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Bill Irwin

Original member: San Francisco’s Pickle Family Circus, and Kraken, directed by Herbert Blau. Original works include Fool Moon, Largely New York, The Harlequin Studies, Mr.

Date of Birth: April 11, 1950 (76)

Birth Place: Santa Monica, CA, USA

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BIO

Original member: San Francisco’s Pickle Family Circus, and Kraken, directed by Herbert Blau. Original works include Fool Moon, Largely New York, The Harlequin Studies, Mr. Fox: A Rumination, The Happiness Lecture, Old Hats, The Regard of Flight and On Beckett. Theatre: Eureka Day/Broadway, Endgame (IRT &ACT), Iceman Cometh/Broadway, Show Boat (SF Opera), Roundabout Theatre’s revival of Waiting for Godot (2009 Drama Desk Nomination), Broadway/West End revival of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (2005 Tony Award, Helen Hayes Award), The Goat or Who is Sylvia, Bye Bye Birdie, King Lear, Accidental Death of An Anarchist, 5-6-7-8 Dance! Waiting For Godot (Lincoln Center and Seattle Repertory Theatre), Scapin, The Tempest, Garden of Earthly Delights, Texts for Nothing, A Flea In Her Ear, 2003/2004 Signature Theatre Playwright in Residence, The Seagull, A Man’s A Man, 3 Cuckolds. Television: PBS Great Performances: Bill Irwin Clown Prince, Third Rock from the Sun, Northern Exposure, Sesame Street, Elmo’s World, The Regard of Flight (PBS), 1996 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, The Cosby Show, The Laramie Project, Subway Stories, Bette Midler: Mondo Beyondo, Law and Order SVU, Life on Mars, A Gifted Man, CSI, The Good Wife, Lights Out, Monday Mornings, Blue Bloods, Elementary, Quarry, Legion, This is US, The Dropout, The Beast in Me. Film: Rustin, Spoiler Alert, HBO’s Confirmation, Rachel Getting Married, Bastards, Interstellar, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Higher Ground, Igby Goes Down, Lady in the Water, Dark Matter, Raving, Across The Universe, Popeye, Eight Men Out, Silent Tongue, Illuminata, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, My Blue Heaven, A New Life, Scenes from a Mall, Stepping Out and the upcoming Christopher Nolan film The Odyssey. Awards: National Endowme.



Original member: San Francisco’s Pickle Family Circus, and Kraken, directed by Herbert
Blau. Original works include Fool Moon, Largely New York, The Harlequin Studies, Mr. Fox: A Rumination, The Happiness Lecture, Old Hats, The Regard of Flight and On Beckett. Theatre: Eureka Day/Broadway, Endgame (IRT & ACT), Iceman Cometh/Broadway, Show Boat (SF Opera), Roundabout Theatre’s revival of Waiting for Godot (2009 Drama Desk Nomination), Broadway/West End revival of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (2005 Tony Award, Helen Hayes Award), The Goat or Who is Sylvia, Bye Bye Birdie, King Lear, Accidental Death of An Anarchist, 5-6-7-8 Dance! Waiting For Godot (Lincoln Center and Seattle Repertory Theatre), Scapin, The Tempest, Garden of Earthly Delights, Texts for Nothing, A Flea In Her Ear, 2003/2004 Signature Theatre Playwright in Residence, The Seagull, A Man’s A Man, 3 Cuckolds. Television: “PBS Great Performances: Bill Irwin Clown Prince,” “Third Rock from the Sun,” “Northern Exposure,” “Sesame Street,” “Elmo’s World,” “The Regard of Flight” (PBS), 1996 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, “The Cosby Show,” “The Laramie Project,” “Subway Stories,” “Bette Midler’s Mondo Beyondo,” “Law and Order: SVU,” “Life on Mars,” “A Gifted Man,” “CSI,” “The Good Wife,” “Lights Out,” “Monday Mornings,” “Blue Bloods,” “Elementary,” “Quarry,” “Legion,” “This is Us,” “The Dropout,” “The Beast in Me.” Film: Rustin, Spoiler Alert, HBO’s Confirmation, Rachel Getting Married, Bastards, Interstellar, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Higher Ground, Igby Goes Down, Lady in the Water, Dark Matter, Raving, Across The Universe, Popeye, Eight Men Out, Silent Tongue, Illuminata, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, My Blue Heaven, A New Life, Scenes from a Mall, Stepping Out and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Awards: National Endowment for the Arts Choreographer’s Fellowship, Guggenheim and Fulbright Fellowships, MacArthur Fellowship.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
2026
Argan
[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
[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
Performer
[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]
[Off-Broadway]
2002
Performer
[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1998
Performer
[Off-Broadway]
1997
Scapin
[Broadway]
Return Engagement [Broadway], 1995
Performer
[Off-Broadway]
1995
Trinculo
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1993
Performer
[Off-Broadway]
1992
Performer
[Broadway]
1989
The Post-Modern Hoofer
[Off-Broadway]
1988
Lucky
[Broadway]
1987
Performer
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1984
The Sergeant

