Judd Hirsch
Judd Hirsch | |
|---|---|
Hirsch in 1967 | |
| Born | Judd Seymore Hirsch[1] March 15, 1935 New York City, U.S. |
| Education | City College of New York (BS) American Academy of Dramatic Arts |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1959–present |
| Spouses | Elisa Sadaune
(m. 1963; div. 1967)Bonni Sue Chalkin
(m. 1992; div. 2005)Kathryn Danielle (m. 2020) |
| Children | 3 |
Judd Seymore Hirsch (born March 15, 1935) is an American actor. He is known for playing Alex Rieger on the television comedy series Taxi (1978–1983), John Lacey on the NBC series Dear John (1988–1992), and Alan Eppes on the CBS series Numb3rs (2005–2010). He is also well known for his career in theatre and for his roles in films such as Ordinary People (1980), Running on Empty (1988), Independence Day (1996), A Beautiful Mind (2001), Independence Day: Resurgence (2016), Uncut Gems (2019), and The Fabelmans (2022).
Hirsch has twice won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, has twice won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play, has won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy, and was nominated twice for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in Ordinary People (1980) and The Fabelmans (2022).[2]
Early life and education
Hirsch was born in the Bronx, New York, to Sally (née Kitzis) (1903–1999) and Joseph Sidney Hirsch (1904–1989), an electrician.[3] Joseph was born in New York, to a German Jewish father, Benjamin Hirsch, and an English-born mother, Rosa Hirsch Benjamin, whose family were Dutch Jews.[4][5][6] Sally Hirsch was born in Russia, also to a Jewish family.[7] Judd Hirsch has a brother named Roland.[8]
He grew up in both Brooklyn and the Bronx[5] and graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School[9] (in the Bronx) in 1952. He earned a degree in physics from City College of New York.[1]
After graduating from college, Hirsch served in the United States Army Reserve in 1958 at Fort Leonard Wood for six months as a surveyor.[5][10] Next Hirsch worked as an engineer for Westinghouse before he found work in the theater.[11] He studied acting at HB Studio[12] in New York City. He graduated in 1962 from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.[13]
Career
The Los Angeles Times noted that Hirsch is "one of the very few actors who slips effortlessly from TV series to Broadway to feature films and back again, racking up awards and favorable reviews wherever he performs."[11]
Film
Hirsch received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Ordinary People (1980), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture that year. His other film performances from the decade include leading roles in the 1983 drama Without a Trace, the 1984 dramedies, Teachers and The Goodbye People, and the 1988 drama Running on Empty, directed by Sidney Lumet and co-starring River Phoenix. In 1996, Hirsch portrayed the father of Jeff Goldblum's character in the blockbuster Independence Day, a role that he later reprised in its 2016 sequel. In 2001, he played a Princeton University professor in the Academy Award-winning film A Beautiful Mind. Hirsch has more recently had supporting roles in acclaimed films such as The Meyerowitz Stories (2017) and Uncut Gems (2019).[14]
In 2023, at the age of 87, Hirsch became the second-oldest acting nominee for an Academy Award after being nominated for his role in Steven Spielberg's film The Fabelmans (2022). He also broke the record for the longest gap between Oscar nominations.[2]
Television
After appearing frequently on television in the 1970s, including one season (1976–1977) in the series Delvecchio,[15] Hirsch gained stardom for his lead role of Alex Rieger in the popular sitcom Taxi, which ran from 1978 to 1983. For his performance in the series, Hirsch won the Emmy Award for Lead Actor In a Comedy Series in 1981 and 1983.[16] In 1999, he reprised his role from Taxi for a brief moment in Man on the Moon, the biopic of his co-star from Taxi, Andy Kaufman (portrayed by Jim Carrey).[17]
After Taxi, Hirsch played the title character on the modestly successful sitcom Dear John and in 1989 won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series in a Comedy or Musical for this role.[18] He later teamed up with Bob Newhart in the short-lived comedy George and Leo.[19]
Hirsch co-starred on the CBS Television drama Numb3rs (2005–2010) as Alan Eppes, father of FBI agent Don Eppes (Rob Morrow), and Professor Charlie Eppes (David Krumholtz).[20]
