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Bill Irwin

Birth Place: Santa Monica, CA, USA

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BIO

Bill Irwin is an actor, director, writer, and clown. His original works include The Regard of Flight, Largely New York, Fool Moon, Old Hats, and others. His theatre credits include Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?; The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?; Waiting for Godot; Endgame; and On Beckett. Television credits include FX's "Legion," HBO's "Confirmation," "This Is Us," and Mr. Noodle in "Elmo's World." His film credits include Rachel Getting Married, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Eight Men Out, and Interstellar. His work has been honored with Tony, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Barrymore, and Helen Hayes Awards. Irwin is a recipient of Guggenheim, Fulbright, MacArthur, and National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships.


Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
MTC Original Broadway Production, 2024
Don

[Off-Broadway]
Irish Rep Off-Broadway Production, 2024
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Irish Repertory Company Off-Broadway Production , 2023
Clov

[Off-Broadway]
New York Premiere, 2018
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2018
Ed Mosher

[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater and National Theatre One-Night Reading, 2017
Senator Charles E. Grassley

Senator Bob Corker

[New York]
MasterVoices One Night Production, 2017
Master Toymaker

[Off-Broadway]
Signature Theatre Off-Broadway Revival Production, 2016
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Signature Theatre Original Off-Broadway Production, 2013
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater Production, 2011
Fool

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2009
Harry MacAfee

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2009
Vladimir

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2005
George

[Off-Broadway]
2004
G.L. Fox/Humpty Clown

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Harlequin

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Martin [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Performer

[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1998
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1997
Scapin

[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1995
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1995
Trinculo

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1993
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1992
Performer

[Broadway]
1989
The Post-Modern Hoofer

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Lucky

[Broadway]
1987
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1984
The Sergeant

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2019]
Movement Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Choreographer
Director

Writing

Adaptation
Creator
Creator
Playwright
Playwright
Co-Creator

Awards and Nominations


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Play

Bill Irwin, Endgame

The Lortels - 2023 - Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play

Bill Irwin, Endgame

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2019 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Bill Irwin, On Beckett

Drama League Awards - 2013 - Distinguished Performance Award

Bill Irwin, Old Hats

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Bill Irwin, King Lear

Drama Desk Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Bill Irwin, Waiting for Godot

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Bill Irwin, Waiting for Godot


winner
Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Bill Irwin, Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Solo Performance

Bill Irwin, Texts for Nothing

Helen Hayes Awards - 2000 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production

Bill IrwinFool Moon


winner
Obie Awards - 1993 - Performance

Bill Irwin, Texts for Nothing

Helen Hayes Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

Bill IrwinLaregly/New York (The Further Adventures of a Post-Modern Hoofer)


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Special Awards

Bill IrwinLargely New York


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Special Awards

Bill Irwin, Largely New York

Drama Desk Awards - 1989 - Unique Theatrical Experience

Bill Irwin, Largely New York


winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1989 - Special Citation

Bill Irwin, Largely New York

Tony Awards - 1989 - Best Choreography

Bill Irwin, Largely New York

Tony Awards - 1989 - Best Direction of a Play

Bill Irwin, Largely New York

Tony Awards - 1989 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Bill Irwin, Largely New York

Drama Desk Awards - 1988 - Outstanding Featured Actor - Play

Bill Irwin, Waiting for Godot

Helen Hayes Awards - 1986 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Touring Production or Prior to New York

Bill IrwinThe Regard of Flight


winner
Obie Awards - 1981 - Special Citations for his inspired clowning

Bill Irwin

Videos

News


SACRED RIGHTS, SACRED SONG, A SERVICE FOR THE SACRED CENTER Makes Off Broadway Debut

Mourning Doves Rising in association with Amas Musical Theater, Donna Trinkoff Artistic Producer, Jonathan S. Cerullo / JSCTheatricals and Sharon Litwinoff will present Sacred Rights, Sacred Song, A Service for the Sacred Center on Wednesday September 11 and Sunday September 22 at 7:00 pm.
Kit Ingui to Join Williamstown Theatre Festival as Managing Director, Operations & Advancement

Kit Ingui will depart Long Wharf to join Williamstown Theatre Festival as Managing Director, Operations & Advancement. Learn more about Ingui and the position.
Photos: On the Red Carpet for Opening Night of JOB

Job, the new play by Max Wolf Friedlich, opened just last week at the Hayes Theatre on Broadway and BroadwayWorld was on hand for the celebration. Check out photos from the star-studded arrivals here!
Broadway Buying Guide: August 5, 2024- See Robert Downey Jr.'s Debut in MCNEAL

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, August 5, 2024.
A SHORT HISTORY OF FUN Comes to Edinburgh

This year’s Fringe sees the debut of Hank Curry’s latest clown offering, “A Short History of Fun”, the artist’s seventh original work and the first to play in the United Kingdom.
Video: Bill Irwin Is Taking on Beckett at the Irish Rep

