René Auberjonois Headshot

René Auberjonois

Birth Place: New York, NY, USA

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René Auberjonois BIO

René Murat Auberjonois was born in New York City. René was born into an already artistic family, which included his grandfather, a well-known Swiss painter, and his father Fernand, a writer. The Auberjonois family moved to Paris shortly after World War II, and it was there that René made an important career decision at the age of six. When his school put on a musical performance for the parents, little René was given the honor of conducting his classmates in a rendition of Do You Know the Muffin Man? When the performance was over, René took a bow, and, knowing that he was not the real conductor, imagined that he had been acting. He decided then and there that he wanted to be an actor.

After leaving Paris, the Auberjonois family moved into an Artist's Colony in upstate New York. At an early age, René was surrounded by musicians, composers, and actors. Among his neighbors were Helen Hayes, Burgess Meredith and John Houseman, who would later become an important mentor. Houseman gave René his first theater job at the age of 16, as an apprentice at a theater in Stratford, Connecticut. René would later teach at Juilliard under Houseman.

René attended Carnegie-Mellon University and studied theater completely, not only learning about acting but about the entire process of producing a play. After graduating from CMU, René acted with various theater companies, including San Francisco's American Conservatory Theater and Los Angeles' Mark Taper Forum. In 1969, he won a role in his first Broadway musical, Coco (with Katharine Hepburn), for which he won a Tony.

Since then, René has acted in a variety of theater productions, films, and television presentations, including a rather famous stint as Clayton Endicott III on the comedy series Benson. For more information on René's film & television career, go to René's filmography. René has also done dramatic readings of a variety of books on tape. Thanks to Lisa Wilcox at ORACLE, you can look at a relatively complete list of René's theater credits.

Even with his full schedule as an actor, René still has time for his family and his interests outside acting. He and his wife, Judith, have two children, Tessa and Remy-Luc, who are both pursuing careers in the performing arts. Besides acting, René is an accomplished gourmet cook, a painter and a photographer. He is also a vocal supporter of various charitable organizations, such as Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières). He regularly donates the proceeds from the sale of autographed items to such organizations.

René says of his role as Odo on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: "I have had my share of successes and my share of flops. But nothing has ever been like this. Deep Space Nine is completely beyond anything that I have ever experienced."

Since DS9 ended in 1999, René has kept busy as a guest star on numerous television series (including The Practice, Judging Amy, Enterprise, and Frasier) and with acting roles in films (including The Patriot with Mel Gibson) and on theatre stages in Los Angeles and New York, most recently as Jethro Crouch in a Broadway production of Sly Fox, which earned him an Outer Circle Critics Award nomination for "Best Featured Actor in a Play."

René currently can be seen on ABC's TV series Boston Legal as Paul Lewiston, colleague and nemesis to Alan Shore (James Spader) and Denny Crane (William Shatner).

René Auberjonois STAGE CREDITS

[Williamstown, MA (Regional)]
Williamstown Theatre Festival Production, 2006
Moonface Martin

