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Rainn Wilson

Birth Place: Seattle, WA, USA

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BIO

Rainn Wilson is an American actor and comedian best known for his role as Dwight Schrute in the hit television series "The Office." Born on January 20, 1966, in Seattle, Washington, Wilson grew up in a creative household, with his father working as a novelist and his mother as a yoga teacher.



Following his graduation from the University of Washington, Wilson moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. He began his career in theater, appearing in productions such as "The Tempest" and "The Importance of Being Earnest" on Broadway. Wilson also had roles in off-Broadway productions, including "The New Bozena" and "The Sexual Life of the Camel."

In 1997, Wilson made his television debut in an episode of the soap opera "One Life to Live." He went on to make appearances on several popular TV shows, including "Charmed," "CSI," and "Monk." However, it was his portrayal of Dwight Schrute on "The Office" that made him a household name. The show, which premiered in 2005, ran for nine seasons and earned Wilson three Emmy nominations for his performance.

In addition to his work on television, Wilson has also appeared in several films, including "Almost Famous," "Juno," and "The Meg." He has also lent his voice to several animated projects, including "The Last Mimzy" and "Monsters vs. Aliens."

Wilson's comedic talent extends beyond acting, as he is also a writer and producer. He co-created and starred in the web series "The Adventures of Super Awesome Girl and the Incredible Lady," which premiered in 2011. He also wrote and produced the film "The Rocker" in 2008.

Outside of his entertainment career, Wilson is an advocate for several causes. He is a member of the board of directors for the Mona Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports education initiatives around the world. Wilson is also a supporter of the Lidè Haiti Foundation, which works to empower girls in rural Haiti through education and the arts.

Most recently, Wilson starred in the Amazon Prime series "Utopia," which premiered in 2020. He also appeared in the film "Blackbird," which was released in 2019.

Overall, Rainn Wilson's career has been marked by his versatility as an actor, writer, and producer. He has made a lasting impression on audiences with his comedic timing and unique characters, and continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Chicago]
Steppenwolf World-Premiere Production, 2018
Thomas Irdley

Jimmy

[Broadway]
1997
Charles Courtly

[Broadway]
1995
Kuroko

Antonio (Understudy)

Boatswain (Understudy)

Shipmaster (Understudy)

Stephano (Understudy)

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Martius

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Ensemble

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Director

Awards and Nominations

Helen Hayes Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Supporting Actor, Resident Play

Rainn WilsonLong Day's Journey Into Night

Helen Hayes Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Supporting Actor, Resident Play

Rainn WilsonThe Revengers' Comedies

Helen Hayes Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Supporting Performer, Non-Resident Production

Rainn WilsonTwo Gentlemen of Verona

Videos

News


Full Cast Set For WAITING FOR GODOT at Geffen Playhouse

Geffen Playhouse has announced the full cast for Waiting for Godot, written by Nobel Prize winner Samuel Beckett (Endgame, Krapp's Last Tape) and directed by Judy Hegarty Lovett (The Realistic Joneses, How It Is).
COWBOY LULLABY World Premiere & More Set for Rubicon Theatre 2024-25 Season

Rubicon Theatre announces its 2024-2025 season titled 'Dare to Dream,' featuring an exciting lineup of shows. Explore the upcoming productions and get ready for a season filled with inspiring performances.
Video: Trailer for Animated Feature HITPIG! Featuring Jason Sudeikis and RuPaul

The all-new animated feature film HITPIG! will be released only in theaters nationwide in the U.S. on November 1, 2024. The voice cast includes Jason Sudeikis, Lilly Singh, Rainn Wilson, RPaul, Hannah Gadsby, and more. Watch the new trailer!
Pink Martini Vocalist China Forbes Shares First Solo LP in 15 Years, 'The Road'

China Forbes – the glamorous voice of Portland, Oregon’s very own, world-famous “little orchestra,” Pink Martini – has released her long-journeyed album, The Road, via Heinz Records. The LP marks the first solo album for Forbes in fifteen years, and features eleven original, auto-biographical songs. The album was produced by Forbes herself, and engineered by Gregg Williams, in Portland, Oregon, with additional engineering by Steve Sundholm. Listen to the album now!
Rialto Center for the Arts Closes in on Fundraising Goal

One year after restoring connections to its roots as a downtown movie palace, the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University has announced successes from its first year of operation featuring the historic venue’s new Digital Cinema Projection (DCP) projector and larger Stewart cinema screen.   
Pink Martini Vocalist China Forbes Shares 'Bring on the Rain' from First Solo LP in 15 Years

