Charles Grodin
Biography
Charles Grodin was an American actor, comedian, and television talk show host. He began his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in TV serials including The Virginian. Grodin played supporting roles in notable films such as Mike Nichols's Catch-22, the 1976 remake of King Kong, and Warren Beatty's Heaven Can Wait. He was known for his deadpan delivery and often cast as a put-upon straight man in many Hollywood comedies of the era. Grodin's acting credits include films like The Heartbreak Kid, Real Life, and The Great Muppet Caper. He was a prolific actor with a long career in film and television.
Career overview
Charles Grodin began his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in TV serials including The Virginian. He then appeared in a small part in Rosemary's Baby in 1968. Grodin's early career included notable roles in films such as The Heartbreak Kid, where he played the lead, and supporting roles in Catch-22, the 1976 remake of King Kong, and Heaven Can Wait.
Grodin became known for his deadpan delivery and was often cast as a put-upon straight man in many Hollywood comedies of the era. He appeared in films such as Real Life, Seems Like Old Times, and The Great Muppet Caper. These roles solidified his position as a supporting actor in numerous comedies.
Throughout his career, Grodin accumulated a significant number of credits, with a total of 86 known credits. He continued to work in the entertainment industry until his death in 2021.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
91 titles- Charles Grodin: Rebel With a Cause (2025)
- An Imperfect Murder (2017) as Arthur
- Waiting for Ishtar (2017) as Self
- Madoff (2016) as Carl Shapiro
- The Comedian (2016) as Dick D'Angelo
- While We're Young (2015) as Leslie Breitbart
- The Humbling (2014) as Jerry
- The Michael J. Fox Show (2013) as Steve Henry
- Brazzaville Teen-Ager (2013) as Father
- Final Cut: Ladies and Gentlemen (2012) as (archive footage)
- Char·ac·ter (2012) as Self
- The Harmony Game (2011) as Self
- Paul Simon and Friends | The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song (2007) as Self
- The Ex (2006) as Bob Kowalski
- The Ultimate Collection starring Johnny Carson - The Best of the 70s and 80s (2002) as Self (archive footage)
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) as Brett Forrester
- The Daily Show (1996) as Self
- The World of Jim Henson (1994) as Nicky Holiday (archive footage)
- Clifford (1994) as Martin Daniels
- It Runs in the Family (1994) as Mr. Parker (The Old Man)
- Sesame Street | All-Star 25th Birthday: Stars and Street Forever! (1994) as Chaz
- Late Show with David Letterman (1993) as Self - Guest
- Heart and Souls (1993) as Harrison Winslow
- Beethoven's 2nd (1993) as George Newton
- So I Married an Axe Murderer (1993) as Commandeered Car Driver
- Dave (1993) as Murray Blum
- Beethoven (1992) as George Newton
- Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories (1992) as Narrator (voice)
- Taking Care of Business (1990) as Spencer Barnes
- The Muppets at Walt Disney World (1990) as Quentin Fitzwaller
- Cranium Command (1989) as Left Brain (voice)
- LIVE with Kelly and Mark (1988)
- Midnight Run (1988) as Jonathan Mardukas aka “The Duke”
- The Couch Trip (1988) as George Matlin
- You Can't Hurry Love (1988) as Mr. Glerman
- Ishtar (1987) as Jim Harrison
- Last Resort (1986) as George Lollar
- Fresno (1986) as Cane Kensington
- King Kong! The Living Legend (1986) as Self
- Movers & Shakers (1985) as Herb Derman
- Movers & Shakers (1985) Writer
- Movers & Shakers (1985) Producer
- The Woman in Red (1984) as Buddy
- The Lonely Guy (1984) as Warren
- Charley's Aunt (1983) as Lord Fancourt Babberly
- Late Night with David Letterman (1982) as Self - Guest
- American Playhouse (1982) as Lord Fancourt Babberly
- Night of 100 Stars (1982) as Self
- The Great Muppet Caper (1981) as Nicky Holiday
- The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981) as Vance Kramer
- Seems Like Old Times (1980) as Ira Parks
- It's My Turn (1980) as Homer
- Sunburn (1979) as Jake
- Real Life (1979) as Warren Yeager
- Heaven Can Wait (1978) as Tony Abbott
- The Meanest Men in the West (1978) as Arnie Doud, Harge Gang
- The Grass Is Always Greener Over the Septic Tank (1978) as Jim Benson
- Just Me and You (1978) as Michael Lindsay
- Thieves (1977) as Martin Cramer
- It Happened One Christmas (1977) as Joseph
- The Paul Simon Special (1977) as Self
- The Paul Simon Special (1977) Writer
- Laverne & Shirley (1976)
- King Kong (1976) as Fred S. Wilson
- Saturday Night Live (1975) as Self - Host
- 11 Harrowhouse (1974) as Howard R. Chesser
- 11 Harrowhouse (1974) Adaptation
- Paradise (1974) Director
- Acts of Love and Other Comedies (1973) Director
- The Heartbreak Kid (1972) as Lenny Cantrow
- Great Performances (1971) as Jake
- The Great American Dream Machine (1971) as Himself
- Catch-22 (1970) as Captain Aarfy Aardvark
- Simon and Garfunkel: Songs of America (1969) as Self
- Simon and Garfunkel: Songs of America (1969) Producer
- Simon and Garfunkel: Songs of America (1969) Director
- Rosemary's Baby (1968) as Dr. Hill
- Judd, for the Defense (1967)
- The Guns of Will Sonnett (1967) as Bells Pickering
- Captain Nice (1967) as News Vendor
- Felony Squad (1966)
- Shane (1966) as Jed
- The F.B.I. (1965) as Carl Platt
- The Big Valley (1965) as Mark Dunigan
- My Mother the Car (1965)
- The Young Marrieds (1964) as Matt Crane Stevens
- Sex and the College Girl (1964) as Bob
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- The Virginian (1962) as Arnie Doud
- The Defenders (1961) as Thomas Martin
- 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) as Drummer Boy (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Charles Grodin best known for?
Charles Grodin is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including The Big Town (1987), While We're Young (2015), David (1997), The Daily Show (1996).
When and where was Charles Grodin born?
Charles Grodin was born on April 21, 1935 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. They passed away on May 18, 2021.
How many credits does Charles Grodin have?
Charles Grodin has accumulated over 91 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1954 to 2025.
What is Charles Grodin's background in cinema and television?
Charles Grodin was an American actor, comedian, and television talk show host. He began his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in TV serials including The Virginian. Grodin played supporting roles in notable films such as Mike Nichols's Catch-22, the 1976 remake of King Kong, and Warren Beatty's Heaven Can Wait. He ...