Charles Grodin

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 of the era. 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. As well, he 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), and ''Beethoven'' (1992).

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. He 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. He portrayed Carl Shapiro in the miniseries ''Madoff'' (2016).

Grodin wrote eight books and three plays. He also hosted a talk show on CNBC and, in 2000, was a political commentator for ''60 Minutes II''. He returned to acting in Louis C.K.'s FX show ''Louie'' and Noah Baumbach's film ''While We're Young'' (2014). Provided by Wikipedia