Charles Grodin: Biography, Facts and Career
Who is Charles Grodin? An evergreen, sourced profile: biography, key facts and career.

Charles Sidney Grodin (April 21, 1935 – May 18, 2021) was an American actor, comedian, author, and television talk show host. Known for his deadpan delivery and often cast as a put-upon straight man, Grodin became familiar as a supporting actor in many Hollywood comedies. After a small part in Rosemary's Baby in 1968, he played the lead in Elaine May's The Heartbreak Kid (1972) where he received a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. Grodin also starred in 11 Harrowhouse (1974), for which he also wrote the adaptation. Grodin achieved fame through roles in Catch-22 (1970), The Heartbreak Kid (1972) and King Kong (1976). Other notable film roles include Heaven Can Wait (1978), The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981), The Lonely Guy (1984), Midnight Run (1988), Taking Care of Business (1990), Beethoven (1992), and its sequel, Beethoven’s 2nd (1993). Grodin made his acting debut in 1958 appearing in the NBC anthology series Decision. He then appeared in numerous TV serials throughout the next decade. Grodin made frequent appearances on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman. He won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for the Paul Simon Special (1978) alongside Chevy Chase, Lorne Michaels, Paul Simon, and Lily Tomlin. Grodin portrayed Carl Shapiro in the miniseries Madoff (2016). Grodin wrote eight books and three plays. He also hosted a talk show on CNBC and was a political commentator for 60 Minutes II in 2000. Grodin returned to acting in Louis C.K.'s FX show Louie and Noah Baumbach's film While We're Young (2014).
Quick facts about Charles Grodin
- Full name: Charles Grodin
- Born: 1935-04-21
- Nationality: United States
- Known as: Actor
- Wikidata ID: Q467570
Profile compiled from public Wikipedia and Wikidata data. Details can change over time.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Charles Grodin?
Charles Sidney Grodin (April 21, 1935 – May 18, 2021) was an American actor, comedian, author, and television talk show host.
What nationality is Charles Grodin?
Charles Grodin is United States.
When was Charles Grodin born?
Charles Grodin was born on 1935-04-21.



