Actor
Bob Balaban
- Born: 16 September 1945, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Estimated net worth: $5 million
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…
Bob Balaban: best films and shows
About 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 has built a respected career, often appearing in both dramatic and comedic works.
- Born
- 16 September 1945, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Height
- 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
- Spouses
- Lynn Grossman (1977-present)
- Children
- 1; his name is Sam Balaban
- Parents
- Elmer Balaban, and Ruth Balaban
- Estimated net worth
- $5 million
Fun facts about Bob Balaban
- Bob Balaban appeared in the iconic film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and played a memorable role in the mockumentary 'Best in Show.'
- He has also directed several films and television episodes, showcasing his talent behind the camera.
Famous Bob Balaban quotes
“This is a very interesting place.”
“I’m not a dog person.”
“We are all going to die.”
Bob Balaban filmography
Cast (141)
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Fantasy Life Movie | Lenny | 6.2 |
| 2024 | Bad Actors Movie | Unknown character | |
| 2023 | Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy Movie | Self | 5.1 |
| 2023 | Asteroid City Movie | Larkings Executive | 6.5 |
| 2023 | 80 for Brady Movie | Mark | 6.2 |
| 2022 | How Dare You Want More: The Short Film Movie | Unknown character | |
| 2022 | Severance TV | Mark Wilkins | 8.4 |
| 2021 | The French Dispatch of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun Movie | Uncle Nick | 7.0 |
| 2021 | The Chair TV | Elliot Rentz | 6.5 |
| 2021 | How Moving Movie | Uncle Aaron |
Show 131 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Character | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Space Force TV | Ron (voice) | 6.5 |
| 2019 | The Politician TV | Keaton Hobart | 7.0 |
| 2019 | Carl Laemmle Movie | Himself | 4.0 |
| 2018 | An L.A. Minute Movie | Shelley | 2.0 |
| 2018 | Summer Camp Island TV | Gerald (voice) | 7.7 |
| 2018 | Condor TV | Reuel Abbott | 7.1 |
| 2018 | James Cameron's Story of Science Fiction TV | Self | 6.8 |
| 2018 | Isle of Dogs Movie | King (voice) | 7.8 |
| 2017 | Wormwood TV | Dr. Harold A. Abramson | 6.1 |
| 2017 | Spielberg Movie | Self | 7.5 |
| 2016 | Mike Nichols: An American Master Movie | Self | 6.3 |
| 2016 | Graves TV | Secretary Burns | 5.0 |
| 2016 | I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House Movie | Mr. Waxcap | 4.6 |
| 2016 | Mascots Movie | Sol Lumpkin | 5.4 |
| 2016 | Eva Hesse Movie | Wilhelm Hesse (voice) | 6.5 |
| 2016 | Starring Austin Pendleton Movie | Self | 6.7 |
| 2015 | Everything Is Copy Movie | Self | 7.4 |
| 2015 | Exploring the Set of 'Moonrise Kingdom' Movie | Self / The Narrator | 6.1 |
| 2015 | Hitchcock/Truffaut Movie | Narrator (voice) | 7.2 |
| 2015 | Show Me a Hero TV | Leonard B. Sand | 7.0 |
| 2014 | Last Week Tonight with John Oliver TV | Self | 7.8 |
| 2014 | The Grand Budapest Hotel Movie | M. Martin | 8.0 |
| 2014 | The Monuments Men Movie | Pvt. Preston Savitz | 6.1 |
| 2014 | Broad City TV | Arthur Wexler | 7.1 |
| 2013 | Muhammad Ali's Greatest Fight Movie | Lawyer (uncredited) | 6.4 |
| 2013 | Fading Gigolo Movie | Sol | 5.8 |
