Bruce Dern

Bruce MacLeish Dern, born on June 4, 1936, is a highly renowned American actor. Garnering several accolades throughout his career, his acknowledgments include the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor and the Silver Bear for Best Actor. His talent has led him to several award nominations such as the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for 'Coming Home' (1978) and the Academy Award for Best Actor for 'Nebraska' (2013). In addition to these, he is also a BAFTA Award, two-time Genie Award, and three-time Golden Globe Award nominee.

A member of the prestigious Actors Studio, Dern rose to prominence during the New Hollywood era through roles in films like 'The Trip' (1967), 'They Shoot Horses, Don't They?' (1969), 'The Incredible 2-Headed Transplant' (1971), and 'The Cowboys' (1972). He has also starred in other notable films such as 'The Laughing Policeman' (1973), 'The Great Gatsby' (1974), 'Posse' (1975), and 'Family Plot' (1976). On TV, he played 'Frank Harlow' in the HBO series 'Big Love' (2006–2011). Across his versatile career, Dern has established fruitful collaborations with various directors, including Walter Hill, Joe Dante, and Quentin Tarantino.

He was born in Chicago and grew up in Kenilworth, Illinois. He descends from a politically involved family with a grandfather, George Dern, who served as the Utah governor and the Secretary of War. His maternal granduncle was renowned poet Archibald MacLeish. Dern's education took him to New Trier High School and the University of Pennsylvania. A lifelong avid runner, he aspired to qualify for the Olympic Trials in 1956. Outside of acting, Dern's life has been equally colorful with marriages to Marie Dawn Pierce, Diane Ladd, and Andrea Beckett, with whom he remains married. His daughters with Ladd include actress Laura Dern.