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John Rubinstein

Birth Place: Los Angeles, CA, USA

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BIO

He made his Broadway acting debut in 1972 and received a Theatre World Award for creating the title role in the musical Pippin, directed by Bob Fosse. In 1980 he won the Tony, Drama Desk, Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle, and Drama-Logue Awards for his portrayal of James Leeds in Mark Medoff's Children of a Lesser God, directed by Gordon Davidson.



Other Broadway appearances were in Neil Simon's Fools, directed by Mike Nichols, and Herman Wouk's The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, which earned him a Drama Desk nomination; he replaced William Hurt as Eddie in David Rabe's Hurlyburly, replaced David Dukes in David Henry Hwang's M. Butterfly, and starred in Getting Away with Murder, by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth, directed by Jack O'Brien, and Ragtime, by Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty, and Lynn Ahrens. In 2014, he joined the Broadway cast of the hit revival of Pippin, directed by Diane Paulus, this time playing Pippin's father, Charlemagne; and subsequently repeated that role on the national tour throughout the United States and Japan in 2014–15.

In 2016, it was announced that he would join fellow Tony-winner Christian Borle in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as Grandpa Joe, directed by Jack O'Brien.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

Morning's at Seven Morning's at Seven
[Off-Broadway]
2021
Performer
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2017
Grandpa Joe
Pippin Pippin
[US Tour]
US National Tour, 2014
Charles
Pippin Pippin
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2013
[Replacement]
[Replacement]
Wicked Wicked
[Los Angeles]
Los Angeles Production, 2007
The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Ragtime
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1998
Tateh [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Getting Away With Murder
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1996
Martin Chisholm
Love Letters
[Broadway]
1989
Andrew Makepiece Ladd III [Replacement]
[Replacement]
M. Butterfly
[Broadway]
1988
Rene Gallimard [Replacement]
[Replacement]
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead
[Off-Broadway]
1987
Guildenstern
Hurlyburly
[Broadway]
1984
Eddie [Replacement]
[Replacement]
The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1983
Lt. Barney Greenwald
Fools
[Broadway]
1981
Leon Tolchinsky
Children of a Lesser God
[Broadway]
1980
James Leeds
Pippin
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1972
Pippin

Productions

Fools
 
[Broadway, 1981]
Composer

Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2005 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

John Rubinstein, Counsellor-at-Law

Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

John Rubinstein, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1980 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

John Rubinstein, Children of a Lesser God


winner
Tony Awards - 1980 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

John Rubinstein, Children of a Lesser God


winner
Theatre World Awards - 1973 - Performance

John Rubinstein, Pippin

Videos

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News


JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING & More Lead Los Angeles's November 2025 Top Theatre Sh Photo
JAJA’S AFRICAN HAIR BRAIDING & More Lead Los Angeles's November 2025 Top Theatre Shows
by BWW Staff - Oct 30, 2025

Los Angeles is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for November 2025 include Jaja’s African Hair Braiding​​​​​​​ and more.
Video: John Rubinstein in EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND at North Coast Rep Photo
Video: John Rubinstein in EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND at North Coast Rep
by Joshua Wright - Oct 23, 2025

Get a first look at North Coast Repertory Theatre's production of EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND, starring Tony Award winner John Rubinstein as Dwight D. Eisenhower.
EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND Will Open at North Coast Rep in October Photo
EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND Will Open at North Coast Rep in October
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 23, 2025

North Coast Repertory Theatre will present EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND, starring Tony Award winner John Rubinstein as the former general and president.
Los Angeles Musical Theatre Studio To Host Star-Studded Masterclass Series Photo
Los Angeles Musical Theatre Studio To Host Star-Studded Masterclass Series
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 10, 2025

The Los Angeles Musical Theatre Studio has announced The Masterclass Series, a six-week program featuring six of Los Angeles's most esteemed theatre artists. Running from September 22 through October 27.
Los Angeles Musical Theatre Studio Announces Star-Studded Masterclass Series Photo
Los Angeles Musical Theatre Studio Announces Star-Studded Masterclass Series
by Emmy Rice - Sep 7, 2025

The Los Angeles Musical Theatre Studio (LAMTS) has announced The Masterclass Series, a six-week program featuring six of Los Angeles's most esteemed theatre artists.
Talkback Hosts Set For Remaining Performances of COMMITTED? A RITUAL FOR ROBBIE Photo
Talkback Hosts Set For Remaining Performances of COMMITTED? A RITUAL FOR ROBBIE
by Stephi Wild - Aug 6, 2025

Post-performance talkback hosts have been announced for the remaining eight performances of Committed? A Ritual for Robbie, written and performed by Lisa Robins and directed by Mitch Levine.
Lena Hall, Caissie Levy, & More Broadway Stars Join SUB/LIMINAL Series Photo
Lena Hall, Caissie Levy, & More Broadway Stars Join SUB/LIMINAL Series
by Josh Sharpe - May 22, 2025

Tony Award-winners Lena Hall, Kecia Lewis, Patrick Page, and John Rubinstein, along with Caissie Levy and Joseph Cross, are all set to appear in the six-episode series Sub/liminal.
Signature, Keegan, and 1st Stage Lead Wins at 41st Annual Helen Hayes Awards Photo
Signature, Keegan, and 1st Stage Lead Wins at 41st Annual Helen Hayes Awards
by Joshua Wright - May 20, 2025

