Eric Stoltz

Eric Stoltz
Name	Eric Stoltz
Caption	Stoltz in 2011
Birth date	30 September 1961
Birth place	American Samoa
Occupation	Actor, director, producer
Years active	1978–present
Alma mater	University of Southern California, University of California, Los Angeles

Eric Stoltz is an American actor and director known for his versatile performances across film, television, and stage. He first gained significant attention for his role in the 1985 cult film Mask, which earned him a Golden Globe nomination. His career is distinguished by collaborations with major directors like Robert Zemeckis, Quentin Tarantino, and John Sayles, as well as a notable, partially-filmed involvement in the iconic film Back to the Future.

Early life and education

Born on a naval base in American Samoa, he was raised primarily in California. He attended Santa Monica High School before pursuing higher education at the University of Southern California and later the University of California, Los Angeles. His early interest in acting led him to study at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, honing his craft in classical theater before embarking on a professional career.

Career

His film breakthrough came with a supporting role in John Sayles's The Brother from Another Planet (1984), followed by his acclaimed starring performance in Peter Bogdanovich's Mask (1985). He was originally cast as Marty McFly in Robert Zemeckis's Back to the Future (1985) and filmed several weeks of material before being replaced by Michael J. Fox; footage of his version has since become a notable piece of Hollywood lore. He later earned critical praise for roles in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction (1994) and Rob Reiner's The Story of Us (1999). On television, he had a recurring role on the series Chicago Hope and starred in the ABC drama The Last Don. He has also directed episodes for series such as Glee, Mad Men, and Nashville, and served as a producer on the film The House of Mirth (2000).

Filmography

His extensive film work includes notable performances in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), Some Kind of Wonderful (1987), The Fly II (1989), The Waterdance (1992), Kicking and Screaming (1995), Anaconda (1997), The Hi-Lo Country (1998), and Capote (2005). He has also provided voice work for animated projects like The Simpsons and the video game Mafia III. His directorial efforts include the feature film The Last Days of Chez Nous and numerous television episodes.

Stage work

An accomplished stage actor, he has performed in numerous productions in New York City and regional theater. He made his Broadway debut in a revival of The Glass Menagerie and later appeared in a production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona at the New York Shakespeare Festival. Other notable stage credits include performances at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles and the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts.

Personal life

He maintains a private personal life, residing primarily in New York City. He is known to be an avid reader and supporter of various arts organizations, including the Public Theater in New York. He has occasionally taught acting workshops and has been involved with charitable causes related to HIV/AIDS awareness and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Awards and nominations

His performance in Mask earned him a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture. For his role in The Waterdance, he shared the Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. He has also received recognition from the National Board of Review and the Independent Spirit Awards for his work in independent cinema. His television directing has been acknowledged by the Directors Guild of America.

Category:American film actors Category:American television directors Category:American male stage actors Category:1961 births Category:Living people