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2004
Jethro Crouch

[Broadway]
Broadway Production, 2002
Professor Abronsius

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1989
Buddy Fidler

Irwin S. Irving

[Broadway]
1989
Mr. Samsa

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1985
The Duke

[Broadway]
1979
Johann Schiml

[Broadway]
1973
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1973
Scapin

[Broadway]
1972
Malvolio

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1969
Sebastian Baye

[Broadway]
1969
Marco

[Broadway]
1968
Ned

[Broadway]
1968
Fool


René Auberjonois Movies

Brewster McCloud
[ 1970 ] The Lecturer
M*A*S*H
[ 1970 ] Father John Mulcahy
McCabe & Mrs. Miller
[ 1971 ] Sheehan
Images
[ 1972 ] Hugh
The Hindenburg
[ 1975 ] Major Napier
King Kong
[ 1976 ] Bagley
The Big Bus
[ 1976 ] Father Kudos
Eyes of Laura Mars
[ 1978 ] Donald Phelps
The Last Unicorn
[ 1982 ] The Skull
The Christmas Star
[ 1986 ] Sumner
3:15 the Moment of Truth
[ 1986 ] Horner
Walker
[ 1987 ] Major Siegfried Hennington
My Best Friend Is a Vampire
[ 1987 ] Modoc
Police Academy 5: Assignment: Miami Beach
[ 1988 ] Tony
The Little Mermaid
[ 1989 ] Louis, René Auberjonois
The Feud
[ 1989 ] Reverton
Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland
[ 1989 ] Professor Genius
The Lost Language of Cranes
[ 1991 ] Geoffrey Lane
The Player
[ 1992 ] Rene Auberjonois
The Ballad of Little Jo
[ 1993 ] Streight Hollander
Batman Forever
[ 1995 ] Dr. Burton
Cats Don't Dance
[ 1997 ] Flanigan
Los Locos
[ 1997 ] Presidente
Snide and Prejudice
[ 1997 ] Dr. Sam Cohen
Inspector Gadget
[ 1999 ] Artemus Bradford René Auberjonois
The Patriot
[ 2000 ] Reverend Oliver
We All Fall Down
[ 2000 ] Tim
Burning Down the House
[ 2001 ] Pierre
The Cat Returns
[ 2002 ] Natori
Eulogy
[ 2004 ] Parson Banke
Geppetto's Secret
[ 2005 ] Mr. Sneap
Planes: Fire & Rescue
[ 2014 ] Concierge, René Auberjonois
This Is Happening
[ 2015 ] Cal Plotz
Blood Stripe
[ 2016 ] Art
Certain Women
[ 2016 ] Albert
Raising Buchanan
[ 2019 ] President James Buchanan
Windows on the World
[ 2019 ] Maury Karaoke
First Cow
[ 2019 ] Man with Raven

René Auberjonois TV Shows

Poltergeist: The Legacy
Milo Javits
Xyber 9: New Dawn
Xyber 9
Warehouse 13
Hugo Miller
The Savage Dragon
Horde, Miles Legion
The Practice
Judge F. Mantz
The Pirates of Dark Water
Kangent
The Legend of Tarzan
Renard Dumont
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Odo, Douglas Pabst, Curzon Dax
Snorks
Dr. Strangesnork
Saving Grace
Father Patrick Murphy
Rhoda
Dr. John Fox
Pound Puppies
McLeish, Cat Narrator, Professor Schmierkankle
A Pup Named Scooby-Doo
Boris Rougefort
Murder, She Wrote
Homicide Captain Walker Thorn, Prof. Harry Papasian
Matlock
Councilman Leo Brodsky, Doug Michaels
Justice League
Galius Zed, Kanjar-Ro, Guardian of Oa
Judging Amy
Judge Jackson Keeler
Charlie's Angels
Freddie Fortune, Terrence
Challenge of the GoBots
Dr. Zebediah Braxis, Dr. Braxis
Boston Legal
Paul Lewiston
Benson
Clayton Runnymede Endicott III
Ben 10: Omniverse
Azmuth, Galvan Security Officer
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Mechanist, Gan Jin Leader
Archer
Mannfred, Cardinal Giancarlo Morelli

René Auberjonois Awards and Nominations

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Rene Auberjonois, Sly Fox

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Actor - Musical

Rene Auberjonois , City of Angels

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Actor - Musical

Rene Auberjonois, City of Angels

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Actor - Musical

Rene Auberjonois, City of Angels

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Actor - Musical

Rene Auberjonois, City of Angels

Tony Awards - 1990 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Rene Auberjonois, City of Angels


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1985 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical

Rene Auberjonois, Big River

Tony Awards - 1985 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Rene Auberjonois, Big River

Tony Awards - 1974 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Rene Auberjonois, The Good Doctor


winner
Tony Awards - 1970 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Rene Auberjonois, Coco

René Auberjonois News


Review: GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER at White Theatre At The JCC


“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” is a very funny idea and the 2014 Tony winner for best new Musical.  It is currently playing at the White Theatre inside the Jewish Community Center in Overland Park through March 24.

Jamie DeRoy to Guest On IF THESE WALLS COULD TALK This Week


Join Jamie deRoy as she guests on 'If These Walls Could Talk' with hosts Wendy Stuart and Tym Moss. This weekly show features honest and emotional interviews with celebrities, entertainers, and artists. Tune in on December 20th, 2023 at 2 PM ET.