The 41st Helen Hayes Awards took place on May 19, 2025, at The Anthem, honoring excellence in Washington D.C. theatre. Signature Theatre led with six wins. Awards were presented in 41 categories from 165 eligible 2024 productions.
Video: Watch the Teaser Trailer for EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND Photo
Video: Watch the Teaser Trailer for EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND
by Michael Major - May 13, 2025

Watch the new teaser trailer video for Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground at New Los Angeles Repertory. Tony Award® winner John Rubinstein stars in a one-man tour de force about the five-star President who put people over party.
Video: Preview of EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND Starring John Rubinstein Photo
Video: Preview of EISENHOWER: THIS PIECE OF GROUND Starring John Rubinstein
by Michael Major - Apr 25, 2025

Watch a preview of Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground at New Los Angeles Repertory. Tony Award® winner John Rubinstein stars in a one-man tour de force about the five-star President who put people over party.
Ali Ewoldt, John Cariani, and More to Star in Barrington Stage Company 2025 Productio Photo
Ali Ewoldt, John Cariani, and More to Star in Barrington Stage Company 2025 Productions
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 25, 2025

Barrington Stage Company has unveield the initial casts for the 2025 Season, which will feature Camelot, a world premiere and more. See who is starring in the season and learn how to purchase tickets.
THE MALTESE FALCON World Premiere and More Set for Laguna Playhouse 2025/26 Season Photo
THE MALTESE FALCON World Premiere and More Set for Laguna Playhouse 2025/26 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 11, 2025

LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE has revealed its 2025-2026 season of shows! The season opens with the Tony award-winning musical, A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER. See the full season lineup here!
Photos: Stephen Schwartz and More at BroadwayHD PIPPIN 50th Anniversary Concert Photo
Photos: Stephen Schwartz and More at BroadwayHD PIPPIN 50th Anniversary Concert
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 25, 2025

BroadwayHD last night hosted an exclusive invite-only event on behalf of their streaming premiere of the Pippin 50th Anniversary Concert. See photos from the event here!
Bonnie Milligan, Beanie Feldstein and More Nominated for 2025 Helen Hayes Awards Photo
Bonnie Milligan, Beanie Feldstein and More Nominated for 2025 Helen Hayes Awards
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 11, 2025

Explore the 2025 Helen Hayes Awards Nominees, including standout performances by Bonnie Milligan and Beanie Feldstein. The awards will be presented on Monday, May 19 at an event at The Anthem. The nominations are for productions in the Washington, DC, region in the 2024 calendar year.
FUZZY, THE YOM KIPPUR PLAY & More Set for Barrington Stage Company 2025 Season Photo
FUZZY, THE YOM KIPPUR PLAY & More Set for Barrington Stage Company 2025 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 7, 2025

Barrington Stage Company has revealed the theatre’s 2025 season which includes seven productions, including two regional premieres and two world premieres. See the full lineup and learn how to purchase tickets.
LOVE LETTERS Plays Valentine's Day 2025 Weekend Performances At Center for Visual and Photo
LOVE LETTERS Plays Valentine's Day 2025 Weekend Performances At Center for Visual and Performing Arts
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 29, 2025

'Love Letters,' the timeless play by A.R. Gurney, will be presented for two dinner performances for Valentine's Day Weekend 2025, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday Feb. 14 and a matinee performance at 3 p.m. Sunday Feb. 16 on the Theatre at the Center stage at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster, Ind.
Final Week To Vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards; Creative Cauldron Leads Favorite Local Theatre!
by BWW Awards - Dec 23, 2024

This is the final week to vote for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
First Standings Announced For The 2024 BWW Washington, DC Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 2, 2024

Check out the first stats for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Washington, DC Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!
World Premiere of HERE COMES THE NIGHT to Open at Moving Arts Theatre Photo
World Premiere of HERE COMES THE NIGHT to Open at Moving Arts Theatre
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 16, 2024

Moving Arts will present the World Premiere of here comes the night by Lisa Kenner Grissom, directed by Hailey McAfee beginning in January in Los Angeles.
La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts Reveals 2024/2025 Lineup of Concerts and Sp Photo
La Mirada Theatre For The Performing Arts Reveals 2024/2025 Lineup of Concerts and Special Events
by Stephi Wild - Oct 25, 2024

La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts has announced another selection of iconic shows and curated special events during its 2024/2025 season!  From Broadway legends BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL and DAVIS GAINES, to country superstars PAM TILLIS & LORRIE MORGAN, this is going to be a Fall, Winter, and Spring to remember!  
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has John Rubinstein been in?

John Rubinstein has appeared on Broadway in 11 shows.

How many West End shows has John Rubinstein been in?

John Rubinstein has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has John Rubinstein been nominated for?

Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Counsellor-at-Law , Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Children of a Lesser God, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Children of a Lesser God and Performance (Theatre World Awards) for Pippin.

What awards has John Rubinstein won?

John Rubinstein has won several prestigious awards, including the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Play for Children of a Lesser God, the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play also for Children of a Lesser God, and the Theatre World Award for his performance in Pippin.

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