ^"Great Performances. 'Bill Irwin, Clown Prince'".Public Broadcasting Service, 2004, accessed August 19, 2013
  29. ^ab"Bill Irwin's Biography"bill-irwin, accessed July 25, 2014
  30. ^Largely New YorkListing for Tony Awards and Drama Desk ",Internet Broadway Database. Accessed August 18, 2013.
  31. ^Lefkowitz, David (June 6, 1999)."1999 Tony Winner: Special Award - 'Fool Moon'".Playbill.
  32. ^"2000 Grant Awards: Creation & Presentation"ArchivedSeptember 25, 2012, at theWayback Machinearts.gov, accessed August 18, 2013.
  33. ^"2004 Grant Awards: Creativity"ArchivedFebruary 20, 2013, at theWayback Machinearts.gov, accessed August 18, 2013.
  34. ^Jones, Kenneth (June 5, 2005)."'Doubt' Is Best Play, 'Spamalot' Best Musical; Butz, Irwin, Clark, Jones, Nichols Win 2005 Tonys ".Playbill.
  35. ^"Philosophy".New Victory Theater.Archived fromthe originalon July 31, 2013.RetrievedAugust 19,2013.
  36. ^"Listings - LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT on NBC | TheFutonCritic".
  37. ^"Watch Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Episode: A Final Call at Forlini's Bar".NBC.Retrieved2022-09-01.
  38. ^"Endgame".

External links[edit]

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