Saul Rubinek

Biography

Saul Rubinek is a Canadian actor, director, producer, and playwright whose career spans film, television, and theater. Known for his sharp intelligence, expressive delivery, and ability to portray eccentric, authoritative, or morally complex characters, Rubinek has built a distinguished presence across decades of screen work.

Early Life and Background

Saul Rubinek was born on July 2, 1948, in Föhrenwald, a displaced persons camp in Germany, to Polish Jewish parents who survived the Holocaust. His family later emigrated to Canada, where he was raised in Toronto.

Rubinek developed a passion for performance early in life. He became involved in theater during his youth and eventually co-founded the Toronto Free Theatre (later known as Canadian Stage), establishing himself as a significant figure in Canada’s theater community before transitioning more prominently into film and television.

Film Career

Rubinek has appeared in numerous major films, often in memorable supporting roles. His film credits include:

Unforgiven – where he played the biographer W.W. Beauchamp in Clint Eastwood’s Academy Award-winning Western.

True Romance – portraying film producer Lee Donowitz in Quentin Tarantino’s crime romance.

The Firm – a legal thriller based on John Grisham’s novel.

Wall Street – Oliver Stone’s drama about corporate greed.

Rubinek frequently portrays intellectuals, bureaucrats, media figures, or fast-talking professionals, often bringing wit and layered nuance to his performances.

Television Success

On television, Rubinek has enjoyed recurring and guest-starring roles in numerous acclaimed series. One of his most recognized roles is Artie Nielsen in Warehouse 13, where he played the sardonic and knowledgeable caretaker of a secret government storage facility housing supernatural artifacts. The role allowed him to blend humor, warmth, and gravitas.

He has also appeared in:

Frasier

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Leverage

His television work demonstrates his adaptability across genres, including comedy, science fiction, legal drama, and procedural series.

Work as Writer and Director

Beyond acting, Rubinek is an accomplished playwright and filmmaker. He wrote and directed the film Jerry and Tom (1998), a dark comedy starring Joe Mantegna and Sam Rockwell. His background in theater has strongly influenced his writing style, often characterized by sharp dialogue and character-driven storytelling.