| 2013 | Family Tree TV | Melvin Schmelff / Tumbleweed Tim | 6.4 |
| 2013 | Alpha House TV | Senator Elliot Robeson | 7.2 |
| 2012 | Girl Most Likely Movie | Maxwell | 5.6 |
| 2012 | Do You Like to Read? Movie | The Narrator | 6.4 |
| 2012 | Moonrise Kingdom Movie | The Narrator | 7.7 |
| 2012 | Girls TV | Therapist | 6.4 |
| 2012 | Thin Ice Movie | Leonard Dahl | 6.5 |
| 2011 | China, IL TV | (voice) | 6.9 |
| 2011 | Web Therapy TV | Ted Mitchell | 6.7 |
| 2011 | The Five Stages of Grief Movie | Voice of Daniel's father | 7.0 |
| 2010 | Moguls & Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood TV | Self | 5.4 |
| 2010 | Howl Movie | Judge Clayton Horn | 6.5 |
| 2010 | F--k Movie | Bob | 5.8 |
| 2009 | Rage Movie | Mr. White | 3.5 |
| 2009 | The Good Wife TV | Gordon Higgs | 7.6 |
| 2009 | The Windmill Movie Movie | Self | 7.0 |
| 2008 | Web Therapy TV | Ted Mitchell | 7.5 |
| 2008 | Recount Movie | Ben Ginsberg | 6.8 |
| 2007 | Dedication Movie | Arthur Planck | 6.4 |
| 2007 | License to Wed Movie | Jewelry Store Clerk (uncredited) | 5.7 |
| 2007 | No Reservations Movie | Therapist | 6.7 |
| 2007 | Prince of the City: The Real Story Movie | Self / Santimassino | |
| 2006 | For Your Consideration Movie | Philip Koontz | 5.8 |
| 2006 | Lady in the Water Movie | Harry Farber | 5.6 |
| 2006 | Controversy and Acclaim: The Timelessness of a Groundbreaking Film Movie | Self | |
| 2005 | Capote Movie | William Shawn | 7.0 |
| 2005 | Trust the Man Movie | Tobey's Therapist | 5.2 |
| 2005 | Hopeless Pictures TV | Unknown character | 6.8 |
| 2005 | American Dad! TV | Glen Hanover (voice) | 7.0 |
| 2004 | Kramer vs. Kramer: Kenny to Cosmo Movie | Self | 7.0 |
| 2004 | Tom Goes to the Mayor TV | Walt Pickle (voice) | 6.8 |
| 2004 | Entourage TV | Doctor | 7.4 |
| 2004 | Scene Stealers Movie | Jonathan Crouch Esq. | 7.0 |
| 2004 | Marie and Bruce Movie | Roger | 4.4 |
| 2003 | A Mighty Wind Movie | Jonathan Steinbloom | 6.8 |
| 2003 | Jimmy Kimmel Live! TV | Self - Guest | 5.3 |
| 2002 | The Tuxedo Movie | Winton Chalmers (uncredited) | 5.7 |
| 2002 | The Making of Gosford Park Movie | Self | 5.3 |
| 2002 | Plan B Movie | James Foster | 4.5 |
| 2001 | Gosford Park Movie | Morris Weissman | 6.8 |
| 2001 | The Majestic Movie | Elvin Glyde | 6.8 |
| 2001 | Ghost World Movie | Enid's Dad | 7.1 |
| 2001 | The Making of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' Movie | Self | 7.1 |
| 2001 | The Mexican Movie | Nayman | 6.0 |
| 2000 | Best in Show Movie | Dr. Theodore W. Millbank, III | 6.9 |
| 2000 | Tex, the Passive/Aggressive Gunslinger Movie | Tex | 8.0 |
| 1999 | Cradle Will Rock Movie | Harry Hopkins | 6.5 |
| 1999 | Three to Tango Movie | Decker | 5.7 |
| 1999 | Now and Again TV | Unknown character | 6.9 |
| 1999 | The West Wing TV | Ted Marcus | 8.3 |
| 1999 | Jakob the Liar Movie | Kowalsky | 6.7 |
| 1999 | Swing Vote Movie | Justice Eli MacCorckle | 5.8 |
| 1999 | The Monster Hunter Movie | Dr. William Powell | 5.0 |
| 1998 | Giving Up the Ghost Movie | Bob | 6.3 |
| 1997 | Deconstructing Harry Movie | Richard | 7.2 |
| 1997 | The Definite Maybe Movie | Wolfe Rollins | 4.0 |
| 1997 | Clockwatchers Movie | Milton Lasky | 6.2 |
| 1997 | Conversation with the Beast Movie | Mr. Webster | 10.0 |
| 1997 | Waiting for Guffman Movie | Lloyd Miller | 7.0 |
| 1996 | The Late Shift Movie | Warren Littlefield | 6.4 |
