Bob Balaban American actor, screenwriter and director Date of Birth: 16.08.1945 Country: USA

Biography of Bob Balaban

Bob Balaban is an American actor, screenwriter, and director. Born on August 16, 1945, in Chicago, he comes from a family of hat salesmen. However, the family's involvement in the arts goes beyond selling hats. Balaban's uncle once founded a theater in Chicago, which eventually grew into a network of theaters and became the most prestigious theaters in the United States in the early 1920s. Afterward, Balaban's uncle climbed the career ladder, assuming the presidency of Paramount Pictures and serving as its executive for thirty years, from 1936 to 1964.

Growing up, Balaban was exposed to the theatrical atmosphere from a young age. He dreamed of pursuing an acting career, as well as obtaining an excellent education. Thus, he graduated from one of the universities in New York and received a diploma with honors. Balaban made his film debut in 1969 in the movie "Midnight Cowboy" and two years prior, he participated in a Broadway theatrical production. Throughout the 1970s, Balaban actively acted in films, gradually gaining recognition and the love of audiences.

In 1979, Balaban was honored with a prestigious award, making his image well-known to movie lovers as well as television viewers. It is no wonder, as the actor not only prolifically appeared in films but also participated in TV series. Soon, he became in demand and gained popularity among directors and fans of daytime television projects. In 1990, Balaban portrayed a fictional president of a major organization in a made-for-TV movie, and in 1999, he appeared in the popular series "Friends," playing the role of the father of one of the main characters, Phoebe.

In the following years, Bob Balaban continued his active creative career, which proved to be extremely diverse. For example, in 2001, the actor was awarded a prize for his photography, as some of his shots were simply stunning. At present, Bob Balaban continues to work despite being over sixty years old. He remains full of energy and has plans for the future.