Hirsch has guest-starred on episodes of Warehouse 13, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, God Friended Me, and The Whole Truth (he reunited with Numb3rs co-star Rob Morrow), among others and lent his voice to the animated programs Tom Goes to the Mayor and American Dad! Hirsch has also appeared several times on the television show Maron as comedian Marc Maron's father; he has had a recurring role on The Goldbergs, playing the father of Jeff Garlin's character. In 2016, Hirsch appeared on the CBS comedy series The Big Bang Theory portraying Alfred Hofstadter. The father of Johnny Galecki's character, Leonard.[14]
From 2014 to 2015, Hirsch appeared as a series regular on the ABC television series Forever. From 2017 to 2018, Hirsch starred in the short-lived CBS comedy Superior Donuts which lasted two seasons.[15]
In early 2020, Hirsch appeared in a scene as the historic Simon Wiesenthal, in season 1, episode 8 of the Amazon Prime Video show Hunters, which stars Al Pacino.[21]
In 2025, he appeared alongside Linda Lavin in Mid-Century Modern, her final onscreen role before her death.[22]
Theatre
Hirsch won the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play for his work in Conversations with My Father,[23] a Herb Gardner play.[24] Other noteworthy stage performances include The Hot l Baltimore, Talley's Folly, and his starring role in I'm Not Rappaport, for which Hirsch also won a Tony Award in 1986.[15]
Personal life
Hirsch was married to his first wife, Elisa Sadaune, from 1963 to 1967. Their son, Alex Hirsch, was born in 1966.[25] Hirsch married Bonni Sue Chalkin, a fashion designer, and married in a Jewish ceremony on December 24, 1992.[26] They subsequently divorced in 2005.[27] From this second marriage, Hirsch has a daughter, Montana, and a son, London.[28] Hirsch is currently married to his third wife, actress, Kathryn Danielle Hirsch.[29]
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1974 | The Law | Murray Stone | Television movie |
| 1975 | The Law | Murray Stone | 3 episodes |
| 1975 | Fear on Trial | Saul | Television movie |
| 1975 | Medical Story | Dr. Joe Dempsey | Episode: "Waste Land" |
| 1975 | The Legend of Valentino | Jack Auerbach | Television movie |
| 1976 | The Keegans | Lieutenant Marco Ciardi | Television movie |
| 1976 | Visions | Joe Morris | Episode: "Two Brothers" |
| 1977 | Rhoda | Mike | 2 episodes: "Rhoda Likes Mike"; "The Weekend" Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor for a Single Appearance in a Drama or Comedy Series |
| 1976–1977 | Delvecchio | Sergeant Dominick Delvecchio | 21 episodes |
| 1978–1983 | Taxi | Alex Reiger | 114 episodes Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (1981, 1983) Nominated—Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (1978–1982) Nominated—Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (1979–1980, 1982) |
| 1979 | Sooner or Later | Bob Walters | Television movie |
| 1979 | The Halloween That Almost Wasn't | Count Dracula | Television movie |
| 1980 | Marriage Is Alive and Well | Herb Rollie | Television movie |
| 1980 | The Last Resort | Dr. Zegelman | Episode: "Zegelmania" |
| 1981 | The Robert Klein Show | Unknown | Television movie |
| 1983 | Lights: The Miracle of Chanukah | Unknown | Television movie |
| 1985 | Detective in the House | Press Wyman | 6 episodes |
| 1985 | First Steps | Dr. Jerrold Petrofsky | Television movie |
| 1985 | Brotherly Love | Ben Ryder/Harry Brand | Television movie |
| 1988–1992 | Dear John | John Lacey | 90 episodes Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (1988) Nominated—Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (1989) |
| 1988 | The Great Escape II: The Untold Story | Capt. David Matthews | Television movie |
| 1989 | PBS NOVA | Himself (Host/Narrator) | Episode: "The Hidden City" |
| 1990 | She Said No | Martin Knapek | Television movie |
| 1994 | Betrayal of Trust | Dr. Jules Masserman | Television movie |
| 1996 | Caroline in the City | Ben Karinsky | Episode: "Caroline and the Comic" |
| 1997 | Color of Justice | Sam Lind | Television movie |
| 1997–1998 | George and Leo | Leo Wagonman | 22 episodes |
| 1999 | Rocky Marciano | Al Weill | Television movie |
| 2000 | Welcome to New York | Dr. Bob | Episode: "Dr. Bob" |
| 2001 | Family Law | Daniel Bonner | Episode: "Security" |
| 2002 | Philly | Rabbi Nathan Wexler | Episode: "The Curse of the Klopman Diamonds" |
| 2003 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Dr. Judah Platner | Episode: "Mercy" |
| 2003 | Regular Joe | Baxter Binder | 5 episodes; Also Producer |
| 2003 | Street Time | Shimi Goldman | Episode: "High Holly Roller" |
| 2003 | Law & Order: Criminal Intent | Ben Elkins | Episode: "Pravda" |
| 2003 | Who Killed the Federal Theatre | Narrator | Television movie |
| 2005 | Family Guy | Himself (voice) | Episode: "Blind Ambition" |
| 2006 | Tom Goes to the Mayor | Prisoner (voice) | Episode: "Spray a Carpet or Rug" |
| 2006 | Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip | Wes Mendell | Episode: "Pilot" |
