Bob Balaban
Bob Balaban is an American actor, director, and producer known for his versatile performances in film and television. He gained recognition for roles in movies like 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and 'Best in Show.' Renowned for his distinctive voice and comedic style, Balaban... Read More
Known for
Isle of Dogs (2018)
In the future, an outbreak of canine flu leads the mayor of a Japanese city to banish all dogs to an island that's a...
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
After an encounter with UFOs, a line worker feels undeniably drawn to an isolated area in the wilderness where something spectacular is about to...
Personal details
Credits
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 |
Fantasy LifeAn anxious New York law school dropout stumbles into a job babysitting his psychiatrist's three granddaughters and falls for the... |
Lenny | |
| 2024 |
Bad ActorsA spirited group of activists inadvertently glue themselves together while preparing for a protest. |
Unknown character | |
| 2023 |
Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight CowboyThis is not a documentary about the making of Midnight Cowboy. It is about a humane and groundbreaking masterpiece and... |
Self | |
| 2023 |
Asteroid CityIn an American desert town circa 1955, the itinerary of a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention is spectacularly disrupted by world-changing... |
Larkings Executive | |
| 2023 |
80 for BradyFour lifelong friends set out on an unforgettable journey to see their hero Tom Brady play in Super Bowl LI... |
Mark | |
| 2022 |
How Dare You Want More: The Short FilmA short film sequel to the six-episode web miniseries, "Thank You and Sorry." |
Unknown character | |
| 2022 |
SeveranceMark leads a team of office workers whose memories have been surgically divided between their work and personal lives. When... |
Mark Wilkins | |
| 2021 |
The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening SunThe staff of an American magazine based in France puts out its last issue, with stories featuring an artist sentenced... |
Uncle Nick | |
| 2021 |
The ChairAt a major university, the first woman of color to become chair tries to meet the dizzying demands and high... |
Elliot Rentz | |
| 2021 |
How MovingWith some apprehension, Jared (Richard Ellis) flew across the country to move in with his boyfriend, Owen (writer-director Owen Thiele).... |
Uncle Aaron | |
| 2020 |
Space ForceA four-star general begrudgingly teams up with an eccentric scientist to get the U.S. military's newest agency — Space Force... |
Ron (voice) | |
| 2019 |
The PoliticianPayton has known since childhood that he's going to be president. First he'll have to navigate the most treacherous political... |
Keaton Hobart | |
| 2019 |
Carl LaemmleA documentary about the life of Carl Laemmle, early cinema pioneer and founder of Universal Studios, documenting his life in... |
Himself | |
| 2018 |
An L.A. MinuteBest-selling author Ted Gold faces a moral dilemma when Velocity, an avant-garde performance artist and the living embodiment of integrity,... |
Shelley | |
| 2018 |
Summer Camp IslandOscar and Hedgehog are dropped off at a strange summer camp, full of fantastical things ranging from magical camp counselors... |
Gerald (voice) | |
| 2018 |
CondorYoung CIA analyst Joe Turner has his idealism tested when he learns that the CIA has been using an algorithm... |
Reuel Abbott | |
| 2018 |
James Cameron's Story of Science FictionExplore the evolution of sci-fi from its origins as a small genre with a cult following to the blockbuster pop-cultural... |
Self | |
| 2018 |
Isle of DogsIn the future, an outbreak of canine flu leads the mayor of a Japanese city to banish all dogs to... |
King (voice) | |
| 2017 |
WormwoodIn this genre-bending tale, Errol Morris explores the mysterious death of a U.S. scientist entangled in a secret Cold War... |
Dr. Harold A. Abramson | |
| 2017 |
SpielbergA documentary on the life and career of one of the most influential film directors of all time, Steven Spielberg. |
Self | |
| 2016 |
