Zach Grenier

Biography

Zach Grenier is a highly respected American character actor whose career spans over three decades in film, television, and theater. Known for his distinctive voice, intense gaze, and ability to embody complex and often morally ambiguous characters, Grenier has become a familiar and impactful presence in a wide array of productions.

Biography and Early Life

Born on February 12, 1954, in Englewood, New Jersey, Zach Grenier developed an early interest in the performing arts. His mother was an announcer on a Polish radio program, and his father worked as a sound engineer. He is a graduate of Ann Arbor Pioneer High School. While the exact details of his early training are not extensively documented, his consistent work on stage and screen points to a dedicated commitment to his craft.

Career Highlights

Grenier's career began in the late 1980s, and he has steadily built a reputation as a reliable and compelling actor. His versatility has allowed him to move seamlessly between different genres and media.

Film: Grenier has appeared in numerous notable films, often in memorable supporting roles. His collaborations with director David Fincher are particularly significant:

• Fight Club (1999): He played Richard Chesler, Edward Norton's boss, in this cult classic.
• Zodiac (2007): He reunited with Fincher for a role as Mel Nicolai in this crime thriller.

Other prominent film credits include:

• Talk Radio (1988): Reprising his role from the original stage version as finance guru Sid Greenberg.
• Working Girl (1988): As Jim.
• Tommy Boy (1995): Playing Mr. Reilly, one of the Callahan Auto Parts associates.
• Twister (1996): As Eddie, Dr. Jonas Miller's assistant.
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• Donnie Brasco (1997): Portraying a marriage therapist.
• Shaft (2000): As Harrison Loeb.
• Swordfish (2001): As Assistant Director Bill Joy.
• Pulse (2006): As Professor Cardiff.
• RoboCop (2014): As Senator Hubert Dreyfus.
• She Said (2022): As Irwin Reiter.
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Television: Grenier has had a prolific career in television, with both regular and recurring roles that have showcased his range:

• C-16: FBI (1997-1998): He was a regular cast member on this crime drama.
• 24 (2001-2002): Appearing in the first season as Carl Webb.
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• Deadwood (2004-2006): Played Andy Cramed, the gambler who brought the plague to town.
• The Good Wife (2010-2016): This role as David Lee, a senior attorney, became one of his most recognized. He started as a recurring character and was promoted to series regular in the fifth season, earning widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the sharp-witted and often cynical lawyer.
• The Good Fight (2017-2022): He reprised his role as David Lee in the spin-off series.
• Ray Donovan (2018-2020): As Ed Feratti.
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• Devs (2020): As Kenton in this limited series.
• He has also made numerous guest appearances on popular procedural dramas such as Law & Order (appearing in multiple episodes as different characters over the years), CSI: Miami, Blue Bloods, and FBI: International.
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Stage: Grenier has a distinguished stage career, earning critical recognition for his powerful theatrical performances:

• Talk Radio (1988): He played Sid Greenberg in the original stage version of this play.
• 33 Variations (2009): He starred opposite Jane Fonda as Ludwig van Beethoven, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play.
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• A Question of Mercy (1997): He received a Drama League Award for outstanding performance.
• Art (1998): He received a Jeff Award nomination.
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• Stuff Happens (2006): He received a Drama Desk Award (with others) for outstanding ensemble performance for his role as Dick Cheney in this play.
• Storefront Church: He received a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor.