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Nathan Lane

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BIO

Nathan Lane (born Joseph Lane; February 3, 1956) is an American actor. Since 1975, he has been seen on stage and screen in both comedic and dramatic roles. Lane has received numerous awards, including three Tony Awards, seven Drama Desk Awards, two Obie Awards, the Olivier Award, three Emmy Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Lane received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006 and was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2010, The New York Times hailed Lane as "the greatest stage entertainer of the decade".



Lane made his professional theatre debut in 1978 in an off-Broadway production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. During this time he also briefly appeared as one half of the comedy team of Stack and Lane, until he was cast in the 1982 Broadway revival of Noël Coward's Present Laughter directed by and starring George C. Scott. This led to an extensive career onstage, where he had a long friendship and fruitful collaboration with the playwright Terrence McNally which started in 1989 with the Manhattan Theater Club production of The Lisbon Traviata.

A six-time Tony Award nominee, he has won three times, for Best Actor in a Musical for Pseudolus in Stephen Sondheim's A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1996) and Max Bialystock in Mel Brooks' The Producers (2001), and Best Featured Actor in a Play for Roy Cohn in Tony Kushner's Angels in America (2018). His other Tony-nominated roles were in Guys and Dolls (1992), The Nance (2013), and The Front Page (2016). Among his 25 Broadway credits are The Man Who Came To Dinner (2000), The Odd Couple (2005), Butley (2006), Waiting For Godot (2009), The Addams Family (2010), It's Only a Play (2014), Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus (2019), and Pictures from Home (2023).

Lane has appeared in over 35 films, including The Lion King (1994), The Birdcage (1996), Mouse Hunt (1997), The Producers (2005), and Beau is Afraid (2023). He received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for the Hulu mystery comedy series Only Murders in the Building in 2022. His other Emmy-nominated roles were for Frasier, Mad About You, Modern Family, and The Good Wife. He has also appeared in The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016), Penny Dreadful: City of Angels (2020), and The Gilded Age (2022–).

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2023
Irving

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2022
Willy Loman

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2019
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2018
Roy Cohn

[West End]
National Theatre Production, 2017
Roy Cohn

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2016
Walter Burns

[Off-Broadway]
New York Premiere Production, 2016
Performer [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway, 2015
Hickey

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2014
James Wicker [Replacement]

James Wicker

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2013
Chauncey Miles

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2010
Gomez Addams

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2009
Estragon

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2008
Charles Smith

[New York]
Reading, 2007
Hanratty

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2006
Ben Butley

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2005
Oscar Madison

[New York]
Reading, 2005
Hanratty

[Off-Broadway]
2005
Lou Nuncle

[West End]
London Production, 2004
Max Bialystock

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2004
Dionysos

[Off-Broadway]
2003
Dalton Trumbo

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2003
Mystery Guest Star [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2001
Max Bialystock

Max Bialystock [Replacement]

Max Bialystock

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2000
Sheridan Whiteside

[Regional (US)]
Regional Concert, 2000
Performer

[New York]
Workshop, 1999
Addison Mizner

[Off-Broadway]
Encores! Concert, 1999
Hubert Cram

[Off-Broadway]
1998
David Mizlansky

[Broadway]
Angela Lansbury Tribute Benefit, 1996
Host

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1996
Pseudolus

Prologus

[Broadway]
1995
Buzz Hauser

[Off-Broadway]
1994
Buzz Hauser

[Broadway]
1993
Max Prince

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1992
Nathan Detroit

[Broadway]
1991
Mr. Brink

[Off-Broadway]
1991
Sam Truman

[Broadway]
1990
Henry McNeil

[Off-Broadway]
1990
Jason Pepper M.D./Hugh Gumbs

[New York]
Reading, 1989
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
1989
Mendy

Mendy

[Off-Broadway]
1989
James Taxi

[Off-Broadway]
1988
Jonathan Balton

[Off-Broadway]
1987
Harvey Wheatcraft

[Off-Broadway]
1986
Nick Finchling

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1985
Toad

[Off-Broadway]
1985
Pompey

[Off-Broadway]
1984
Tony Lumpkin

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1984
Harry Berlin

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1983
Prince Fergus

[Broadway]
1982
Roland Maule

[New York]
Workshop, 2006
Hanratty

Productions

 
[Off-Broadway, 2008]
Producer

Writing

Bookwriter

Movies

Ironweed
[ 1987 ] Harold Allen
The Lemon Sisters
[ 1989 ] Charlie Sorrell
Joe Versus the Volcano
[ 1990 ] Baw - The Waponi Advance Man
Frankie and Johnny
[ 1991 ] Tim
He Said, She Said
[ 1991 ] Wally Thurman
Addams Family Values
[ 1993 ] Desk Sergeant
Life with Mikey
[ 1993 ] Ed Chapman
The Lion King
[ 1994 ] Timon
Jeffrey
[ 1995 ] Father Dan
The Birdcage
[ 1996 ] Albert
Mousehunt
[ 1997 ] Ernie Smuntz
At First Sight
[ 1999 ] Phil Webster
Stuart Little
[ 1999 ] Snowbell
Love's Labour's Lost
[ 2000 ] Costard
Isn't She Great
[ 2000 ] Irving Mansfield
Trixie
[ 2000 ] Kirk Stans
Titan A.E.
[ 2000 ] Preed
Austin Powers in Goldmember
[ 2002 ] Mysterious Disco Man
Stuart Little 2
[ 2002 ] Snowbell
Nicholas Nickleby
[ 2002 ] Vincent Crummles
Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!
[ 2004 ] Richard Levy the Driven
Teacher's Pet
[ 2004 ] Spot, Scott
The Producers
[ 2005 ] Max Bialystock
Swing Vote
[ 2008 ] Art Crumb
Astro Boy
[ 2009 ] Hamegg
The Nutcracker: The Untold Story
[ 2010 ] Uncle Albert
Mirror Mirror
[ 2012 ] Brighton
The English Teacher
[ 2013 ] Carl Kapin
Carrie Pilby
[ 2016 ] Dr. Petrov
No Pay, Nudity
[ 2016 ] Herschel
The Vanishing of Sidney Hall
[ 2017 ] Harold
Angels in America: Part I - Millennium Approaches
[ 2017 ] Roy Cohn
National Theatre Live: Angels in America Part Two: Perestroika
[ 2017 ] Roy Cohn
Spellbound
[ 2023 ] Oracle of the Sun
Spellbound
[ 2024 ] Luno

TV Shows

Encore! Encore!
Joseph Pinoni
George and Martha
George
Modern Family
Pepper Saltzman
Only Murders in the Building
Teddy Dimas
Teacher's Pet
Spot Helperman, Scott Leadready
The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd
Bing Shalimar, Herman in Fantasy Sequence
The Good Wife
Clarke Hayden
Elsbeth
Phillip Cross
Monsters
Dominick Dunne

Awards and Nominations


winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2018 - Best Featured Actor in a Play

Nathan Lane, Angels in America


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Nathan Lane, Angels in America


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2018 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Nathan Lane, Angels in America


winner
Tony Awards - 2018 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Nathan Lane, Angels in America

Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Nathan Lane, The Front Page

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Nathan Lane, The Front Page

Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play

Nathan Lane, The Front Page

Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Nathan Lane, The Nance

Drama League Awards - 2013 - Distinguished Performance Award

Nathan Lane, The Nance

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Nathan Lane, The Nance

Tony Awards - 2013 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Nathan Lane, The Nance

Drama Desk Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Nathan Lane, The Addams Family


winner
Drama League Awards - 2010 - Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre

Nathan Lane

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2010 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Nathan Lane, The Addams Family

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Actor in a Play

Nathan Lane, Waiting for Godot


winner
Olivier Awards - 2005 - Best Actor in a Musical

Nathan Lane, The Producers


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Actor - Musical

Nathan Lane, The Producers


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2001 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Nathan Lane, The Producers


winner
Tony Awards - 2001 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Nathan Lane, The Producers


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1996 - Outstanding Actor - Musical

Nathan Lane, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1996 - Best Actor - Musical

Nathan Lane, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum


winner
Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Nathan Lane, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Featured Actor - Play

Nathan Lane, Love! Valour! Compassion


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1995 - Outstanding Featured Actor - Play

Nathan Lane, Love! Valour! Compassion!


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1995 - Best Actor - Play

Nathan Lane, Love! Valour! Compassion!

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1995 - Best Off Broadway Musical

Nathan Lane, Love! Valour! Compassion!


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1992 - Outstanding Actor - Musical

Nathan Lane, Guys and Dolls


winner
Obie Awards - 1992 - Sustained Excellence of Performance

Nathan Lane


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1992 - Best Actor - Musical

Nathan Lane , Guys and Dolls

Tony Awards - 1992 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical

Nathan Lane , Guys and Dolls


winner
The Lortels - 1991 - Outstanding Lead Actor

Nathan LaneThe Lisbon Traviata

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Actor - Play

Nathan Lane, The Lisbon Traviata

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Actor - Play

Nathan Lane , Lisbon Traviata

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Best Actor - Play

Nathan Lane, Lisbon Traviata

Drama Desk Awards - 1989 - Outstanding Actor - Play

Nathan Lane, The Lisbon Traviata

Drama Desk Awards - 1983 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play

Nathan Lane, Present Laughter

Videos

News


Video: Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Nathan Lee Graham Sing CHICAGO in MID-CENTURY MODERN Clip
by Josh Sharpe - May 6, 2025

Hulu has shared a clip from Season 1 of Mid-Century Modern, which sees Nathan Lane, Matt Bomer, and Nathan Lee Graham break out in an impromptu rendition of Cell Block Tango from Chicago. Watch it now!
Video: Watch MID-CENTURY MODERN Bloopers with Nathan Lane, Linda Lavin & More
by Josh Sharpe - May 5, 2025

Hulu has shared bloopers from all ten episodes of Mid-Century Modern Season 1, featuring Broadway alums Nathan Lane, Linda Lavin, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Nathan Lane, and more. Watch them now!
2025 Theatre World Awards Winners Announced
by Nicole Rosky - May 5, 2025

Theatre World Awards Board of Directors has just announced the Honorees for Theatre World Award for an Outstanding Debut Performance in a Broadway or Off-Broadway Production. We have the full list of honorees!
Who Has Hosted the Tony Awards the Most?
by Sidney Paterra - May 3, 2025

On June 8, 2025, viewers will be able to tune in to watch Cynthia Erivo take the stage at Radio City Music Hall as a first-time host for the 78th annual ceremony. Do you know who has hosted the ceremony the most?
Nathan Lee Graham and Jeremy Katz to be Honored at the 13th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND JUDYS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 2, 2025

The 13th annual “Night of a Thousand Judys,” the Pride concert to benefit The Ali Forney Center written and hosted by Justin Elizabeth Sayre, has revealed their special honorees for this year’s event at Joe’s Pub. Learn more!
Video: Watch THE GILDED AGE Season 3 Trailer Feat. Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, & More
by Josh Sharpe - May 1, 2025

HBO has released the first official teaser trailer for the third season of The Gilded Age, also revealing that the new season of the hit series will premiere Sunday, June 22 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Watch it here!
Linda Lavin Memorial Celebration to Take Place at Broadway's Ambassador Theatre
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 29, 2025

Linda Lavin, Tony Award winner and beloved performer, will be honored and celebrated on Monday, May 5th from 1:00-3:00PM at the Ambassador Theater at a public memorial service. 
Lincoln Center Theater Launches Online Ticket Lottery for Ruby Jubilee Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 29, 2025

Lincoln Center Theater is launching an online ticket lottery for its upcoming Ruby Jubilee Gala on Monday, May 19 at 6:30pm. Learn how to purchase tickets here!
AMADEUS Kicks Off Summer Classic Movies At The Opera House In June
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 29, 2025

Sarasota Opera has announced the return of its popular summer movie  series: Classic Movies at the Opera House and HD at the Opera House, celebrating the  Sarasota Opera House's cinematic roots and vibrant cultural legacy.
John Douglas Thompson and More to be Honored at Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 28, 2025

John Douglas Thompson will be presented with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement and more when Red Bull Theater presents the annual Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit. Learn more and see how to attend.
Talk Is Free Theatre's TALES OF AN URBAN INDIAN To Have Toronto Run; THE FROGS Heads to To Shaw Festival
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 24, 2025

Talk Is Free Theatre Artistic Producer Arkady Spivak announced today that their production of Tales of an Urban Indian–which, for most of its 800+ performances across Canada and around the world, has been performed on a moving city bus–will make its upcoming Toronto engagement a stationary one.
Brandon Victor Dixon to Release New Pop Power Song 'Maybe,' First From New Album
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 23, 2025

Best known for his starring turns on Broadway and television, Tony-nominated actor, singer, and producer Brandon Victor Dixon will release an original song and accompanying video on May 16th.
Interview: Actor Kevin McHale on Making His UK Theatre Debut in THE FROGS
by Kat Mokrynski - Apr 23, 2025