Mike Nichols: An American MasterWith charm and wit, Nichols discusses his life and 50-year career as a performer and director. |
Self | |
| 2016 |
GravesFormer two-term President Richard Graves embarks on a Don Quixote-like quest to right the wrongs of his administration and reclaim... |
Secretary Burns | |
| 2016 |
MascotsEager contestants don big heads and furry suits to vie for the title of World's Best Mascot. |
Sol Lumpkin | |
| 2016 |
I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the HouseA young nurse takes care of an elderly author who lives in a haunted house. |
Mr. Waxcap | |
| 2016 |
Eva HesseGerman American artist Eva Hesse (1936 – 1970) created her innovative art in latex and fiberglass in the whirling aesthetic... |
Wilhelm Hesse (voice) | |
| 2016 |
Starring Austin PendletonA quirky and inspirational documentary film on the philosophical approach to the life and work of character actor, Austin Pendleton. |
Self | |
| 2015 |
Everything Is CopyA candid portrait of writer/director Nora Ephron, directed by her son, journalist Jacob Bernstein. |
Self | |
| 2015 |
Exploring the Set of 'Moonrise Kingdom'Martin Scali, who was Wes Anderson's assistant on "Fantastic Mr. Fox", shot this short documentary in Newport, Rhode Island, during... |
Self / The Narrator | |
| 2015 |
Hitchcock/TruffautFilmmakers discuss the legacy of Alfred Hitchcock and the book “Hitchcock/Truffaut” (“Le cinéma selon Hitchcock”), written by François Truffaut and... |
Narrator (voice) | |
| 2015 |
Show Me a HeroMayor Nick Wasicsko took office in 1987 during Yonkers' worst crisis when federal courts ordered public housing to be built... |
Leonard B. Sand | |
| 2014 |
Last Week Tonight with John OliverA half-hour satirical look at the week in news, politics and current events. |
Self | |
| 2014 |
The Grand Budapest HotelThe Grand Budapest Hotel tells of a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars and his friendship... |
M. Martin | |
| 2014 |
The Monuments MenBased on the true story of the greatest treasure hunt in history, The Monuments Men is an action drama focusing... |
Pvt. Preston Savitz | |
| 2014 |
Broad CityBroad City follows two women throughout their daily lives in New York City, making the smallest and mundane events hysterical... |
Arthur Wexler | |
| 2013 |
Muhammad Ali's Greatest FightMuhammad Ali’s historic Supreme Court battle from behind closed doors. When Ali was drafted into the Vietnam War at the... |
Lawyer (uncredited) | |
| 2013 |
Fading GigoloFioravante decides to become a professional Don Juan as a way of making money to help his cash-strapped friend, Murray.... |
Sol | |
| 2013 |
Family TreeHaving recently lost his job and his girlfriend, 30-year-old Tom Chadwick has a rather unsure sense of his own identity.... |
Melvin Schmelff / Tumbleweed Tim | |
| 2013 |
Alpha HouseFour Republican senators share the same D.C. house rental, and face re-election battles, looming indictments, and parties -- all with... |
Senator Elliot Robeson | |
| 2012 |
Girl Most LikelyA failed New York playwright stages a suicide in an attempt to win back her ex, only to wind up... |
Maxwell | |
| 2012 |
Do You Like to Read?The librarian of the town of New Penzance introduces six animated segments illustrating Suzy's favorite books. |
The Narrator | |
| 2012 |
Moonrise KingdomSet on an island off the coast of New England in the summer of 1965, Moonrise Kingdom tells the story... |
The Narrator | |
| 2012 |
GirlsThe assorted humiliations, disasters and rare triumphs of four very different twenty-something girls: Hannah, an aspiring writer; Marnie, an art... |
Therapist | |
| 2012 |
Thin IceA dishonest insurance salesman's life quickly disintegrates during a Wisconsin winter when he teams up with a psychopath to steal... |
Leonard Dahl | |
| 2011 |
China, ILThe absurdist legacy of the worst college in America is set to unfold, as the Professor Brothers, Steve and Frank... |
(voice) | |
| 2011 |
Web TherapyFiona Wallice is a therapist with little patience for her patients. Tired of hearing about people's problems for fifty long... |
Ted Mitchell | |
| 2011 |
