David Paymer

David Paymer is an American character actor renowned for his versatile performances across film and television. With a career spanning over four decades, he has become a familiar face in both comedic and dramatic roles, often portraying beleaguered, intelligent, or morally complex characters. He earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his supporting role in *Mr. Saturday Night* and has appeared in numerous significant films including *City Slickers*, *Quiz Show*, and *Get Shorty*.

Early life and education

David Paymer was born in Oceanside, New York, to a Jewish family. His father, Marvin Paymer, was a pianist and piano teacher, and his mother, Sylvia (née Bienenfeld), worked as a travel agent. He developed an interest in acting during his youth and pursued his education at the University of Michigan, where he graduated with a degree in English. While at university, he was actively involved in theater, performing in productions at the Power Center for the Performing Arts and honing his craft before moving to Los Angeles to begin his professional career.

Career

Paymer's early career included guest roles on popular television series such as Laverne & Shirley and Hill Street Blues. His breakthrough in film came with a memorable supporting role in Barry Levinson's comedy Good Morning, Vietnam, playing a by-the-book adjutant. He subsequently delivered a standout performance as a beleaguered talent agent in Billy Crystal's *Mr. Saturday Night*, which earned him nominations for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe Award. Throughout the 1990s, he became a sought-after character actor, appearing in major films like the Best Picture nominee *Quiz Show* directed by Robert Redford, the crime comedy *Get Shorty* with John Travolta, and the Steven Spielberg drama *Amistad*. On television, he has had recurring roles on series such as The Good Wife, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and *For the People*, and provided voice work for animated projects including The Incredibles and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. His stage work includes performances in Off-Broadway productions and a role in the Williamstown Theatre Festival.

Filmography

A selection of David Paymer's notable film and television credits includes *Airplane!* (1980), *Irreconcilable Differences* (1984), *No Way Out* (1987), *Crazy People* (1990), *City Slickers* (1991), *Searching for Bobby Fischer* (1993), *The American President* (1995), *Mighty Joe Young* (1998), *State and Main* (2000), *Focus (2001 film)|*Focus* (2001), *In Good Company* (2004), and *The Ballad of Buster Scruggs* (2018). His extensive television work features appearances on *Cheers*, *L.A. Law*, *The Larry Sanders Show*, *The Twilight Zone (1985 TV series)|*The Twilight Zone*, *The Practice*, *Two and a Half Men*, *Grey's Anatomy*, *The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel*, and *The Dropout*.

Awards and nominations

For his role in *Mr. Saturday Night*, Paymer received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor nomination and a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture nomination. He has also been recognized with a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for his ensemble work in *The American President* and won a National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor for *Mr. Saturday Night*. His voice performance in *The Incredibles* contributed to the film winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Personal life

David Paymer has been married to actress and writer Liz Georges since 1988, and they have two children. The family resides in Los Angeles. Outside of acting, Paymer is an avid fan of the New York Yankees and enjoys playing tennis. He has also been involved in various charitable endeavors, supporting organizations related to the arts and education.

Category:American male film actors Category:American male television actors Category:University of Michigan alumni Category:Academy Award nominees