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Bob Balaban

Bob Balaban

Director & actor · born 16 August 1945 · 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.

Where to start: The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014).

As director 14

As actor 100

TV shows 33

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Bob Balaban movie?

By viewer score, The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) at 8.0/10.

What are Bob Balaban’s most popular movies?

The Grand Budapest Hotel, Moonrise Kingdom, Isle of Dogs.

How many movies has Bob Balaban made?

114 films on TMDB, 14 as director, 100 as actor.

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