The Five Stages of GriefDaniel's father died yesterday. He seems to be totally fine. Luckily his friends can teach him to be miserable. |
Voice of Daniel's father | |
| 2010 |
Moguls & Movie Stars: A History of HollywoodEach installment focuses on a different era of American movie history, from the invention of the first moving pictures to... |
Self | |
| 2010 |
HowlIt's San Francisco in 1957, and an American masterpiece is put on trial. Howl, the film, recounts this dark moment... |
Judge Clayton Horn | |
| 2010 |
F--kSome people will do anything to find the location. |
Bob | |
| 2009 |
RageA schoolboy uses his cellphone camera to shoot intimate interviews with people working at a New York fashion house and... |
Mr. White | |
| 2009 |
The Good WifeAlicia Florrick boldly assumes full responsibility for her family and re-enters the workforce after her husband's very public sex and... |
Gordon Higgs | |
| 2009 |
The Windmill MovieFilmmaker Richard P. Rogers tried for twenty years to make a documentary about his own life. He died in 2001,... |
Self | |
| 2008 |
Web TherapyFiona Wallice is a therapist with limited patience for others' problems. |
Ted Mitchell | |
| 2008 |
RecountIn 2000, the election of the U.S. Presidential boiled down to a few precious votes in the state of Florida... |
Ben Ginsberg | |
| 2007 |
DedicationA modern love story in which a misanthropic, emotionally complex author of a hit children's book is forced to team... |
Arthur Planck | |
| 2007 |
License to WedNewly engaged, Ben and Sadie can't wait to start their life together and live happily ever after. However Sadie's family... |
Jewelry Store Clerk (uncredited) | |
| 2007 |
No ReservationsMaster chef Kate Armstrong runs her life and her kitchen with intimidating intensity. However, a recipe for disaster may be... |
Therapist | |
| 2007 |
Prince of the City: The Real StoryThe true story behind the Prince of the City. |
Self / Santimassino | |
| 2006 |
For Your ConsiderationThe possibility of Oscar gold holds the cast and crew of an independent film in its grip after the performance... |
Philip Koontz | |
| 2006 |
Lady in the WaterApartment building superintendent Cleveland Heep rescues what he thinks is a young woman from the pool he maintains. When he... |
Harry Farber | |
| 2006 |
Controversy and Acclaim: The Timelessness of a Groundbreaking FilmDocumentary featuring the contentious news surrounding the movie "Midnight Cowboy" (1969), including its Oscar win for feature film. |
Self | |
| 2005 |
CapoteA biopic of writer Truman Capote and his assignment for The New Yorker to write the non-fiction book "In Cold... |
William Shawn | |
| 2005 |
Trust the ManOverachieving actress Rebecca must come to grips with her failing marriage to stay-at-home dad Tom. While Rebecca's slacker brother Tobey... |
Tobey's Therapist | |
| 2005 |
Hopeless PicturesHopeless Pictures is an American animated comedy series starring the voice of Friends actress Lisa Kudrow, Seinfeld guest actor Bob... |
Unknown character | |
| 2005 |
American Dad!The series focuses on an eccentric motley crew that is the Smith family and their three housemates: Father, husband, and... |
Glen Hanover (voice) | |
| 2004 |
Kramer vs. Kramer: Kenny to CosmoA look at how comedian Kenny Kramer inspired the character Cosmo Kramer from Seinfeld. |
Self | |
| 2004 |
Tom Goes to the MayorTom Goes to the Mayor is an American animated television series created by Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim for Cartoon... |
Walt Pickle (voice) | |
| 2004 |
EntourageFilm star Vince Chase navigates the vapid terrain of Los Angeles with a close circle of friends and his trusty... |
Doctor | |
| 2004 |
Scene StealersBilly Bottomsly, a struggling artist, is plagiarised by a Hollywood mogul. He involves his "typecast" friends in a star-jacking retribution... |
Jonathan Crouch Esq. | |
| 2004 |
Marie and BruceA day in the life of a couple trapped in a sadomasochistic relationship. When Marie decides to break up with... |
Roger | |
| 2003 |
A Mighty WindThree eclectic, never-quite-famous folk bands come together for the first time in decades following the death of their manager to... |
