Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
 
Date of Birth: April 11, 1950 (72)

Birth Place: Santa Monica, CA, USA

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 ... (read complete bio)

Photos

Stage Credits

  [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
  [Off-Broadway]
1987
Performer
  [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

Playwright
Playwright
Adaptation
Creator
Creator
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Playwright
Co-Creator

Bill Irwin Biography

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.

Bill Irwin Awards and Nominations

 
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
 
Tony Awards - 2005 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play Gold Star
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
 
Obie Awards - 1993 - Performance Gold Star
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)
 
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Special Awards Gold Star
Bill Irwin, Largely New York
 
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Special Awards Gold Star
Bill IrwinLargely New York
 
Drama Desk Awards - 1989 - Unique Theatrical Experience
Bill Irwin, Largely New York
 
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1989 - Special Citation Gold Star
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
 
Obie Awards - 1981 - Special Citations for his inspired clowning Gold Star
Bill Irwin

Bill Irwin News

Adrianna Hicks, J. Harrison Ghee & More to Take Part in The Shubert Foundation's 2023 Photo Adrianna Hicks, J. Harrison Ghee & More to Take Part in The Shubert Foundation's 2023 High School Theatre Festival
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 13, 2023

More than 100 talented young NYC public school theatre artists will make their Broadway debuts in The Shubert Foundation’s 2023 High School Theatre Festival for NYC Public Schools on Monday, March 20 at 7:30pm at the Broadhurst Theatre.

Michael Moschen to Bring MYSTERIOUS FORCES to the Ridgefield Playhouse in May Photo Michael Moschen to Bring MYSTERIOUS FORCES to the Ridgefield Playhouse in May
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 11, 2023

Visionary performing artist Michael Moschen will bring his “Mysterious Forces” Show to the Ridgefield Playhouse on May 7.

ENDGAME to Extend for a Final Time at Irish Repertory Theatre Photo ENDGAME to Extend for a Final Time at Irish Repertory Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 10, 2023

Irish Repertory Theatre has announced a final one-week extension for Endgame by Samuel Beckett and directed by Ciarán O’Reilly.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tina Fey & More to Celebrate Ars Nova 20th Anniversary at NOVA BA Photo Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tina Fey & More to Celebrate Ars Nova 20th Anniversary at NOVA BALL
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 9, 2023

Ars Nova will celebrate its 20th Anniversary and honor its founders Jenny & Jon Steingart at Nova Ball, Ars Nova’s annual benefit-turned-party of the season.

World Premiere of FOR THE PEOPLE & More Set for Guthrie Theater 2023-2024 Season Photo World Premiere of FOR THE PEOPLE & More Set for Guthrie Theater 2023-2024 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 8, 2023

The Guthrie Theater has announced a robust 10-production lineup of cherished classics and insightful new work for its 2023–2024 Season. See the lineup, and how to purchase tickets!

A Guide to Broadway Guest Stars on BLUE BLOODS Photo A Guide to Broadway Guest Stars on BLUE BLOODS
by Michael Major - Feb 20, 2023

While the series' recurring cast includes Tom Selleck, Bridget Moynahan, Donnie Wahlberg, and more, guest stars have included Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, Joanna Gleason, Adrienne Warren, Jinkx Monsoon, Norm Lewis, Norbert Leo Butz, and more. Check out a list of Broadway guest stars on Blue Bloods now!

Photos: Vineyard Theater Honors Tony-Winner Billy Crudup At 40th Anniversary Gala! Photo Photos: Vineyard Theater Honors Tony-Winner Billy Crudup At 40th Anniversary Gala!
by Bruce Glikas - Feb 14, 2023

See photos from inside the Vineyard Theatre's 40th Anniversary gala honoring Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Billy Crudup!

Vineyard Theatre To Honor Actor Billy Crudup At 40th Anniversary Gala, Hosted By Bill Photo Vineyard Theatre To Honor Actor Billy Crudup At 40th Anniversary Gala, Hosted By Bill Irwin
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 10, 2023

Bill Irwin will host the Vineyard Theatre's 40th Anniversary gala honoring Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Billy Crudup, Monday, February 13, 2023 at 6:00pm at Edison Ballroom (240 West 47th Street). 

ENDGAME and THE SMUGGLER Extended at Irish Repertory Theatre Photo ENDGAME and THE SMUGGLER Extended at Irish Repertory Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 9, 2023

Irish Repertory Theatre has announced extensions for the first two productions of their 2023 season. 

Jessica Hecht, Bill Irwin, David Krumholtz & More to Star in JUST TELL NO ONE Staged  Photo Jessica Hecht, Bill Irwin, David Krumholtz & More to Star in JUST TELL NO ONE Staged Reading at Lincoln Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 9, 2023

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Arlekin Players will collaborate on a one-night only multi-media staged reading -  Just Tell No One - at the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center on March 6, 2023, 7:30 ET. 

Bill Irwin Videos

VIDEO: Austin Butler Reveals How Working on Broadway With Denzel Washington Changed H Videoplay
VIDEO: Austin Butler Reveals How Working on Broadway With Denzel Washington Changed His Career

by Michael Major - Jan 31, 2023

Austin Butler sat down on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon last night to discuss starring in Baz Luhrmann's recent Elvis biopic. During the interview, Butler discussed how doing Iceman Cometh with Denzel Washington on Broadway changed his career, crediting Washington has one of the reasons he secured the role of Elvis. Watch the interview now!

