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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


Review: ON BECKETT at Shakespeare Theatre
by Mary Lincer - Feb 14, 2026

What did our critic think of ON BECKETT at Shakespeare Theatre?
BWW Q&A: Bill Irwin Talks ON BECKETT at Shakespeare Theatre Company
by Joshua Wright - Feb 10, 2026

Tony Award-winning actor and master clown Bill Irwin (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Sesame Street) has spent a lifetime captivated by Samuel Beckett. With little more than a funny hat and a podium, Irwin mines the comedy and tragedy of Beckett’s work—including Waiting for Godot, Texts for Nothing, and more—in a nonstop display of jovial verbal and physical comedy that has become Irwin’s signature.
Bill Irwin's ON BECKETT Begins Performances Next Week
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 6, 2026

Performances of On Beckett, conceived and performed by Bill Irwin (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Sesame Street), will begin next week at Shakespeare Theatre Company.
ON BECKETT & More Lead Washington, DC's February 2026 Top Theatre Shows
by Team BWW - Jan 30, 2026

Washington, DC 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 February 2026 include On Beckett and more.
Bill Irwin and More Set for Sea Dog Theater Spring 2026 Reading Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 20, 2026

Sea Dog Theater will present its Spring 2026 Reading Series, featuring notable performers such as Bill Irwin, Erin Layton, and more. The series aims to showcase a diverse range of dramatic readings, engaging audiences with powerful narratives and seasoned actors.
4TH DEMENTIA Short Film Featuring Broadway Stars Sets Free Streaming Debut
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 7, 2026

The award-winning short film 4th Dementia, starring Broadway alum Caroline Aaron (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) and Tony Award winner Bill Irwin (Eureka Day, Sesame Street), will premiere Monday, January 12, on Omeleto.
Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment Announces JanArtsNYC 2026
by Stephi Wild - Dec 16, 2025

The Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment has announced programming for JanArtsNYC, the annual collection of world-class public performances and innovative industry gatherings taking place throughout the month of January in NYC.
Avalon Theatre And Friends Of The Marysville Public Library Host Big-Screen Showing Of THE GRINCH
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 10, 2025

The Avalon Theatre is inviting the Union County community to a festive and family-friendly holiday celebration featuring a screening of Dr. Seuss' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS.
Video: Helen Mirren, David Hyde Pierce, and More in Trailer for THIS ORDINARY THING Doc
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 10, 2025

The official trailer has been released for This Ordinary Thing, a new documentary from Emmy-winning filmmaker Nick Davis featuring the voices of many stage alums like Helen Mirren, Joanna Gleason, Kelli O'Hara, David Hyde Pierce, and more.
Photos: Bonnie Milligan, Ali Stroker, Bianca Marroquín, and More at Abingdon Theatre Company’s Gala
by Stephi Wild - Nov 3, 2025

Photos have been released from Abingdon Theatre Company’s 33rd Anniversary Gala, Timeless Together, Stronger Still, honoring two-time Tony Award Winner Christine Ebersole.
DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS Returning to Theaters in 2025 for 25th Anniversary
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 28, 2025

Join the celebration of The Grinch in theaters 2025! Experience the holiday classic starring Jim Carrey starting December 12.
Rona Siddiqui Receives Mark O’Donnell Prize From The Entertainment Community Fund and Playwrights Horizons
by Stephi Wild - Oct 7, 2025

The Entertainment Community Fund and Playwrights Horizons announced that Grammy-nominated artist Rona Siddiqui is the 2025 recipient of The Mark O’Donnell Prize,.
Photos: On the Red Carpet for Opening Night of PUNCH
by Bruce Glikas - Oct 7, 2025

Manhattan Theatre Club's American premiere of Punch, by James Graham, celebrated opening night at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre just last week. BroadwayWorld was there and you can check out photos from the star-studded red carpet arrivals Special guests included Bernadette Peters, Josh Radnor, Norbert Leo Butz, Zosia Mamet, Bonnie Milligan, Margaret Colin, and many more. 
Sierra Boggess and Bill Irwin Lead MOLIÈRE IN THE PARK’s OneLove OneTheater Gala in Brooklyn
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 6, 2025

Broadway star Sierra Boggess and Tony Award winner Bill Irwin will headline Molière in the Park’s OneLove OneTheater Gala on October 6, 2025, at Littlefield in Brooklyn.
Photos: Inside Opening Night of THE HONEY TRAP at Irish Rep
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 29, 2025

Now running at Irish Repertory Theatre is the New York Premiere of The Honey Trap by Leo McGann. Directed by Matt Torney, it continues through November 9, 2025 in Irish Rep’s Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage. Check out photos from opening night here!  
Review Roundup: WAITING FOR GODOT, Starring Keanu Reeves & Alex Winter
by Nicole Rosky - Sep 29, 2025

Critics weigh in on Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter’s performances in Waiting for Godot, now running on Broadway until January 4, 2026.
Joe's Pub Reveals Artist Selections for 2025-26 Joe's Pub Working Group
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 18, 2025

Joe's Pub has revealed the artist selections for the 2025-26 Joe’s Pub Working Group. Launched over ten years ago, the program was conceived to address the rapidly shifting state of the performing arts in New York. Learn more!
Sierra Boggess, Bill Irwin and More to Join Molière in the Park Events
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 16, 2025

Molière in the Park has revealed two exciting events! A free staged reading of Molière's legendary French comedy, The Imaginary Invalid, and their annual OneLove OneTheater Gala. Learn more!
EUREKA DAY Extends at Marin Theatre Through Late September
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 8, 2025

Marin Theatre has extended its production of Jonathan Spector’s Eureka Day presented in partnership with Aurora Theatre Company. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.
Photos: EUREKA DAY at Marin Theatre
by Emmy Rice - Aug 30, 2025

Marin Theatre kicks off its 2025/26 season with Jonathan Spector’s acclaimed play Eureka Day presented in partnership with Aurora Theatre Company in a new production that reunites almost all of its original cast and creative team.

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 earned 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?. Additionally, he received an Obie Award for Performance in Texts for Nothing. Irwin was honored with 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. He also received Special Citations for his inspired clowning from 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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