Jonathan Steinbloom | |
| 2002 |
The TuxedoCabbie-turned-chauffeur Jimmy Tong learns there is really only one rule when you work for playboy millionaire Clark Devlin : Never... |
Winton Chalmers (uncredited) | |
| 2002 |
The Making of Gosford ParkA behind-the-scenes look at the making of Robert Altman's 2001 film 'Gosford Park'. Cast and crew relate some of their... |
Self | |
| 2002 |
Plan BA bookkeeper who thinks she killed three mobsters is subsequently promoted by her boss to be a hitman. |
James Foster | |
| 2001 |
Gosford ParkIn 1930s England, a group of pretentious rich and famous gather together for a weekend of relaxation at a hunting... |
Morris Weissman | |
| 2001 |
The MajesticSet in 1951, a blacklisted Hollywood writer gets into a car accident, loses his memory and settles down in a... |
Elvin Glyde | |
| 2001 |
Ghost WorldTwo quirky, cynical teenaged girls try to figure out what to do with their lives after high school graduation. After... |
Enid's Dad | |
| 2001 |
The Making of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'A documentary film on the making of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' |
Self | |
| 2001 |
The MexicanJerry Welbach, a reluctant bagman, has been given two ultimatums: The first is from his mob boss to travel to... |
Bernie Nayman | |
| 2000 |
Best in ShowThe tension is palpable, the excitement is mounting and the heady scent of competition is in the air as hundreds... |
Dr. Theodore W. Millbank, III | |
| 2000 |
Tex, the Passive/Aggressive GunslingerThe legend of Tex, who never lost a gunfight. |
Tex | |
| 1999 |
Cradle Will RockA true story of politics and art in the 1930s USA, centered around a leftist musical drama and attempts to... |
Harry Hopkins | |
| 1999 |
Three to TangoOscar and Peter land a career-making opportunity when a Chicago tycoon chooses them to compete for the design of a... |
Decker | |
| 1999 |
Now and AgainWhen insurance salesman and family man Michael Wiseman is killed in a subway accident, the U.S. government preserves his brain... |
Unknown character | |
| 1999 |
The West WingThe West Wing provides a glimpse into presidential politics in the nation's capital as it tells the stories of the... |
Ted Marcus | |
| 1999 |
Jakob the LiarIn 1944 Poland, a Jewish shop keeper named Jakob is summoned to ghetto headquarters after being caught out after curfew.... |
Kowalsky | |
| 1999 |
Swing VoteA newly-appointed Supreme Court Justice must settle a controversial moral and legal dilemma with his tie-breaking decision which may also... |
Justice Eli MacCorckle | |
| 1999 |
The Monster HunterResidents of an East Texas town react strangely when a serial killer invades their small town world. |
Dr. William Powell | |
| 1998 |
Giving Up the GhostAfter a woman's husband dies while jogging in the park, the young widow's deep grief helps to awaken his ghost.... |
Bob | |
| 1997 |
Deconstructing HarryWriter Harry Block draws inspiration from people he knows, and from events that happened to him, sometimes causing these people... |
Richard | |
| 1997 |
The Definite MaybeWhen 25-year-old New Yorker Eric Traber gets fired from his job and kicked out of his apartment, he fears the... |
Wolfe Rollins | |
| 1997 |
ClockwatchersFour female temps working for a credit company find their friendship threatened by the arrival of a new hire, who... |
Milton Lasky | |
| 1997 |
Conversation with the BeastAn American historian (Mr Webster) comes to Berlin to visit an old man who claims to be the real Adolf... |
Mr. Webster | |
| 1997 |
Waiting for GuffmanAspiring director Corky St. Clair and the marginally talented amateur cast of his hokey small-town musical production go overboard when... |
Lloyd Miller | |
| 1996 |
The Late ShiftDavid Letterman vies with Jay Leno and his manager to succeed Johnny Carson, retiring from "The Tonight Show." |
Warren Littlefield | |
| 1996 |
Pie in the SkyA young man obsessed with traffic patterns attempts to reunite with his first love. |
Paul Entamen | |
| 1995 |