| 1996 | Pie in the Sky Movie | Paul Entamen | 6.7 |
| 1995 | Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist TV | Bob (voice) | 7.8 |
| 1995 | Legend TV | Unknown character | 6.4 |
| 1995 | George Romero's Golden Tales 2 Movie | Unknown character | |
| 1994 | Friends TV | Frank Sr. | 8.4 |
| 1994 | City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold Movie | Dr. Jeffrey Sanborn (uncredited) | 5.3 |
| 1994 | Greedy Movie | Ed | 6.2 |
| 1993 | For Love or Money Movie | Ed Drinkwater | 6.2 |
| 1993 | Amos & Andrew Movie | Dr. R. A. (Roy) Fink | 5.5 |
| 1992 | Bob Roberts Movie | Cutting Edge Producer | 6.6 |
| 1992 | Unnatural Pursuits Movie | Lou Finkleberg | |
| 1991 | Little Man Tate Movie | Quizmaster | 6.6 |
| 1990 | Alice Movie | Sid Moscowitz | 6.4 |
| 1990 | The Face of Fear Movie | Ira Preduski | 6.3 |
| 1989 | The Simpsons TV | Narrator (voice) | 8.0 |
| 1989 | Seinfeld TV | Russell Dalrymple | 8.3 |
| 1989 | Dead Bang Movie | Elliott Webley | 6.4 |
| 1988 | Funny Movie | Self | 8.0 |
| 1987 | End of the Line Movie | Warren Gerber | 5.2 |
| 1985 | Amazing Stories TV | Jo-Jo Gillespie | 7.5 |
| 1984 | 2010 Movie | Dr. R. Chandra | 6.7 |
| 1984 | Miami Vice TV | Ira Stone | 7.4 |
| 1984 | Nothing Lasts Forever Movie | Guy with Sunglasses in Espresso Bar | 6.3 |
| 1984 | 2010 : The Odyssey Continues Movie | Himself | 10.0 |
| 1981 | Whose Life Is It Anyway? Movie | Carter Hill | 7.0 |
| 1981 | Absence of Malice Movie | Elliott Rosen | 6.6 |
| 1981 | Prince of the City Movie | Santimassino | 7.0 |
| 1980 | Altered States Movie | Arthur Rosenberg | 6.7 |
| 1980 | Fridays TV | Self | 6.0 |
| 1978 | Girlfriends Movie | Martin | 6.7 |
| 1977 | Close Encounters of the Third Kind Movie | David Laughlin | 7.4 |
| 1975 | Report to the Commissioner Movie | Joey Egan | 6.6 |
| 1974 | The Bank Shot Movie | Victor Karp | 5.4 |
| 1972 | Maude TV | Ambrose Riley | 6.9 |
| 1971 | Marriage: Year One Movie | Bernie | 6.0 |
| 1971 | Making It Movie | Wilkie | 4.2 |
| 1970 | The Strawberry Statement Movie | Elliot | 5.9 |
| 1970 | Catch-22 Movie | Capt. Orr | 6.7 |
| 1969 | Love, American Style TV | Nick | 6.2 |
| 1969 | Room 222 TV | Unknown character | 6.1 |
| 1969 | Me, Natalie Movie | Morris | 5.6 |
| 1969 | Midnight Cowboy Movie | The Young Student | 7.5 |
| 1968 | The Mod Squad TV | Unknown character | 6.1 |
| 1965 | Hank TV | Unknown character | 4.7 |
| 1961 | The Mike Douglas Show TV | Self | 5.8 |
Crew (41)
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Brooklyn, Minnesota Movie | Producer · Production | 8.0 |
| 2018 | Can You Ever Forgive Me? Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.8 |
| 2016 | Graves TV | Director · Directing | 5.0 |
| 2014 | We the Economy: 20 Short Films You Can't Afford to Miss Movie | Director · Directing | 7.0 |
| 2013 | Alpha House TV | Director · Directing | 7.2 |
Show 36 more creditsShow fewer
| Year | Title | Role | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Georgia O'Keeffe Movie | Director · Directing | 4.8 |
| 2009 | Nurse Jackie TV | Director · Directing | 7.1 |
| 2008 | Swingtown TV | Director · Directing | 5.5 |
| 2006 | Bernard and Doris Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 6.1 |
| 2006 | Bernard and Doris Movie | Director · Directing | 6.1 |
| 2006 | The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman TV | Producer · Production | 5.8 |
| 2006 | The Exonerated Movie | Director · Directing | 7.3 |
| 2006 | The Exonerated Movie | Executive Producer · Production | 7.3 |
| 2002 | The Twilight Zone TV | Director · Directing | 7.2 |
| 2001 | Gosford Park Movie | Producer · Production | 6.8 |
| 2001 | Gosford Park Movie | Idea · Writing | 6.8 |
| 1999 | Now and Again TV | Director · Directing | 6.9 |
| 1999 | The Wedding Toast Movie | Producer · Production | |
| 1999 | The Wedding Toast Movie | Director · Directing | |
| 1999 | Strangers with Candy TV | Director · Directing | 7.5 |
| 1997 | Subway Stories Movie | Director · Directing | 5.6 |
| 1997 | Oz TV | Director · Directing | 8.0 |
| 1995 | Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist TV | Additional Writing · Crew | 7.8 |
| 1995 | Legend TV | Director · Directing | 6.4 |
| 1995 | George Romero's Golden Tales 2 Movie | Writer · Writing | |
| 1995 | George Romero's Golden Tales 3 Movie | Director · Directing | 3.0 |
| 1994 | The Last Good Time Movie | Producer · Production | 5.5 |
| 1994 | The Last Good Time Movie | Screenplay · Writing | 5.5 |
| 1994 | The Last Good Time Movie | Director · Directing | 5.5 |
| 1993 | My Boyfriend's Back Movie | Director · Directing | 5.7 |
| 1993 | Stephen King's Golden Tales Movie | Writer · Writing | 4.0 |
| 1991 | Eerie, Indiana TV | Director · Directing | 7.5 |
| 1990 | Tales from the Darkside Movie | Director · Directing | 5.9 |
| 1989 | Parents Movie | Director · Directing | 5.9 |
| 1988 | Monsters TV | Writer · Writing | 6.9 |
| 1987 | Penn & Teller's Invisible Thread Movie | Director · Directing | 6.5 |
| 1985 | Amazing Stories TV | Director · Directing | 7.5 |
| 1984 | Tales from the Darkside TV | Writer · Writing | 7.2 |
| 1983 | Trick or Treat Movie | Director · Directing | |
| 1983 | The Brass Ring Movie | Director · Directing | 7.0 |
| 1972 | Maude TV | Director · Directing | 6.9 |
Latest releases
- Fantasy Life2026 / TMDB 6.2
- Bad Actors2024
- Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy2023 / TMDB 5.1
- Asteroid City2023 / TMDB 6.5
- 80 for Brady2023 / TMDB 6.2
- How Dare You Want More: The Short Film2022
Bob Balaban in the news
Questions about Bob Balaban
What are some of Bob Balaban's most famous roles?
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.'
Has Bob Balaban won any awards?
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.
What was Bob Balaban's first film?
Bob Balaban's first film was 'The Last of Sheila' in 1973, where he played a supporting role.
What are some successful films featuring Bob Balaban?
Some successful films featuring Bob Balaban include 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' 'Waiting for Guffman,' and 'Moonrise Kingdom.'
What is known about Bob Balaban's personal life?
Bob Balaban has been married to Lynn Grossman since 1977, and they have one son named Sam Balaban.
What is Bob Balaban's estimated net worth?
Bob Balaban's estimated net worth is around $5 million, reflecting his long career in the entertainment industry.
What are some milestones in Bob Balaban's filmography?
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.'
How has Bob Balaban contributed to television?
In addition to acting, Bob Balaban has directed several episodes of television shows, including 'The Big Bang Theory' and 'The Chair,' showcasing his versatility.