| 2009 | American Dad! | Rabbi (voice) | 2 episodes |
| 2005–2010 | Numb3rs | Alan Eppes | 114 episodes |
| 2010 | Warehouse 13 | Isadore Weisfelt | Episode: "Secret Santa" |
| The Whole Truth | Judge Wright | Episode: "Judicial Discretion" | |
| 2011–2012 | Damages | Bill Herndon | 14 episodes |
| 2012 | The Good Wife | Judge Harrison Creary | Episode: "Here Comes the Judge" |
| 2013–2015 | Maron | Larry Maron | 4 episodes |
| 2014 | Sharknado 2: The Second One | Ben | Television movie |
| 2014–2015 | Forever | Abraham "Abe" Morgan | 22 episodes |
| 2014 | Small Miracles | Mort | 4 episodes |
| 2015–2023 | The Goldbergs | Ben "Pop-Pop" Goldberg | 22 episodes |
| 2016 | The Big Bang Theory | Dr. Alfred Hofstadter | 2 episodes |
| 2016 | Family Guy | Himself (voice) | Episode: "Take a Letter" |
| 2017–2018 | Superior Donuts | Arthur Przybyszewski | 34 episodes Also: Producer |
| 2018 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Joseph Edelman | Episode: "Alta Kockers" |
| 2018 | Welcome to the Wayne | Himself (voice) | Episode: "Gimble in the Wabe" |
| 2019–2021 | Big Mouth | Lewis Glouberman (voice) | 3 episodes |
| 2019 | Modern Love | Cop, Vendor, Taxi Driver | Episode: "Take Me as I Am, Whoever I Am" |
| 2020 | God Friended Me | Abe | Episode: "A New Hope" |
| 2020–2023 | Hunters | Simon Wiesenthal | 3 episodes |
| 2020 | Cosmos: Possible Worlds | J. Robert Oppenheimer (voice) | Episode: "A Tale of Two Atoms"[31] |
| 2023 | Extrapolations | David Goldblatt | Episode: "2047: The Fifth Question" |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963 | Barefoot in the Park | Telephone Man | |
| 1972–1973 | The Hot l Baltimore | Bill Lewis | Obie Award for Best Performance |
| 1976 | Knock Knock | Multiple roles | Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play |
| 1977–1978 | Chapter Two | George Schneider | Nominated—Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Play |
| 1980 | Talley's Folly | Matt Friedman | Nominated—Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play Nominated—Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Play |
| 1985–1988 | I'm Not Rappaport | Nat | Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play |
| 1992–1993 | Conversations with My Father | Eddie | Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play |
| 1996 | A Thousand Clowns | Murray Burns | |
| 1998–1999 | Art | Marc | |
| 2002 | I'm Not Rappaport | Nat | |
| 2004 | Sixteen Wounded | Hans |
Accolades
Notes
- ^ Tied with Michael J. Fox for Family Ties and Richard Mulligan for Empty Nest.
References
- ^ a b Fisher, James (2011). Historical Dictionary of Contemporary American Theater. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. p. 360. ISBN 9780810855328. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
Born Judd Seymore Hirsch in the Bronx
- ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (January 24, 2023). "John Williams Sets Record For Oldest Oscar Nominee; Judd Hirsch Becomes Second-Oldest Acting Nominee 42 Years After His First Nom". Deadline. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
- ^ Database (2008). "Judd Hirsch Biography". Film Reference. Retrieved 19 April 2008.
- ^ "Benjamin Hirsh". United States Census, 1900. Retrieved 4 August 2014 – via FamilySearch.
Benjamin Hirsh, Borough of Manhattan, Election District 12 New York City Ward 26, New York County, New York, United States; citing sheet 11A, family 189, NARA microfilm publication T623, FHL microfilm 1241112.
- ^ a b c Theater; Judd Hirsch Finds the Echoes in 'Conversations' The New York Times via Internet Archive. Retrieved December 1, 2021.
- ^ Citron, Cynthia (29 January 2013). "A Conversation With Judd Hirsch — and Freud". LA Stage Times. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
- ^ "Isaac N Kitzis". Unkited States Census, 1910. Retrieved 4 August 2014 – via FamilySearch.
Isaac N Kitzis, Manhattan Ward 13, New York, New York, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 766, sheet 16A, family 282, NARA microfilm publication T624, FHL microfilm 1375042.
- ^ Klemesrud, Judy (1978-01-29). "'I'm Thought of As a Fast-Talking New York Hustler' (Published 1978)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
- ^ "Don't Let Looks or Talent Fool You: What Made These Stars Famous Were Their High Schools". People. 24 December 1979. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
- ^ Sharbutt, Jay. "Actor Judd Hirsch has a two-coast career", Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, Wisconsin, February 24, 1980, page 2, section 6. (subscription required)
- ^ a b Weinstein, Steve (21 November 1988). "Hirsch's Return in 'Dear John' Is Love Letter to Comedy". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
- ^ "Alumni". hbstudio.org. Retrieved January 26, 2023.