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2026]
Adaptor
 
[Broadway, 2019]
Movement Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1998]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 1997]
Director
 
[Broadway, 1989]
Choreographer
Director

Writing

Adaptation
Creator
Creator
Playwright
Playwright
Co-Creator

Six Degrees of Broadway Beta

See how many degrees separate Bill Irwin from another Broadway star or creative.

Bill Irwin

Bill Irwin

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 Irwin, Fool Moon


winner
Obie Awards - 1993 - Performance

Bill Irwin, Texts for Nothing

Helen Hayes Awards - 1990 - Outstanding Director, Non-Resident Production

Bill Irwin, Laregly/New York (The Further Adventures of a Post-Modern Hoofer)


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1990 - Special Awards

Bill Irwin, Largely 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 Irwin, The Regard of Flight


winner
Obie Awards - 1981 - Special Citations for his inspired clowning

Bill Irwin

News

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld September 26, 2026
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 26, 2026

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld September 24, 2026- First Look at Alaska Thunderf*ck in the OH, MARY! on Tour and More
by - Sep 24, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 24, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Bill Irwin & Brandon J. Dirden Are Finding the Heart, Hilarity, and 'Radical Joy' of THE IMAGINARY INVALID
by Nicole Rosky - Oct 4, 2026

Molière’s The Imaginary Invalid may be more than 350 years old, but for director Brandon J. Dirden and adapter and star Bill Irwin, there is nothing dusty about it. This season, the pair are bringing the classic comedy to Broadway in a new adaptation by Irwin, with Dirden at the helm. And while the play arrives with centuries of history behind it, their approach to the material is decidedly alive: a company of expert comic actors in a room together, testing jokes, pushing physical comedy to its limits and searching beneath the farce for something recognizably human.
Video: Clowning Around In Rehearsals with the Company of THE IMAGINARY INVALID
by Sam Anctil - Sep 23, 2026

There’s plenty of funny business brewing at the Todd Haimes Theatre, where Tony Award winner Bill Irwin and an all-star company are getting ready to bring Molière’s The Imaginary Invalid back to Broadway. Roundabout Theatre Company’s new production features a fresh adaptation written by Irwin, who also stars as Argan, with Brandon J. Dirden at the helm. Watch in this video as the cast discusses what audiences can expect.
J. Harrison Ghee, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Joshua Henry and More Join New 42 Artist Council
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 22, 2026

New 42 has added J. Harrison Ghee, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Joshua Henry, and more to its Artist Council, a group of professional artists who serve as ambassadors.
Meet the Cast of THE IMAGINARY INVALID, Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Sep 25, 2026

Roundabout Theatre Company's production of The Imaginary Invalid by Molière, translated by Doug Skinner, adapted by Tony Award winner Bill Irwin, with direction by Tony Award nominee Brandon J. Dirden is now on Broadway! Meet the cast here.
Anthony Page, Theatre and Film Director, Dies at 90
by Stephi Wild - Sep 18, 2026

Anthony Page, a pivotal British theatre director who helmed plays by Samuel Beckett and Edward Albee and directed multiple Broadway productions, has died at Denville Hall.
EUREKA DAY to Make its Singapore Premiere at KC Arts Centre
by Caryl Kristine Guillermo - Sep 17, 2026