Richard Skipper Celebrates Jamie DeRoy With PART TWO: THE BROADWAY YEARS To Benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS


Richard Skipper Celebrates Jamie deRoy with Part Two: The Broadway Years to benefit  Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

From Stage to Video Game Console: Broadway Stars in Video Games!


In addition to conquering the stage and performing on screen, many Broadway stars have lent their voice talents to another medium: video games!

Stage and Screen Actor Rene Auberjonois Has Died at 79


BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Rene Auberjonois, a stage and screen actor best known for his work on Star Trek, has died. According to Variety, he died from lung cancer. He was 79.

BWW Review: Sedona International Film Festival Presents World Premiere Of WINDOWS ON THE WORLD


Edward James Olmos and Ryan Guzman deliver rich captivating performances in the newly released film, WINDOWS ON THE WORLD, directed by Michael D. Olmos. World Premiere at this year's Sedona International Film Festival.

VTA Announces Summer Cool Films Series


Victoria Theatre Association's announces the 2017 Summer Cool Films Series line-up running July 8-August 28, plus titles for Reel Late at the Vic late night movies and daytime Family Films!  Passbooks for the series are on sale now at Ticket Center Stage.  Call (937) 228-3630, toll free (888) 228-3630 or purchase online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

VTA Announces Summer Cool Films Series


Victoria Theatre Association's announces the 2017 Summer Cool Films Series line-up running July 8-August 28, plus titles for Reel Late at the Vic late night movies and daytime Family Films!  Passbooks for the series are on sale now at Ticket Center Stage.  Call (937) 228-3630, toll free (888) 228-3630 or purchase online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Roundup: Check Out The Top Stories From Los Angeles You Might Have Missed 5/12 - MAMMA MIA and More!


Roundup: Check Out The Top Stories From Los Angeles You Might Have Missed 5/12 - MAMMA MIA and More!

Matthew Broderick, Tyne Daly, Keith David and More Sign on for Center Theatre Group's 50th Anniversary Celebration


Michael Ritchie, Artistic Director of Center Theatre Group, announced today that Matthew Broderick, Tyne Daly, Louis Gossett Jr., Thomas Sadoski, Jimmy Smits, Rene Auberjonois, Jon Robin Baitz, Bill Cain, Anthony Crivello, Culture Clash, Merle Dandridge, Tim Dang, Keith David, Shaila Essley, Davis Gaines, Harry Groener, Clint Holmes, David Henry Hwang, Gregory Itzin, Dale Kristien, Doug LaBrecque, Tzi Ma, Alan Mandell, Dakin Matthews, Christina Saffran, Benjamin Schrader, Shoshannah Stern, Lisa Vroman, Ed Waterstreet and Aryana Williams are set to take the stage at Center Theatre Group's 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Toronto Film Festival Presents Latet Works from 'Masters of Cinema'


The Toronto International Film Festival® today announced the selections for the 2016 Masters programme.

Sharon Playhouse to Stage BIG RIVER, 7/21-31


Sharon Playhouse, under the leadership of Artistic Director John Simpkins and Managing Director Justin Ball, proudly presents the Tony Award-winning musical Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, with performances July 21 through July 31 at Sharon Playhouse (49 Amenia Road). Opening Night is Thursday, July 21 at 7:00pm.

Byron Jennings Replaces Rene Auberjonois in Roundabout's Starry SHE LOVES ME


BroadwayWorld has confirmed that Byron Jennings (Maraczek) will star alongside Laura Benanti (Amalia), Zachary Levi (Georg), Gavin Creel (Kodaly), Michael McGrath (Sipos) and Jane Krakowski (Ilona) in Roundabout's new Broadway production of She Loves Me, directed by Scott Ellis, choreographed by Warren Carlyle with musical direction by Paul Gemignani. This classic musical comedy features a book by Joe Masteroff, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Jerry Bock. Jennings replaces the previously announced Rene Auberjonois in the role.

Robert Cuccioli and More Join Jamie deRoy & Friends 25th Anniversary Actors Fund Benefit


Mark your calendars today for the fall's most anticipated anniversary and birthday celebration when the mega stars of Broadway and Cabaret come out to salute award-winning cabaret performer and Tony Award-winning producer Jamie deRoy when she celebrates the 25th anniversary of her Multi MAC award-winning Variety Show Jamie deRoy & friends, and her "40th annual 30th Birthday" on Monday, November 9th (7:30PM) at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College (899 10th Avenue at 59th Street.)  Proceeds from the evening will benefit The Actors Fund's new program, The Jamie deRoy & friends Cabaret Initiative.