In this video, watch as Bill Irwin chats with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge about the brilliance of Beckett, the joy of being back at the Rep, and so much more!
Broadway Buying Guide: July 22, 2024- Long-Running Hits Dominate with Summer Tourists

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, July 22, 2024.
Rubicon Theatre's Summer Youth Education Program Will Present FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, JR. Next Weekend

Rubicon Theatre Company’s Summer Youth Education Program will present FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, JR. Performances run from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28 at the Rubicon Theatre in Ventura.
Broadway Buying Guide: July 15, 2024- HAMILTON Is Back On Top

Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, July 15, 2024.
Rubicon Theatre Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Summer Youth Education with 4 Youth Productions

Rubicon Theatre celebrates 25 years of its Summer Youth Education Program with four youth productions, including FROZEN KIDS and RICHARD III, showcasing young talent and diverse theatrical performances.
Top Off-Broadway Shows for July 2024

What's happening off-Broadway? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre in the month of July.
Video: SUFFS Celebrates Shaina Taub's History Making Tony Wins

On Sunday night, composer Shaina Taub took home the Tony Awards for 'Best Book of a Musical' and 'Best Score' for her outstanding work on Suffs. See the show celebrate their history-making author! Watch the video!
Amber Gray, Jessica Hecht & More to Star in EUREKA DAY on Broadway

The full cast has been revealed for the Broadway premiere of Eureka Day, written by Jonathan Spector and directed by Anna D. Shapiro. See who is starring and learn how to purchase tickets.
Video: Shaina Taub Talks Tony Win for Best Book/Score of a Musical

Earlier tonight at the 77th Annual Tony Awards, Shaina Taub took home a Tony Award for 'Best Book of a Musical' for her outstanding work on Suffs (currently running at the Music Box Theatre). Watch what happened afterwards in this video!
Review: GEM OF THE OCEAN at TRT-Powerful and Presented to Perfection

Two River Theater (TRT) is now presenting an extraordinary and compelling production of August Wilson's 'Gem of the Ocean,' expertly directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg and featuring a stellar cast.
The American Tap Dance Foundation To Be Celebrated At Lincoln Center In July

The American Tap Dance Foundation will be celebrated at Lincoln Center on July 11 with special honors.
Performances Of August Wilson's GEM OF THE OCEAN to Begin This Weekend at Two River Theater

Two River Theater's production of August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean, begins performances this weekend. Learn more about the show and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: Inside Irish Repertory Theatre's 2024 Gala With Shereen Ahmed, Melissa Errico, and More

Go inside Irish Repertory Theatre's 2024 Gala concert, Let’s Put On A Show! 35 Years of Irish Rep Musicals, which at The Town Hall. See photos from inside the event.
Bill Irwin's ON BECKETT to Have Return Summer Engagement at Irish Repertory Theatre

Irish Repertory Theatre and Octopus Theatricals will present Bill Irwin's award-winning On Beckett for a limited summer engagement. Learn how to purchase tickets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Bill Irwin been in?

Bill Irwin has appeared on Broadway in 12 shows.

How many West End shows has Bill Irwin been in?

Bill Irwin has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Bill Irwin been nominated for?

Bill Irwin has received numerous nominations for his outstanding performances, including: - Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Endgame - Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play (The Lortels) for Endgame - Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for On Beckett - Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Old Hats - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for King Lear - Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Waiting for Godot - Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Waiting for Godot - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - Outstanding Solo Performance (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Texts for Nothing - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Fool Moon - Performance (Obie Awards) for Texts for Nothing - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Largely/New York (The Further Adventures of a Post-Modern Hoofer) - Special Awards (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Largely New York - Unique Theatrical Experience (Drama Desk Awards) for Largely New York - Special Citation (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Largely New York - Best Choreography (Tony Awards) for Largely New York - Best Direction of a Play (Tony Awards) for Largely New York - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Largely New York - Outstanding Featured Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Waiting for Godot - Outstanding Lead Actor, Touring Production or Prior to New York (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Regard of Flight - Special Citations for his inspired clowning (Obie Awards).

What awards has Bill Irwin won?

Bill Irwin has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. He won the Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for his role in Endgame. He also received the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for his performance in Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Additionally, he was honored with an Obie Award for Performance for Texts for Nothing. Irwin received Special Awards from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Largely New York and a Special Citation from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for the same production. Furthermore, he earned Special Citations from the Obie Awards for his inspired clowning.

How many shows has Bill Irwin written?

Bill Irwin has written 7 shows including The Regard of Flight (Playwright), The Regard of Flight and The Clown Bagatelles (Creator), Largely New York (Playwright), Scapin (Adaptation), The Harlequin Studies (Playwright), Mr. Fox: A Rumination (Playwright), Old Hats (Co-Creator).

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