EMMYS COVERAGE 2013: BWW Salutes Stage & Screen Icon Nathan Lane

In anticipation of the live 65th Annual Emmy Award broadcast on CBS this Sunday, BWW will be spotlighting the Emmy nominated TV performances of some of Broadway's biggest stars. Today, we take a look back at the career of Nathan Lane, from his major Broadway turns as Nathan Detroit in GUYS AND DOLLS and Max Bialystock in THE PRODUCERS to his roles on TV and in iconic films.

One would think that an actor with five Emmy nominations has starred in at least one successful series. When it comes to Lane, however, that would not be the case. His five noms are all from guest appearances on FRAISER, MAD ABOUT YOU, THE GOOD WIFE, and Modern Family twice. That being said, he did appear as the titular Charlie Lawrence in a short-lived CBS sitcom, which also starred Tony-nominee Laurie Metcalf. This year he is nominated in both the Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama and Comedy Series categories for The Good Wife and Modern Family respectively.

Nathan clearly made his name on the stage. With 19 Broadway shows under his belt, he is a four-time Tony nominee; having won twice for A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM and THE PRODUCERS. Additionally, he has nine Drama Desk nominations and five wins. His impressive Broadway credits include THE ODD COUPLE, WAITING FOR GODOT, THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER, THE ADDAMS FAMILY: THE MUSICAL, and the recently closed THE NANCE, which will be broadcast on PBS next year.

Despite his devotion to the stage, Lane has been a fixture in movies for decades. However, his biggest films have a decidedly Broadway feel; THE BIRDCAGE (based on the same foreign film as the musical LA CAGE AUX FOLLES) and THE LION KING, where he voiced the "No Worries" meerkat Timon.

The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards telecast will air live coast-to-coast on Sunday, September 22nd (8 PM ET/5 PM PT) on CBS from the NOKIA Theater L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles. And be sure to visit BWW TVWorld for live coverage of the 2013 Primetime EMMY AWARDS.

In the videos below, we take a look at some of Nathan's most memorable roles, including the two for which he is nominated this year. First, he sings "Sue Me" with Tony-winner Faith Prince from the incredible revival of GUYS & DOLLS. Next, Robin Williams tries to teach him how to walk like a man in THE BIRDCAGE. In the third video, Lane talks about filming THE LION KING; followed by the epic 2001 Tony broadcast production number from THE PRODUCERS. We finish with a hilarious scene from MODERN FAMILY, in which he plays golf with fellow Emmy nominees Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ed O'Neill, and Ty Burrell; and a scene from his appearance on THE GOOD WIFE.

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!