Judd Hirsch is an esteemed American actor born on March 15, 1935, in New York City. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he has garnered acclaim in both television and film.
Television Career: Hirsch is perhaps best known for his role as Alex Rieger in the sitcom Taxi (1978–1983), which earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. He also portrayed John Lacey in Dear John (1988–1992) and Alan Eppes in Numb3rs (2005–2010).
Film Contributions: In cinema, Hirsch has delivered memorable performances in several notable films:
- Ordinary People (1980): His role as Dr. Tyrone Berger earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
- Independence Day (1996): He played Julius Levinson, the father of Jeff Goldblum’s character.
- A Beautiful Mind (2001): Hirsch portrayed Dr. Rosen, a mentor to mathematician John Nash.
- The Fabelmans (2022): He took on the role of Uncle Boris, earning his second Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, making him one of the oldest acting nominees in Oscar history.
Theatrical Achievements: Hirsch’s stage work is equally distinguished. He has won two Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Play, for his performances in I’m Not Rappaport (1986) and Conversations with My Father (1992).
Personal Life: Born to electrician Joseph Sidney Hirsch and Sally Kitzis, Hirsch has been married twice. His first marriage to Elisa Sadaune (1963–1967) resulted in a son, Alex. He later married fashion designer Bonni Sue Chalkin in 1992; they have a daughter, Montana, and a son, London. The couple divorced in 2005.
At 90 years old, Judd Hirsch continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his versatility and enduring contributions to film, television, and theater.