VIDEO: Audra McDonald, Deneé Benton & More in THE GILDED AGE Trailer Videoplay
VIDEO: Audra McDonald, Deneé Benton & More in THE GILDED AGE Trailer

by Michael Major - Dec 13, 2021

The star-studded cast of the new series includes Carrie Coon, Denée Benton, Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski, Ben Ahlers, Michael Cerveris, Claybourne Elder, Linda Emond, Katie Finneran, Celia Keenan-Bolger, Nathan Lane, Audra McDonald, Debra Monk, Donna Murphy, Kristine Nielsen, Kelli O'Hara, Patrick Page, Taylor Richardson, and Douglas Sills.

VIDEO: André De Shields Appears on Tomorrow's Brand New LAW & ORDER: SVU Videoplay
VIDEO: André De Shields Appears on Tomorrow's Brand New LAW & ORDER: SVU

by BroadwayWorld TV - May 19, 2021

In the episode, Rollins must revisit an old case when a child sent to juvenile detention is released after his 18th birthday. 

VIDEO: Christopher Fitzgerald and Bill Irwin Star in 10 Minute Play IN-ZOOM Videoplay
VIDEO: Christopher Fitzgerald and Bill Irwin Star in 10 Minute Play IN-ZOOM

by Stage Tube - Jun 9, 2020

The Old Globe recently presented the world premiere of a 10-minute play created by Bill Irwin: In-Zoom, featuring Irwin and Broadway veteran Christopher Fitzgerald.

Broadway Rewind: HAIR Lets the Sun Shine In Again in 2009! Videoplay
Broadway Rewind: HAIR Lets the Sun Shine In Again in 2009!

by BroadwayWorld TV - Mar 17, 2020

In 2009, four decades after it originally rocked the world, Hair returned under the direction of Diane Paulus. The production, which started at the Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park the previous summer, opened at the Al Hirschfeld Theater on March 31, 2009. The cast included some of Broadway's best, including Cassie Levy, Will Swenson, Sasha Allen, Allison Case, Kacie Sheik, Bryce Ryness, Jay Armstrong Johnson and future Tony winner, Gavin Creel.

VIDEO: Nathan Lane Performs Dramatic Reading of a Playbill Videoplay
VIDEO: Nathan Lane Performs Dramatic Reading of a Playbill

by Stage Tube - Jun 5, 2019

On last night's episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Nathan Lane stopped by to do a dramatic reading of  the more mundane parts of the Playbill for his show 'Gary: A Sequel To Titus Andronicus.'

BWW TV: George C. Wolfe Leads The Tony-Nominated Designers Of GARY In A Roundtable Di Videoplay
BWW TV: George C. Wolfe Leads The Tony-Nominated Designers Of GARY In A Roundtable Discussion

by BroadwayWorld TV - Jun 4, 2019

GARY director George C. Wolfe leads veteran Broadway artists (and Tony nominees!) Ann Roth, Santo Loquasto, Peggy Eisenhauer and Jules Fisher in an in-depth roundtable chat

VIDEO: Nathan Lane Describes GARY as GAME OF THRONES Meets TIDYING UP WITH MARIE COND Videoplay
VIDEO: Nathan Lane Describes GARY as GAME OF THRONES Meets TIDYING UP WITH MARIE CONDO

by Stage Tube - Apr 23, 2019

Nathan Lane stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to talk about his new Broadway play, Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus. Lane describes the play to Fallon, telling him, 'What Taylor Mac has done is taken three minor characters from 'Titus' and put them in their own show.'

BWW TV: Go Inside Opening Night of GARY on Broadway Videoplay
BWW TV: Go Inside Opening Night of GARY on Broadway

by TV - Opening Night Special - Apr 22, 2019

Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus officially opened on Broadway just last night, April 21, 2019. Starring three-time Tony Award winner Nathan Lane, Tony Award nominee Kristine Nielsen, and Tony Award winner Julie White, Gary is directed by five-time Tony Award winner George C. Wolfe. Featuring original music by Danny Elfman, and movement by Bill Irwin, Gary is set just after the blood-soaked conclusion of William Shakespeare's first tragedy, Titus Andronicus.

VIDEO: Nathan Lane Reveals the Worst Review He's Ever Gotten Videoplay
VIDEO: Nathan Lane Reveals the Worst Review He's Ever Gotten

by Stage Tube - Apr 2, 2019

Nathan Lane was a guest on Monday night's episode of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.' During the interview, the 'Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus' star shares some horror stories of the most critical reviews ever given on Broadway. He tells Colbert about the worst review he got for his Broadway debut, and the worst review playwright Terrence McNally received for his debut.


Bill Irwin Frequently Asked Questions

How many Broadway shows has Bill Irwin been in?
Bill Irwin has appeared on Broadway in 11 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 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?
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Performance (Obie Awards) for Texts for Nothing, Special Awards (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Largely New York , Special Awards (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Largely New York Special Citation (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Largely New Yorkand Special Citations for his inspired clowning (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).