Dr. Katz, Professional TherapistFrom living with his deadbeat son, Ben, to his day-to-day dealings with his stunningly sarcastic secretary, Laura, join therapist Jonathan... |
Bob (voice) | |
| 1995 |
LegendThe irresistible and charming Ernest Pratt is a dime-store novelist who is living out the adventures of his fictional character... |
Unknown character | |
| 1995 |
George Romero's Golden Tales 2Compilation of five horror stories from Tales from the Darkside (1983) that takes the viewer into the dark world of... |
Unknown character | |
| 1994 |
FriendsSix young people from New York City, on their own and struggling to survive in the real world, find the... |
Frank Sr. | |
| 1994 |
City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's GoldMitch Robbins' 40th birthday begins quite well until he returns home and finds his brother Glen, the black sheep of... |
Dr. Jeffrey Sanborn (uncredited) | |
| 1994 |
GreedyMeet the McTeagues. They've come to stake a claim in their wealthy uncle's will… only he's not dead yet! |
Ed | |
| 1993 |
For Love or MoneyNew York concierge Doug Ireland wants to go into business for himself and refurbish a hotel on Roosevelt Island, N.Y.,... |
Ed Drinkwater | |
| 1993 |
Amos & AndrewWhen Andrew Sterling, a successful black urbanite writer, buys a vacation home on a resort in New England the police... |
Dr. R. A. (Roy) Fink | |
| 1992 |
Bob RobertsMillionaire conservative Bob Roberts launches an insurgent campaign against incumbent senator Brickley Paiste, firing up crowds at his rallies by... |
Cutting Edge Producer | |
| 1992 |
Unnatural PursuitsAn English playwright sacrifices his health waiting for his play's make-or-break opening on Broadway. |
Lou Finkleberg | |
| 1991 |
Little Man TateDede is a sole parent trying to bring up her son Fred. When it is discovered that Fred is a... |
Quizmaster | |
| 1990 |
AliceAlice Tate, mother of two, with a marriage of 16 years, finds herself falling for a handsome sax player, Joe.... |
Sid Moscowitz | |
| 1990 |
The Face of FearGraham Harris was once one of the world's foremost mountain climbers, until a fall five years earlier left him with... |
Ira Preduski | |
| 1989 |
The SimpsonsSet in Springfield, the average American town, the show focuses on the antics and everyday adventures of the Simpson family;... |
Narrator (voice) | |
| 1989 |
SeinfeldA stand-up comedian and his three offbeat friends weather the pitfalls and payoffs of life in New York City in... |
Russell Dalrymple | |
| 1989 |
Dead BangLos Angeles homicide detective Jerry Beck searches for the murderer who killed a police officer on Christmas Eve. The investigation... |
Elliott Webley | |
| 1988 |
FunnyPeople are asked to tell their favorite jokes. |
Self | |
| 1987 |
End of the LineWhen the closure of a railway is announced, employees commandeer a locomotive to get to corporate headquarters and confront the... |
Warren Gerber | |
| 1985 |
Amazing StoriesA truly amazing, fantastical, science fiction, funny and odd, and sometimes scary, sad and endearing anthology series presented by Steven... |
Jo-Jo Gillespie | |
| 1984 |
2010While planet Earth poises on the brink of nuclear self-destruction, a team of Russian and American scientists aboard the Leonov... |
Dr. R. Chandra | |
| 1984 |
Miami ViceThe story of the Miami Police Department's vice squad and its efforts to end drug trafficking and prostitution, centered on... |
Ira Stone | |
| 1984 |
Nothing Lasts ForeverAn artist fails a test and is required to direct traffic in New York City's Holland Tunnel. He winds up... |
Guy with Sunglasses in Espresso Bar | |
| 1984 |
2010 : The Odyssey ContinuesThis promotional short for 2010 (1984) shows moviegoers how some of the film's visual effects were created. This includes makeup... |
Himself | |
| 1981 |
Whose Life Is It Anyway?Ken Harrison is an artist that lives to make sculptures. One day he is involved in a car accident, and... |
Carter Hill | |
| 1981 |
Absence of MaliceMegan Carter is a reporter duped into running an untrue story on Michael Gallagher, a suspected racketeer. He has an... |
Elliott Rosen | |
| 1981 |
