Judd Hirsch

Judd Hirsch
Name	Judd Hirsch
Caption	Hirsch in 2013
Birth date	15 March 1935
Birth place	The Bronx, New York City, U.S.
Alma mater	City College of New York
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1966–present
Spouse	Elisa Sadaune (m. 1992), Bonnie Sue Chalkin (m. 1963; div. 196?)

Judd Hirsch is an acclaimed American actor renowned for his extensive work in television, film, and theater. He gained widespread recognition for his starring roles in the television sitcoms Taxi and Dear John, earning multiple Primetime Emmy Awards. His distinguished career also includes two Academy Award nominations and a Tony Award, cementing his status as a versatile and respected performer across all major entertainment mediums.

Early life and education

He was born in The Bronx to Joseph Sidney Hirsch, an electrician, and Sally Hirsch. His family was of Jewish descent, with ancestors from Russia, Poland, and Austria-Hungary. Hirsch attended DeWitt Clinton High School before pursuing higher education in physics at the City College of New York. His academic path shifted after serving in the United States Army Reserve, leading him to study acting under the guidance of renowned teacher Stella Adler in New York City.

Career

Hirsch's professional career began on the stage in the late 1960s, with early appearances in Off-Broadway productions. His breakthrough came with the play Chapter Two on Broadway, which led to his casting in the landmark television series Taxi. His portrayal of Alex Rieger earned him two Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series and made him a household name. He later starred in the successful sitcom Dear John, winning another Primetime Emmy Award. His film career includes notable roles in movies such as Ordinary People, which earned him his first Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor nomination, and Independence Day. Decades later, his performance in The Fabelmans brought him a second Academy Award nomination.

Personal life

Hirsch has been married twice, first to Bonnie Sue Chalkin and later to Elisa Sadaune, with whom he has a son. He also has a daughter from his first marriage. He has maintained a relatively private life, focusing on his family and his craft, and is known for his dedication to the Actors Studio. A resident of Los Angeles, he continues to be active in the entertainment industry while also engaging in various philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting arts education and Jewish charitable organizations.

Filmography

His extensive filmography spans over five decades, beginning with a role in the 1971 film Jump. Major film credits include his Oscar-nominated performance in Robert Redford's Ordinary People, the blockbuster science fiction film Independence Day as Julius Levinson, and a memorable role in the comedy A Beautiful Mind. More recent work includes appearances in Independence Day: Resurgence, the drama Uncut Gems, and his acclaimed role in Steven Spielberg's The Fabelmans. He has also been featured in numerous made-for-television movies and guest-starred on popular television series like Law & Order and The Good Wife.

Stage work

Hirsch is a stalwart of the American theater, with a career on stage that is as celebrated as his screen work. He made his Broadway debut in 1966 in Barefoot in the Park and later earned critical acclaim for his performance in Neil Simon's Chapter Two. He won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his role in the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Conversations with My Father. Other significant Broadway credits include I'm Not Rappaport, Art, and a 2019 revival of The Price. His work in Off-Broadway and regional theater, including productions at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, has been consistently praised for its depth and authenticity.

Awards and nominations

Throughout his career, Hirsch has received numerous prestigious accolades. He has won two Primetime Emmy Awards for Taxi and one for Dear John. He is a two-time Academy Award nominee for Best Supporting Actor, for Ordinary People and The Fabelmans. His stage work has been honored with a Tony Award for Conversations with My Father and a Drama Desk Award. He has also received nominations for Golden Globe Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards, recognizing his contributions across all platforms of acting.

Category:American male television actors Category:American male film actors Category:American male stage actors Category:Tony Award winners Category:Primetime Emmy Award winners