Peter MacNicol

Peter MacNicol
Name	Peter MacNicol
Caption	MacNicol in 2013
Birth date	10 April 1954
Birth place	Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1976–present
Spouse	Martha Sue, 1986

Peter MacNicol is an American actor renowned for his versatile performances across film, television, and theatre. He gained widespread recognition for his role as John Cage on the Fox legal comedy-drama Ally McBeal, a performance for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2001. His career is distinguished by a blend of comedic and dramatic roles in projects ranging from the fantasy film Dragonslayer to his recurring role as Jeffrey "The Collector" Cobblepot on the CW series Gotham.

Early life and education

He was born in Dallas, Texas, to parents who were both educators. He developed an interest in acting during his youth and pursued his passion at the University of Minnesota, where he studied theatre. His early training was further honed through involvement with the prestigious Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, a renowned regional theatre that has launched the careers of many notable performers. This foundational period in the Midwestern United States provided him with a strong classical background before he embarked on his professional career in New York City.

Career

His film debut came with a leading role in the Disney-produced fantasy film Dragonslayer in 1981. He subsequently appeared in a variety of Hollywood films, including ''Sophie's Choice'' with Meryl Streep, the ghost story Ghostbusters II, and the biographical film The Manhattan Project. His television breakthrough occurred with his portrayal of the eccentric, attorney John Cage on Ally McBeal, a role that earned him critical acclaim and an Emmy Award. He later starred as Professor Larry Fleinhardt on the CBS series Numb3rs and provided the voice for the villain The Sorcerer on the Adult Swim series The Venture Bros.. More recent television work includes a memorable recurring role on Gotham and appearances on series like Elementary and Chicago Med.

Personal life

He has been married to Martha Sue since 1986, and the couple maintains a notably private life away from the Hollywood spotlight. He is known to be an avid reader and has interests in history and literature. He has occasionally participated in charitable events and political activism, supporting various Democratic candidates and causes over the years. He resides primarily in Los Angeles but has also spent significant time in New York City.

Filmography

A selection of his notable film and television credits includes Dragonslayer (1981), Sophie's Choice (1982), The Manhattan Project (1986), Ghostbusters II (1989), HouseSitter (1992), Bean (1997), Baby Geniuses (1999), Ally McBeal (1997–2002), Numb3rs (2005–2010), The Venture Bros. (2006–2018), Gotham (2014–2019), and Chicago Med (2020).

Stage work

His theatre career began with significant roles at the Guthrie Theater. He made his Broadway debut in 1979, originating the role of St. John in the Theatre Guild's production of The Crucible. He received a Theatre World Award for his performance in Crimes of the Heart in 1981. Other notable stage credits include performances in Off-Broadway productions and regional theatre, such as The Foreigner at the Long Wharf Theatre. His stage work demonstrates a continued commitment to the craft of live performance.

Awards and nominations

His performance on Ally McBeal earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2001. He also received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination as part of the ensemble for the same series. For his early stage work, he was honored with a Theatre World Award in 1981. His voice acting on The Venture Bros. has also been praised by critics, though it has not resulted in major award nominations.

Category:American male television actors Category:American film actors Category:Primetime Emmy Award winners Category:1954 births Category:Living people