Recently, we had the chance to chat with Kevin McHale, who is making his UK stage debut in The Frogs as Xanthias. We discussed what it’s like to be making his UK debut at Southwark Playhouse, what it’s like performing for the stage versus the screen and his favourite Sondheim song!
Video: Nathan Lane Discusses Mel Brooks' Early Casting Ideas for THE PRODUCERS
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 16, 2025

In an interview on Conan O'Brien's podcast, Nathan Lane shared that Mel Brooks had originally envisioned Martin Short for the character of Leo Bloom, playing opposite Lane's Max Bialystock. Watch the conversation!
THE GILDED AGE to Return in June; See New First-Look Photos Feat. Audra McDonald, Carrie Coon, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 16, 2025

The Gilded Age will return for its eight-episode third season this June on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. Take a look at first-look photos of the new season, featuring Broadway alums Audra McDonald, Phylicia Rashad, and more.
Video: Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, & More Star in Teaser Trailer for Ari Aster's EDDINGTON
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 14, 2025

Ahead of the world premiere at Cannes, A24 has dropped the teaser trailer for Eddington, the new film from writer/director Ari Aster. The movie features an all-star cast, including Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and more. Watch the trailer!
West Bank Café to Launch Partnership with The Al Hirschfeld Foundation
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 14, 2025

West Bank Café has revealed their partnership with The Al Hirschfeld Foundation, lining the walls of the 42nd Street restaurant with both originals and limited-edition lithographs of Broadway’s biggest stars. Learn more!
The South Carolina New Play Festival Sets 2025 Season with New Works by Aurin Squire & More
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 14, 2025

The South Carolina New Play Festival has unveiled its season lineup for 2025. The 4th annual festival will take place over four days, transforming Greenville, South Carolina into a hub of theatrical innovation from Thursday, August 7- Sunday, August 10.
Photos: Go Inside SMASH VIP Arrivals on Opening Night!
by Bruce Glikas - Apr 12, 2025

Many arrived for opening night, including Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Sarah Jessica Parker, and more. Scroll down to see photos of the VIP arrivals on opening night! 
Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli & More Look Back on Their Iconic Broadway Roles
by Michael Major - Apr 7, 2025

29 Broadway legends – including Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Patti LuPone, André De Shields, and more – are looking back on their most iconic roles in the latest issue of New York Magazine. See photos!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Nathan Lane been in?

Nathan Lane has appeared on Broadway in 27 shows.

How many West End shows has Nathan Lane been in?

Nathan Lane has appeared on London's West End in 2 shows.

What was Nathan Lane's first West End show?

Nathan Lane's first West End show was The Producers which opened in 2004

What awards has Nathan Lane been nominated for?

Best Featured Actor in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Angels in America, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Angels in America, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Angels in America, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Angels in America, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Front Page, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Front Page, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Front Page, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Nance, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for The Nance, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Nance, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for The Nance, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Addams Family, Distinguished Achivement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards), Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Addams Family, Outstanding Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Waiting for Godot, Best Actor in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for The Producers, Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Producers, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Producers, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Producers, Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Best Actor - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Outstanding Featured Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Love! Valour! Compassion, Outstanding Featured Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Love! Valour! Compassion!, Best Actor - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Love! Valour! Compassion!, Best Off Broadway Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Love! Valour! Compassion!, Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Guys and Dolls, Sustained Excellence of Performance (Obie Awards), Best Actor - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Guys and Dolls , Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Guys and Dolls, Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for The Lisbon Traviata, Best Actor - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Lisbon Traviata, Best Actor - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lisbon Traviata , Best Actor - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Lisbon Traviata , Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for The Lisbon Traviata and Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Present Laughter.

What awards has Nathan Lane won?

Nathan Lane has won numerous awards, including: - Best Featured Actor in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Angels in America - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Angels in America - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Angels in America - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Angels in America - Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre (Drama League Awards) - Best Actor in a Musical (Olivier Awards) for The Producers - Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Producers - Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for The Producers - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Producers - Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum - Best Actor - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum - Outstanding Featured Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Love! Valour! Compassion - Outstanding Featured Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Love! Valour! Compassion! - Best Actor - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Love! Valour! Compassion! - Outstanding Actor - Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Guys and Dolls - Sustained Excellence of Performance (Obie Awards) - Best Actor - Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Guys and Dolls - Outstanding Lead Actor (The Lortels) for The Lisbon Traviata

How many shows has Nathan Lane written?

Nathan Lane has written 1 shows including The Frogs (Bookwriter).

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