Singapore Repertory Theatre presents the Singapore premiere of the Tony Award-winning comedy Eureka Day. It will play at the KC Arts Centre from 18 November 2026.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld September 10, 2026- HEATHERS Welcomes New Stars and More
by - Sep 10, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 10, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Photos: THE IMAGINARY INVALID Cast Is Getting Ready for Broadway
by Jennifer Broski - Sep 9, 2026

Next up at Roundabout Theatre Company is The Imaginary Invalid by Molière translated by Doug Skinner, adapted by Tony Award winner Bill Irwin, with direction by Tony Award nominee Brandon J. Dirden making his Broadway directorial debut. Check out photos of the cast as they take a break from rehearsals!
EUREKA DAY to Close Island City Stage's Season
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 26, 2026

Island City Stage will present the Tony Award-winning comedy EUREKA DAY by Jonathan Spector, a satirical look at parenting, privilege and modern communication, in Fort Lauderdale.
Up on the Marquee: THE IMAGINARY INVALID Arrives on Broadway
by Jennifer Broski - Aug 19, 2026

Next up at Roundabout Theatre Company is The Imaginary Invalid by Molière translated by Doug Skinner, adapted by Tony Award winner Bill Irwin, with direction by Tony Award nominee Brandon J. Dirden making his Broadway directorial debut. The Imaginary Invalid will begin preview performances on Friday, September 25, 2026, and open officially on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Todd Haimes Theatre.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld August 18, 2026- PARANORMAL ACTIVITY Begins Broadway Previews and More
by - Aug 18, 2026

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is August 18, 2026 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Rachel Bloom, Brooks Ashmanskas, Dylan Baker & More Join THE IMAGINARY INVALID on Broadway
by Nicole Rosky - Aug 17, 2026

Roundabout Theatre Company has just announced the complete cast and design team for the upcoming production of The Imaginary Invalid by Molière translated by Doug Skinner, adapted by Tony Award winner Bill Irwin (Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) with direction by Tony Award nominee Brandon J. Dirden (Waiting for Godot) making his Broadway directorial debut.
Photos: THE LOST BOYS Tony-Winner Ali Louis Bourzgui Visits Students at Broadway Artists Alliance
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 12, 2026

Tony Award winner Ali Louis Bourzgui visited students at NYC's Broadway Artists Alliance for a Q&A about originating the role of David in THE LOST BOYS and his journey as a performer.
Bay Area Theatre Week to Return With Free and Discounted Tickets This September
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 28, 2026

Theatre Bay Area will partner with more than 20 regional theatres, including A.C.T. and Berkeley Rep, to offer discounted tickets and special events during a 10-day celebration.
Video: SCAPIN at North Coast Repertory Theatre
by Joshua Wright - Jul 28, 2026

North Coast Repertory Theatre shared a trailer for SCAPIN, its adaptation of Molière's farce about a scheming servant who helps young lovers outwit their fathers.
SCAPIN to Extend Run at North Coast Repertory Theatre
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 27, 2026

North Coast Repertory Theatre has extended its production of SCAPIN, the Bill Irwin and Mark O'Donnell adaptation of Molière directed by Christopher Williams, due to popular demand.
Photos: SCHMIGADOON! Star Alex Brightman Visits With Young Performers at Broadway Artists Alliance
by A.A. Cristi - Jul 24, 2026

Two-time Tony nominee Alex Brightman, currently starring in SCHMIGADOON! on Broadway, visited Broadway Artists Alliance for a Q&A with students, sharing lessons on rejection, vocal health, and defining personal success. Check out photos of his visit. 
Roundabout Sets Dates for THE FULL MONTY, THE IMAGINARY INVALID and More in 26-27 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 21, 2026

Roundabout Theatre Company has revealed dates for productions during the upcoming 2026-2027 season both on and off Broadway, including The Imaginary Invalid, The Full Monty, and more.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Bill Irwin been in?

Bill Irwin has appeared on Broadway in 13 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 numerous prestigious theater awards throughout his career. He won the Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Play award from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Endgame. He earned the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play Tony Award for Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Additionally, Irwin received a Performance Obie Award for Texts for Nothing. Irwin has been recognized with Special Awards from the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Largely New York. He also received a Special Citation from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Largely New York. Furthermore, he was honored with Special Citations from the Obie Awards for his inspired clowning.

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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