Robert Klein

Robert Klein, born on February 8, 1942, in New York City, New York, developed an early interest in acting after initially planning to study medicine. He attended Alfred University, earning a BA, and later the Yale Drama School. In the spring of 1965, Klein joined the renowned Second City theatrical troupe in Chicago, where he honed his improvisational skills. His career quickly progressed, leading to his Broadway debut in 1966 in “The Apple Tree.” In 1975, he made history by starring in HBO’s first-ever stand-up comedy special, marking a turning point in the landscape of televised comedy. Throughout his career, Klein has released four comedy albums, with “A Child of the 50s” (1973) and “Mind Over Matter” (1974) earning Grammy Award nominations for Best Comedy Album.

Klein’s contributions extend beyond stand-up to a prolific acting career. He received a Tony Award nomination in 1979 for Best Actor in a Musical for his role in Neil Simon’s “They’re Playing Our Song.” He also won an Obie and Outer Critics Circle Award in 1993 for his performance in Wendy Wasserstein’s “The Sisters Rosensweig.” His film credits include “Two Weeks Notice” (2002), “The Last Unicorn” (1982), and “One Fine Day” (1996). On television, he has appeared in prominent roles in series such as “Law & Order: SVU” (2009–2012), “The Good Wife” (2013–2014), “Madam Secretary” (2014), and “Will & Grace” (2018–2019). He also recurred as the Mayor of New York in “Sharknado 2: The Second One” (2014) and “Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!” (2015). Robert Klein’s sustained career showcases a diverse range of talent and a lasting impact on American entertainment.