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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 The Happiness Lecture. Broadway: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?; The Goat; Waiting For Godot; The Iceman Cometh; Fool Moon; Largely New York; Bye Bye Birdie. Off-Broadway: The Regard of Flight; Endgame; Old Hats; On Beckett (an evening of passages from the writings of Samuel Beckett). Television: “The Dropout;” “Elmo’s World” (Mr. Noodle); “CSI;” “Legion;” “Law and Order SVU;” “New Amsterdam;” “Blue Bloods;” “Quarry.” Film: Rustin; Rachel Getting Married; The Grinch Who Stole Christmas; Spoiler Alert; Interstellar; Eight Men Out; Stepping Out; Silent Tongue. He gratefully acknowledges awards and fellowships that have allowed a life in the theatre.

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

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


[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]

[Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
2002
Performer


[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1998


[Off-Broadway]
1997
Scapin


[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1995
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
1995
Trinculo


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1993
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
1992


[Broadway]
1989
The Post-Modern Hoofer


[Off-Broadway]
1988
Lucky


[Broadway]
1987


[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


California's Teenage Drama Workshop Sets Summer Productions
by Josh Sharpe - Jun 16, 2025

Teenage Drama Workshop (TADW) will host a three-week public run of two stage productions, including Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical JR. and The Hobbit, beginning in July at California State University Northridge.
HAMLET Podcast Audioplay All Episodes Now Available For Free
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 11, 2025

Make-Believe Association's HAMLET, a new 6-episode audio adaptation of the classic play by William Shakespeare. Adapted and directed by Jeremy McCarter with binaural sound design by Tony Award-winning Mikhail Fiksel.
Photos: HAMLET Audio Play Premieres At Tribeca Film Festival
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 10, 2025

Last week, HAMLET, a new 6-episode audio adaptation of the classic play by William Shakespeare, celebrated its world premiere at the Tribeca Festival. At this special one-night-only event, hosted by The Public Theater, the audience wore headphones to listen to the riveting first 30 minutes of the project. Check out photos from the premiere.
Photos: Amas Musical Theatre 56th Anniversary Benefit Reunion Concert
by Emmy Rice - Jun 1, 2025

Amas Musical Theatre (Donna Trinkoff, Artistic Producer), New York City’s award-winning pioneer in diversity and multi-ethnic casting in the performing arts, celebrated its 56th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert on Monday, May 19, 2025.
Dances With Films: LA 2025 Announces Film Lineup With 255 Films And 36 World Premieres
by A.A. Cristi - May 22, 2025

Dances With Films: LA has announced the film lineup for next month's return of Los Angeles' largest indie film-focused film festival (June 19-29) for its 28th edition.
Which Shows Have Been Revived the Most in the 21st Century?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 11, 2025

Three of this season’s plays and two of this season’s musicals are already getting revived for the second or third time this century! Twenty-five years into the 21st century and Broadway has already seen multiple revivals of Glengarry Glen Ross, Our Town, Romeo and Juliet, Gypsy, and Sunset Boulevard. 
HAMLET New Audio Drama Starring Daniel Kyri to be Released by Make-Believe Association
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 24, 2025

Make-Believe Association will present HAMLET, a new 6-episode audio adaptation of the classic play by William Shakespeare. Learn more and see how to listen!
Shaina Taub to be Honored at EdTA's Theatre Education Conference
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 17, 2025

Shaina Taub— two-time Tony Award winner, Grammy-nominated songwriter, and writer, composer, lyricist, and star of the revolutionary Broadway musical Suffs— will join the 2025 Theatre Education Conference. Learn more!
Hofstra Dance Program to Host Annual Spring Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 9, 2025

Hofstra is set to host their Spring 2025 Dance Concert, featuring the pieces of celebrated choreographers, including Hofstra faculty Robbie Cook, Larry Keigwin, and more. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Amas Musical Theatre to Celebrate 56th Anniversary at Annual Gala Benefit Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 8, 2025

Amas Musical Theatre will celebrate its 56th Anniversary at its annual Gala Benefit Concert at Theater 555. Learn more about the event and see how to attend.
THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY Comes to Quintessence
by Stephi Wild - Mar 25, 2025

Pennsylvania history will come to life in The Return of Benjamin Lay by playwright, screenwriter and poet Naomi Wallace and University of Pittsburgh Distinguished Professor of Atlantic History, Marcus Rediker.
The Stage History of Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal
by Stephi Wild - Mar 22, 2025

Denzel Washington and Jake Gyllenhaal are back on Broadway in the revival of Othello. As these two mega-stars make their Broadway returns, we're taking a walk down memory lane and reliving some of their stage highlights from their careers!
STC Sets 40th Season Featuring Wendell Pierce, Bill Irwin and More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 3, 2025

Shakespeare Theatre Company has revealed the lineup of its upcoming 25/26 Season, celebrating the company’s 40th season exploring classic storytelling in Washington, D.C. See the lineup and learn more!
Companion Exhibition, Quaker Affinity Night, and Creative Team Talkback Set For THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY at Sheen Center
by Stephi Wild - Feb 21, 2025

The award-winning London production of THE RETURN OF BENJAMIN LAY is coming to the Sheen Center. Following the Sunday, March 16 matinee performance, the show will host a talkback with the full creative team entitled, “Performing Resistance.”
3 Broadway Shows Close Today
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 16, 2025

Broadway says goodbye to three limited run productions. Romeo + Juliet takes its final bow at the Circle in the Square Theatre following 28 previews and 133 regular performances; Eureka Day will conclude its limited run at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre following 21 previews and 70 regular performances; and All In: Comedy About Love closes at the Hudson Theatre after 12 previews and 65 regular perfromances.
CONSTELLATIONS by Nick Payne Set for Rubicon Theatre Company Beginning This Month
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 8, 2025

Rubicon Theatre will continue its 2024/2025 Dare to Dream Season with the Central Coast premiere of CONSTELLATIONS, a romantic drama by Award-winning playwright Nick Payne.
Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz Shares Her Pre-Show Rituals and Backstage Must-Haves at EUREKA DAY
by Stephi Wild - Feb 4, 2025

Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz is appearing in Eureka Day on Broadway. She recently took us backstage to share some of her favorite backstage routines, pre-show rituals, must-haves and more.
Photos: Opening Night of Irish Rep's BECKETT BRIEFS Starring F. Murray Abraham
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 27, 2025

Irish Repertory Theatre is presentin Beckett Briefs, three short plays by Samuel Beckett and directed by Ciarán O'Reilly. Beckett Briefs began previews on January 15, 2025, and officially opened January 26. See photos from opening night here.
EUREKA DAY Extended Again on Broadway Through Mid February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 8, 2025

Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway premiere of Eureka Day, a play by Jonathan Spector, directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro, has extended for the second time. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Twelve Days of Christmas: The Cast of EUREKA DAY
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 22, 2024

The holidays are upon us and BroadwayWorld is continuing our favorite annual tradition of celebrating the holiday season with a Twelve Days of Christmas countdown. Day 10 features the cast of Eureka Day.

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?

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 Laregly/New York (The Further Adventures of a Post-Modern Hoofer), Special Awards (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Largely New York , 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 and 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 Endgame. He also received the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. His performance in Texts for Nothing earned him an Obie Award. Additionally, he received Special Awards at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Largely New York, as well as a Special Citation from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for the same production. Furthermore, Bill Irwin was honored with Special Citations for his inspired clowning at the Obie Awards.

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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