Timothy Busfield

Timothy Busfield is an American actor and director best known for his work in television, film, and theater. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Elliot Weston on the critically acclaimed drama series thirtysomething, a role for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award. Busfield has also directed numerous episodes of popular television series and co-founded the B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California.

Early life and education

Timothy Busfield was born in Lansing, Michigan, and raised in the nearby city of East Lansing. He developed an interest in acting during his youth and pursued his education at the prestigious Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan. Following his time at Interlochen, he furthered his training at the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, where he honed his craft in a rigorous academic environment. His early stage work included performances with the Williamstown Theatre Festival and other regional theater companies, laying a strong foundation for his professional career.

Career

Busfield's breakthrough role came in 1987 when he was cast as the earnest advertising executive Elliot Weston on the ABC drama thirtysomething. His performance earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1991. Concurrently, he appeared in notable films such as Field of Dreams opposite Kevin Costner and Revenge of the Nerds. Following the conclusion of thirtysomething, Busfield starred as the editor Danny Concannon on the NBC political drama The West Wing for several seasons. He has also had recurring roles on series like Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Lipstick Jungle, and The Secret Life of the American Teenager. As a director, Busfield has helmed episodes for many series, including Without a Trace, Ed, and Las Vegas. In theater, he is a co-founder of the B Street Theatre, a highly regarded Sacramento institution, and has directed and performed in numerous productions there.

Personal life

Busfield has been married three times; his first marriage was to Jennifer Merwin, and his second was to Radha Delamarter, with whom he has three children. Since 2013, he has been married to actress and former Screen Actors Guild president Melissa Gilbert, whom he met while both were performing at the B Street Theatre. The couple resides in Howell, Michigan. An avid sports fan, Busfield has also been involved in various charitable endeavors, particularly those supporting the arts and theater education. He has served on the board of the B Street Theatre and remains active in the Sacramento arts community.

Filmography

A selected list of his work includes the film Field of Dreams (1989), Striking Distance (1993), and The Last Supper (1995). On television, he is best known for thirtysomething (1987–1991), The West Wing (1999–2006), and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006–2007). His directing credits encompass episodes of Without a Trace, Ed, Las Vegas, and Trauma. Busfield has also made guest appearances on series such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Desperate Housewives, and Murder, She Wrote.

Awards and nominations

For his role on thirtysomething, Busfield won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1991. He has also received nominations for other awards throughout his career, including recognition from the Viewers for Quality Television organization. His work with the B Street Theatre has contributed to the company receiving regional awards and critical acclaim for its contributions to American theater.

Category:American male television actors Category:American film actors Category:American television directors Category:Primetime Emmy Award winners Category:People from Lansing, Michigan Category:Living people Category:1957 births