Heartfelt Comedy THIS IS HAPPENING Hits Theaters Today


The new comedy THIS IS HAPPENING is a hilarious and heartfelt journey concerning two estranged siblings and their quest to track down their run-away grandmother.

Photo Coverage: Keira Knightley, Clive Owen, Blythe Danner & More Celebrate Roundabout's 50th Anniversary Season!


Roundabout celebrates it's 50th anniversary season this year with an outstanding lineup of productions. Included are: Clive Owen, Eve Best and Kelly Reilly in Old Times by Harold Pinter, directed by Douglas Hodge; Andrea Martin, Campbell Scott, Tracee Chimo, Daniel Davis, David Furr, Kate Jennings Grant, Megan Hilty, Rob McClure and Jeremy Shamos in Noises Off by Michael Frayn, directed by Jeremy Herrin; The Humans by Stephen Karam, directed by Joe Mantello; Keira Knightley, Gabriel Ebert, Matt Ryan and Judith Light in a new adaptation of Therese Raquin by Helen Edmundson, based upon the novel by Emile Zola, directed by Evan Cabnet; Laura Benanti, Josh Radnor, Rene Auberjonois, Gavin Creel, Michael McGrath and Jane Krakowski in She Loves Me by Joe Masteroff, Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock, directed by Scott Ellis; Jessica Lange, Gabriel Byrne, Michael Shannon and John Gallagher, Jr. in Long Day's Journey Into Night by Eugene O'Neill, directed by Jonathan Kent. The 2015-2016 Roundabout Underground production is Ugly Lies the Bone, a new play by Lindsey Ferrentino, directed by Patricia McGregor. To celebrate the upcoming season, the whole Roundabout family got together last night and BroadwayWorld was there. Go inside the starry evening below!

Heartfelt Comedy THIS IS HAPPENING Opening in Theaters 10/2


The new comedy THIS IS HAPPENING is a hilarious and heartfelt journey concerning two estranged siblings and their quest to track down their run-away grandmother.

SHE LOVES ME Revival Heads to Broadway with Stars in Tow - A Look Back at the Leads' Top Performances!


In honor of the all-star cast prepping to take on the musical, BroadwayWorld brings you a collection of our favorite performances from the show's leads, from Krakowski's 'Muffin Top' to Benanti toasting the terrible world of television, check them out below!

Breaking News: Zachary Levi Joins Cast of Broadway-Bound SHE LOVES ME; Josh Radnor Departs Due to Scheduling Conflicts


Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director) announced Zachary Levi (Georg) will star alongside Laura Benanti (Amalia), Rene? Auberjonois (Maraczek), Gavin Creel (Kodaly), Michael McGrath (Sipos) and Jane Krakowski (Ilona) in a new Broadway production of SHE LOVES ME, directed by Scott Ellis, choreographed by Warren Carlyle with musical direction by Paul Gemignani. This classic musical comedy features a book by Joe Masteroff, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Jerry Bock.

Joy Behar, Tommy Tune & More to Join Jamie deRoy at Gerald W. Lynch Theater, 11/9


Mark your calendars today for the fall's most anticipated anniversary and birthday celebration when the mega stars of Broadway and Cabaret come out to salute award-winning cabaret performer and Tony Award-winning producer Jamie deRoy when she celebrates the 25th anniversary of her Multi MAC award-winning Variety Show Jamie deRoy & friends, and her "40th annual 30th Birthday" on Monday, November 9th (7:30PM) at the Gerald W. Lynch Theater at John Jay College (899 10th Avenue at 59th Street.)

René Auberjonois FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has René Auberjonois been in?

René Auberjonois has appeared on Broadway in 13 shows.

How many West End shows has René Auberjonois been in?

René Auberjonois has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has René Auberjonois been nominated for?

René Auberjonois has been nominated for several awards throughout his career, including Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "Sly Fox," Best Actor - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for "City of Angels," Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "City of Angels," Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Big River," Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Big River," Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for "The Good Doctor," and Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Coco."

What awards has René Auberjonois won?

René Auberjonois has won the Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for "Big River" and the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards for "Coco."

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