Craig T. Nelson

Biography

Craig T. Nelson is a renowned American actor, voice actor, and former comedian best known for his roles in television and film. With a career spanning over five decades, he has captivated audiences with his versatility, portraying characters ranging from comedic to dramatic roles. Nelson gained widespread fame for his role as Hayden Fox in the sitcom Coach and as the voice of Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible) in Pixar's The Incredibles franchise. His dedication to his craft has made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Early Life and Background

Craig Theodore Nelson was born on April 4, 1944, in Spokane, Washington, USA. His parents were Vera Margaret (a dancer) and Armand Gilbert Nelson (a businessman). Growing up, Nelson developed a passion for performance and sports. He attended Central Washington University before transferring to the University of Arizona, where he studied criminology. However, his love for acting led him to drop out and pursue a career in entertainment.

Early Career and Struggles

Before achieving fame, Nelson faced several challenges. In the early 1970s, he moved to Los Angeles, where he struggled to find steady work. He briefly worked as a comedian and writer, collaborating with other future stars like Barry Levinson. Nelson also performed stand-up comedy and became part of the comedy group The Groundlings.

Despite his talent, it took several years before he landed significant acting roles. During this period, Nelson took on odd jobs, including working as a janitor and a security guard, to support himself. His persistence eventually paid off when he started getting roles in television and films.

Breakthrough in Television and Film

Early Roles

Nelson's first notable roles came in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He appeared in films such as ...And Justice for All (1979) and Silkwood (1983). However, his breakthrough came when he starred in the horror classic Poltergeist (1982) as Steven Freeling, a father whose family is terrorized by supernatural forces.

Coach (1989–1997)

Nelson’s most iconic television role came in 1989 when he was cast as Hayden Fox, the head coach of a college football team, in the hit sitcom Coach. His portrayal of the gruff yet lovable coach earned him widespread recognition and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 1992. The show ran for nine seasons until 1997 and remains one of his most celebrated works.

The Incredibles (2004) and Other Voice Work

In 2004, Nelson reached a new level of popularity when he voiced Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible in Pixar’s animated blockbuster The Incredibles. His performance as the superhero father resonated with audiences of all ages. He reprised the role in the sequel, Incredibles 2 (2018), which became one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time.

Later Career and Recent Work

After Coach, Nelson continued to have a successful career in television and film. He starred in the legal drama The District (2000–2004), portraying Washington D.C. Police Chief Jack Mannion. He also played family patriarch Zeek Braverman in the critically acclaimed NBC drama Parenthood (2010–2015).

In recent years, Nelson has remained active in Hollywood, appearing in shows such as Young Sheldon and films like Book Club (2018). His ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles has cemented his legacy as a talented and reliable actor.

Personal Life

Craig T. Nelson has been married to Doria Cook-Nelson since 1987. Doria is a former actress and martial artist. He was previously married to Robin McCarthy, with whom he shares three children.

Outside of acting, Nelson is passionate about racing and owns a collection of classic cars. He has also been vocal about his political views and has supported various charitable causes over the years.