Prince of the CityNew York City detective Daniel Ciello agrees to help the United States Department of Justice eliminate corruption in the police... |
Santimassino | |
| 1980 |
Altered StatesA research scientist explores the boundaries and frontiers of human consciousness. Using sensory deprivation and hallucinogenic mixtures from Native American... |
Arthur Rosenberg | |
| 1980 |
FridaysFridays is the name of ABC's weekly late-night live comedy show, which aired on Friday nights from April 11, 1980... |
Self | |
| 1978 |
GirlfriendsA photographer and her best friend are roommates. She is stuck with small-change shooting jobs and dreams of success. When... |
Martin | |
| 1977 |
Close Encounters of the Third KindAfter an encounter with UFOs, an electricity linesman feels undeniably drawn to an isolated area in the wilderness where something... |
David Laughlin | |
| 1975 |
Report to the CommissionerPolice officer Patty Butler, alias "Chicklet," is the live-in girlfriend of Thomas 'Stick' Henderson to gather evidence. Detective Bo Lockley... |
Joey Egan | |
| 1974 |
The Bank ShotA bank temporarily housed in a mobile home while a new building is built, looks like an easy target to... |
Victor Karp | |
| 1972 |
MaudeWell-educated and upper middle class, Maude Findlay is the archetypal feminist of her generation. She lives in suburban Tuckahoe, New... |
Ambrose Riley | |
| 1971 |
Marriage: Year OneA medical student marries a millionaire's daughter but insists they live on the money he earns. |
Bernie | |
| 1971 |
Making ItA cocky high school student thinks nothing of using the people around him to satisfy his self-centered needs, until someone... |
Wilkie | |
| 1970 |
The Strawberry StatementA college student joins a group of revolutionaries to meet girls but ends up committed to their goals. |
Elliot | |
| 1970 |
Catch-22A WWII military pilot makes a valiant effort to be certified insane in order to be excused from flying missions.... |
Capt. Orr | |
| 1969 |
Love, American StyleAn anthology comedy series featuring a line up of different celebrity guest stars appearing in anywhere from one, two, three,... |
Nick | |
| 1969 | Unknown character | ||
| 1969 |
Me, NatalieSince she was a child, Natalie Miller has always thought she was an ugly ducking. Despite her mother's encouragement that... |
Morris | |
| 1969 |
Midnight CowboyJoe Buck is a wide-eyed hustler from Texas hoping to score big with wealthy New York City women; he finds... |
The Young Student | |
| 1968 |
The Mod SquadThe Mod Squad was the enormously successful groundbreaking "hippie" undercover cop show that ran on ABC from September 24, 1968,... |
Unknown character | |
| 1965 |
HankHank is an American situation comedy which is perhaps most notable for being an early example of a program with... |
Unknown character | |
| 1961 |
The Mike Douglas ShowThe Mike Douglas Show is an American daytime television talk show hosted by Mike Douglas that originally aired only in... |
Self |
Latest Release
Got a question about Bob Balaban?
Bob Balaban is best known for his roles in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' 'Best in Show,' and for his work in the series 'The Chair.'
Bob Balaban has received nominations for various awards, including an Emmy Award for his guest role on 'Will & Grace,' but he has not won an Oscar.
Bob Balaban's first film was 'The Last of Sheila' in 1973, where he played a supporting role.
Some successful films featuring Bob Balaban include 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' 'Waiting for Guffman,' and 'Moonrise Kingdom.'
Bob Balaban has been married to Lynn Grossman since 1977, and they have one son named Sam Balaban.
Bob Balaban's estimated net worth is around $5 million, reflecting his long career in the entertainment industry.
Milestones in Bob Balaban's filmography include his performances in 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and 'Best in Show,' as well as his direction of 'For Your Consideration.'
In addition to acting, Bob Balaban has directed several episodes of television shows, including 'The Big Bang Theory' and 'The Chair,' showcasing his versatility.