Charles Grodin

Biography

Charles Grodin (1935-2021) was an American actor, comedian, author, and television personality, perhaps best known for his unparalleled mastery of deadpan comedy and his ability to perfectly embody the put-upon, often exasperated, "straight man" in a wide range of films. His subtle humor and understated delivery made him a unique and beloved presence in Hollywood.

Born Charles Sidney Grodin on April 21, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to an Orthodox Jewish family, Grodin's early life saw him develop a keen wit. He initially pursued acting, studying with renowned coaches Uta Hagen and Lee Strasberg in New York. He made his Broadway debut in "Tchin-Tchin" in 1962 and gained early television experience in anthology series and soap operas. He even briefly considered the lead role in "The Graduate" but turned it down due to salary, a role that eventually went to Dustin Hoffman.

Grodin's breakthrough in film came with a small but pivotal role as the obstetrician Dr. Hill in Roman Polanski's classic horror film "Rosemary's Baby" (1968). However, it was his lead performance in Elaine May's black comedy "The Heartbreak Kid" (1972) that truly established him as a comedic force, earning him a Golden Globe nomination. In this film, he perfectly captured the caddish yet strangely relatable Lenny Cantrow, who abandons his new bride on their honeymoon for another woman.

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Grodin became a familiar face in Hollywood comedies, often stealing scenes with his quiet intensity and perfectly timed reactions. His notable film roles include:

• "Catch-22" (1970): As the despicable Captain Aarfy Aardvark.
• "King Kong" (1976): As the greedy executive Fred Wilson.
• "Heaven Can Wait" (1978): As the devious lawyer Tony Abbott, opposite Warren Beatty.
• "The Great Muppet Caper" (1981): Playing a jewel thief who falls for Miss Piggy with remarkable sincerity.

• "Midnight Run" (1988): Arguably his most famous role, co-starring with Robert De Niro. As the quirky, high-maintenance bail-jumping accountant Jonathan "The Duke" Mardukas, he formed an unforgettable comedic duo with De Niro's gruff bounty hunter. The film is considered one of the greatest buddy comedies.

• "Beethoven" (1992) and "Beethoven's 2nd" (1993): As the perpetually annoyed but ultimately loving father George Newton, opposite a giant St. Bernard.

Beyond his acting, Grodin was also a talented writer and director. He co-wrote and directed the Broadway play "Hooray! It's a Glorious Day...and All That" (1966), and directed the television special "Songs of America" (1969) with Simon & Garfunkel. He won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for "The Paul Simon Special" (1978).

In the mid-1990s, Grodin largely stepped away from acting to focus on writing and activism. He hosted "The Charles Grodin Show" on CNBC, where he often used his platform to advocate for social justice issues, particularly prison reform. He also served as a political commentator for "60 Minutes II." He returned to acting in the 2010s with roles in "Louie" and "While We're Young" (2014), among others, including "The Humbling" (2014) with Al Pacino.

Charles Grodin passed away on May 18, 2021, at the age of 86. He leaves behind a legacy as a unique comedic voice and a committed artist who brought a dry, understated brilliance to every role he inhabited, making him a true original in American cinema.