Craig T. Nelson

Craig Theodore Nelson, known as Craig T. Nelson, was born on April 4, 1944, in Spokane, Washington. An American actor and stand-up comedian, Nelson boasts a versatile career with roles across both film and television. He had his breakthrough as Hayden Fox in the ABC sitcom Coach, which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. His filmography includes memorable roles such as Deputy Warden Ward Wilson in Stir Crazy, Steve Freeling in Poltergeist, and Chief Howard Hyde in Turner & Hooch. More recently, he starred as Zeek Braverman in the NBC drama series Parenthood and as Dale Ballard on the CBS sitcom Young Sheldon. In animation, he is renowned for lending his voice to the character Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible in the Incredibles series.

After attending Lewis and Clark High School, Nelson furthered his education at Central Washington University before he was inspired to study acting at the University of Arizona. Nelson's career in show business started as a stand-up comedian, soon forming part of The Groundlings improv and sketch comedy troupe. Throughout his career, Nelson displayed a remarkable range, capable of playing a touch football coach, a horror film dad, a police department chief, and a superhero, among others. His career has endured for over five decades, marking him as a staple figure of the American entertainment industry. Off-screen, Nelson is an avid motorsports fan and racer, even founding his own Screaming Eagles Racing team.