- ^ "Notable Alumni | The American Academy of Dramatic Arts". www.aada.edu. Retrieved 2021-11-23.
- ^ a b c d "Judd Hirsch | TV Guide". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
- ^ a b c Miller, Bruce (4 February 2017). "Staying fresh: Judd Hirsch says working keeps him young". Sioux City Journal. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
- ^ Emmy Awards Official Website.
- ^ Ebert, Roger. "Man on the Moon movie review & film summary (1999) | Roger Ebert". Rogerebert.com. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
- ^ Golden Globe Official Website 1989 awards, Archived 2007-08-27 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Scott, Tony (1997-09-21). "George & Leo". Variety. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
- ^ Phillips, Patrick (June 19, 2020). "What Happened To The Cast Of Numb3rs?". looper.com.
- ^ "'Hunters,' A New Amazon Prime Video Series Debuts On Friday". NPR.org. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
- ^ Garner, Glenn (28 March 2025). ‘Mid-Century Modern’ Team Talks Linda Lavin’s “Devastating” Death, ‘Golden Girls’ Comparisons & ‘Will & Grace’ Crossover Potential Deadline. Retrieved on 30 June 2025
- ^ Pfefferman, Naomi (5 October 2006). "Clues to family drama's Jewish roots finally add up on 'Numb3rs'". The Jewish Journal. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
- ^ Tony Awards Official Website.
- ^ Reilly, Sue (19 December 1977). "Neil Simon and Judd Hirsch Prove American Lives Can Have Second Chapters". People. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
- ^ Brozan, Nadine (25 December 1992). "Chronicle". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
- ^ Chilton, Louis (12 March 2023). ‘There isn’t one phony element to him’: In praise of Judd Hirsch, the 87-year-old ‘chameleon’ vying for Oscar history The Independent. Retrieved on 30 June 2025
- ^ "Judd Hirsch Reveals He Would 'Rewrite' His Career (EXCLUSIVE)". Closer Weekly. 2018-11-23. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
- ^ (8 February 2023). Kathryn Danielle Hirsch will replace Marilu Henner in ‘Love Letters’ Aspen Times. Retrieved on 30 June 2025
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (27 March 2025). ‘Stay Forte’: First Footage Revealed Of October 7 Film Starring Judd Hirsch & Selma Blair Deadline. Retrieved on 29 March 2025
- ^ Hersko, Tyler (November 7, 2019). "'Cosmos: Possible Worlds' to Premiere on National Geographic in 2020 — Exclusive". IndieWire. Retrieved February 27, 2020.
- ^ "Judd Hirsch". Playbill. Retrieved October 5, 2020.
- ^ "The 53rd Academy Awards (1981) Nominees and Winners". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved October 7, 2011.
- ^ "The 95th Academy Awards (2023) | Nominees and Winners". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved March 12, 2023.
- ^ Appelo, Tim (January 28, 2023). "Complete List of AARP's Movies for Grownups Winners 2023". AARP. AARP. Retrieved January 28, 2023.
- ^ Hammond, Pete (December 14, 2022). "'Everything Everywhere', 'Fabelmans', 'Babylon' lead Critics Choice Award Nominees for Film". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on December 14, 2022. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
- ^ "2023 DFCS Awards". Denver Film Critics Society. January 15, 2023. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
- ^ "Nominees and Recipients – 1976 Awards". Drama Desk Awards. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ "Nominees and Recipients – 1978 Awards". Drama Desk Awards. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ "Nominees and Recipients – 1980 Awards". Drama Desk Awards. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ "2022 GAFCA Awards". Georgia Film Critics Association. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ "Judd Hirsch". Golden Globe Awards. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ "Indie Series Awards History and Winners Archive". Indie Series Awards. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ "2022 – North Texas Film Critics Association". North Texas Film Critics Association. 22 July 2022. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ "79 – Obie Awards". Obie Awards. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ "Palm Springs International Film Awards Presents The Fabelmans with the Vanguard Award". Palm Springs International Film Festival. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ "Judd Hirsch". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ "The 8th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards". Screen Actors Guild Awards. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ "The 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards". Screen Actors Guild Awards. January 11, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
- ^ "2022 StLFCA Annual Award Winners". St. Louis Film Critics Association. December 11, 2022. Retrieved December 11, 2022.
- ^ "Sunset Circle Awards Year Three Winners & Nominees". Sunset Circle. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ "1980 Tony Awards". Tony Awards. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ "1986 Tony Awards". Tony Awards. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
- ^ "1992 Tony Awards". Tony Awards. Retrieved October 14, 2023.