Jeffrey Tambor

Biography

Jeffrey Tambor is an American actor known for his distinctive voice and ability to embody both comically eccentric and deeply nuanced characters across film, television, and Broadway. Born on July 8, 1944, in San Francisco, California, Tambor's career has spanned over four decades, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated following.

Early Life and Education:

Tambor's passion for acting began early, at the age of 12. He pursued formal training in theater, earning degrees from San Francisco State University (1965) and Wayne State University in Detroit (1969). This extensive academic background in the dramatic arts provided him with a strong foundation for his future endeavors.

Career Beginnings and Rise to Prominence:

Tambor started his career in the 1970s with small television roles and made his Broadway debut in the comedy Sly Fox in 1976. His film debut came with a prominent supporting role alongside Al Pacino in ...And Justice for All (1979). Throughout the 1980s, he worked steadily, appearing in various TV series such as Hill Street Blues, Max Headroom, and L.A. Law.

Breakthrough Roles and Acclaim:

Jeffrey Tambor's career took a significant turn with his role as Hank Kingsley, the narcissistic sidekick in Garry Shandling's critically acclaimed HBO series The Larry Sanders Show (1992–1998). His standout comedic performance earned him four Emmy Award nominations.

He further cemented his status as a beloved character actor with his dual role as George Bluth Sr. and his twin brother Oscar Bluth in the cult-hit television series Arrested Development (2003–2006, 2013, 2018–2019). His portrayal of the dysfunctional Bluth family patriarch earned him additional Emmy nominations.

In 2014, Tambor took on a leading role in the Amazon series Transparent, where he played Maura Pfefferman, a transgender woman. His performance in this dramedy garnered significant critical praise, earning him a Golden Globe Award in 2015 and two Emmy Awards in 2015 and 2016 for Outstanding Lead Actor.

Diverse Film and Television Work:

Beyond his iconic television roles, Tambor has appeared in a wide array of films, demonstrating his versatility. His film credits include:

• Doctor Dolittle (1998)
• There's Something About Mary (1998)
• Meet Joe Black (1998)
• Girl, Interrupted (1999)
• Pollock (2000)
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
• Hellboy (2004) and Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)
• The Hangover (2009) and The Hangover Part II (2011)
• The Accountant (2016)
• The Death of Stalin (2017)
• Magic Camp (2020)
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On television, he has made guest appearances on numerous popular shows such as Taxi, Kojak, MASH*, The Golden Girls, and Three's Company. He also had recurring roles in The Mind of the Married Man, Hell on Wheels, Homeland, and NCIS: Hawaiʻi.

Awards and Recognition:

Jeffrey Tambor has been recognized for his performances with multiple awards and nominations, including:

• Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy (2015) for Transparent.
• Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series (2015, 2016) for Transparent.

Later Career and Teaching:

In addition to his acting, Tambor has also taught acting classes. While he has been less active in recent years, his extensive body of work continues to be recognized.