China Forbes – the glamorous voice of Portland, Oregon’s very own, world-famous “little orchestra,” Pink Martini – will be releasing her forthcoming album, The Road, on May 17, 2024 via Heinz Records. The Road displays a return to the singer-songwriter’s roots, sharing a journey of personal songs that tell the story of her life so far, highlighting themes of emotional depth and self-discovery. Listen to a single here!
THE OFFICE Cast- From Screen to Stage

Steve Carell is making his Broadway debut in Anton Chekhov’s UNCLE VANYA. Did you know many other The Office stars have appeared on stage as well? Take a look back on the theatrical history of the cast of The Office!
Grand Jury and Audience Award Films Announced at 27th Sonoma International Film Festival

Luminaries such as Golden Globe®-winner Beau Bridges, actor/director John Cameron Mitchell, actor Scoot McNairy, chef Susan Feniger, musician Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation, and more than 150 filmmakers, distinguished press, and industry guests converged on the award-winning wine country film festival March 20-24.
Chevy Chase & NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION Stars To Attend FAN EXPO Philadelphia

Join Chevy Chase and the cast of NATIONAL LAMPOON'S VACATION at FAN EXPO Philadelphia for photo ops, autographs, and Q&As. Learn how to attend the event!
WAITING FOR GODOT With Rainn Wilson, and More Set For Geffen Playhouse's 2024/2025 Season

 Geffen Playhouse has announced six productions that will make up the 2024/2025 season lineup, marking the inaugural season from Geffen Playhouse Artistic Director Tarell Alvin McCraney.
Hayden Christensen Added To STAR WARS Roster At FAN EXPO Philadelphia

Hayden Christensen, known for his role as Anakin Skywalker, has joined the lineup of Star Wars stars at FAN EXPO Philadelphia. Learn more about stars participating and see how to purchase tickets!
John Douglas Thompson & Nicole Ari Parker to Lead Red Bull Theater's ANTONY & CLEOPATRA

RED BULL THEATER has revealed updated casting for the next offering of a new season of OBIE Award-winning Revelation Readings: Antony & Cleopatra by William Shakespeare. See who is starring!
Performances Begin Tonight for REDWOOD World Premiere Starring Idina Menzel

Redwood, the new musical starring Tony Award-winner Idina Menzel, begins its World Premiere engagement at La Jolla Playhouse. Learn more about this new show, and learn how to purchase tickets.
Daphne Rubin-Vega, Kara Young, Reynaldo Piniella & More to Star in HAMLET Reading at The Acting Company 

The Acting Company has revealed the cast for their reading of Hamlet. See the full cast and learn how to purchase tickets!
De'Adre Aziza, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, Zachary Noah Piser & More Join Idina Menzel-Led REDWOOD at La Jolla Playhouse

The complete cast and creative team has been revealed for Redwood starring Idina Menzel. Learn how to purchase tickets!
Rubicon Theatre Company to Present AN EVENING WITH RAINN WILSON at the Ventura Center for Spiritual Living in Ventura

Rubicon Theatre Company will present 'An Evening with Rainn Wilson' at the Ventura Center for Spiritual Living in Ventura. This event is the first in a new series at Rubicon.
The Acting Company to Present Annual Louanna O. Carlin & John MacDonald Reading Series

The Acting Company will present their annual Louanna O. Carlin & John MacDonald Reading Series, featuring a trio of unique Shakespeare interpretations. Get all the details about this exciting event in New York City.
Claire Ayoub's THE GYNOKID Continues Residency At The Kraine Theater This Fall & Winter

There are three chances left to catch Claire Ayoub's award-winning solo comedy show The GynoKid during its 2023 residency at The Kraine Theater! 
Full Cast & Creative Team Unveiled for The Acting Company's World Premiere of Lisa Peterson's ODYSSEY 

The Acting Company has revealed the full cast and creative team for Lisa Peterson's world premiere of ODYSSEY. Get all the details and book your tickets now.
Introducing the Cast and Creative Team of ODYSSEY at Marin Theatre Company

Get an exclusive look at the star-studded cast and talented creative team of ODYSSEY at Marin Theatre Company. Meet the actors and creatives bringing this epic story to life in a captivating stage adaptation. Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness their incredible talents in action.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Rainn Wilson been in?

Rainn Wilson has appeared on Broadway in 2 shows.

How many West End shows has Rainn Wilson been in?

Rainn Wilson has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Rainn Wilson been nominated for?

Rainn Wilson has been nominated for the following awards: Outstanding Supporting Actor, Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for Long Day's Journey Into Night; Outstanding Supporting Actor, Resident Play (Helen Hayes Awards) for The Revengers' Comedies; and Outstanding Supporting Performer, Non-Resident Production (Helen Hayes Awards) for Two Gentlemen of Verona.

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