Charles Grodin

Charles Sidney Grodin was an American actor, comedian, author, and television talk‑show host whose career spanned more than six decades, earning him a reputation for deadpan delivery and an ability to play the put‑upon straight man in a wide variety of comedies. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 21, 1935 to Orthodox Jewish parents, he excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian of Peabody High School before attending the University of Miami and later studying under Uta Hagen at HB Studio in New York City. After an uncredited bit part in Disney’s 1954 film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, he made his Broadway debut in Tchin‑Tchin opposite Anthony Quinn and began appearing on television, including the NBC anthology series Decision in 1958. His breakthrough came with the lead role in Elaine May’s The Heartbreak Kid (1972), which earned him a Golden Globe nomination, and he solidified his comedic stature with memorable supporting roles in Catch‑22 (1970), King Kong (1976), Heaven Can Wait (1978), Midnight Run (1988), and the family hit Beethoven (1992) and its sequel. In addition to film, Grodin was a frequent guest on The Tonight Show and Late Night with David Letterman, known for his confrontational and often staged angry segments that blurred the line between persona and performance. He also earned an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for the Paul Simon Special (1978) and later hosted The Charles Grodin Show on CNBC and MSNBC, while contributing political commentary to 60 Minutes II. An accomplished writer, Grodin authored eight books and three plays, and continued acting into the 2010s with roles in While We’re Young (2015) and the FX series Louie. He passed away from multiple myeloma on May 18, 2021 at his home in Wilton, Connecticut, leaving behind a legacy of wit, subtlety, and a distinctive screen presence.