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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

[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, 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


3 Broadway Shows Close Today
by Sidney Paterra - Feb 16, 2025

Broadway says goodbye to three limited run productions. Romeo + Juliet takes its final bow at the Circle in the Square Theatre following 28 previews and 133 regular performances; Eureka Day will conclude its limited run at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre following 21 previews and 70 regular performances; and All In: Comedy About Love closes at the Hudson Theatre after 12 previews and 65 regular perfromances.
CONSTELLATIONS by Nick Payne Set for Rubicon Theatre Company Beginning This Month
by Blair Ingenthron - Feb 8, 2025

Rubicon Theatre will continue its 2024/2025 Dare to Dream Season with the Central Coast premiere of CONSTELLATIONS, a romantic drama by Award-winning playwright Nick Payne.
Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz Shares Her Pre-Show Rituals and Backstage Must-Haves at EUREKA DAY
by Stephi Wild - Feb 4, 2025

Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz is appearing in Eureka Day on Broadway. She recently took us backstage to share some of her favorite backstage routines, pre-show rituals, must-haves and more.
Photos: Opening Night of Irish Rep's BECKETT BRIEFS Starring F. Murray Abraham
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 27, 2025

Irish Repertory Theatre is presentin Beckett Briefs, three short plays by Samuel Beckett and directed by Ciarán O'Reilly. Beckett Briefs began previews on January 15, 2025, and officially opened January 26. See photos from opening night here.
EUREKA DAY Extended Again on Broadway Through Mid February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 8, 2025

Manhattan Theatre Club's Broadway premiere of Eureka Day, a play by Jonathan Spector, directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro, has extended for the second time. Learn more about the production and see how to purchase tickets.
Twelve Days of Christmas: The Cast of EUREKA DAY
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 22, 2024

The holidays are upon us and BroadwayWorld is continuing our favorite annual tradition of celebrating the holiday season with a Twelve Days of Christmas countdown. Day 10 features the cast of Eureka Day.
EUREKA DAY & The 92nd Street Y To Host Special Performance and Talkback
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 21, 2024

The 92nd Street Y has announced a performance of Eureka Day and post-performance conversation with the cast – Amber Gray, Jessica Hecht, Bill Irwin, Thomas Middleditch and Chelsea Yakura-Kurtz – moderated by Ruthie Fierberg.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld December 20, 2024
by - Dec 20, 2024

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is December 20, 2024 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: EUREKA DAY Celebrates Opening Night
by Joey Mervis - Dec 19, 2024

Stars aligned earlier this week at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre, where Eureka Day celebrated its opening night. Watch in this video as the cast and creative team chat more on opening night!
EUREKA DAY Extends Broadway Run
by Stephi Wild - Dec 18, 2024

Manhattan Theatre Club has announced that the Broadway premiere of Eureka Day, a play by Jonathan Spector, directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro, has extended its run! Learn more here!
Photos: On the Red Carpet at EUREKA DAY Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - Dec 18, 2024

Eureka Day by Jonathan Spector, directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro, is now officially open on Broadway. BroadwayWorld was there at opening night and you can check out photos from the red carpet here!
Photos: The Cast of EUREKA DAY Takes Opening Night Bows
by Bruce Glikas - Dec 17, 2024

Eureka Day, by Jonathan Spector and directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro, is now officially open on Broadway at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Check out photos of the cast taking their opening night bows!
Review Roundup: EUREKA DAY Opens On Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 17, 2024

The Broadway premiere of Eureka Day, a new comedy from playwright Jonathan Spector, celebrates its opening night tonight in a new production from Anna D. Shapiro! Read the reviews!
Photos: EUREKA DAY Cast Walks the Red Carpet on Opening Night
by Bruce Glikas - Dec 16, 2024

Eureka Day, a play by Jonathan Spector, directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro, is now officially open on Broadway at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Check out photos of the cast on the red carpet here! 
Alex Tatarsky Named 2024 Recipient of The Mark O’Donnell Prize
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 16, 2024

The Entertainment Community Fund and Playwrights Horizons revealed that New York City creator and performer Alex Tatarsky is the 2024 recipient of The Mark O’Donnell Prize. Learn more about Tatarsky and the Prize!
Photos: EUREKA DAY is Now Playing on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Dec 6, 2024

All new production photos have been released for the Broadway premiere of Eureka Day, a play by Jonathan Spector, directed by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro. Check out the photos here!
Up on the Marquee: EUREKA DAY
by Jennifer Broski - Dec 3, 2024

Next up at Manhattan Theatre Club is Eureka Day, by Jonathan Spector, directed by Anna D. Shapiro. Check out new photos of the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre marquee here!
New 42 Board Elects Henry Tisch As Chairman
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 3, 2024

The New 42 Board of Directors has elected Henry Tisch as Chairman of the Board, effective July 1, 2025. Learn more about Tisch and about New 42 as an organization.
Meet the Cast of EUREKA DAY, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Nov 25, 2024

Manhattan Theatre Club's Eureka Day, by Jonathan Spector, directed by Anna D. Shapiro, officially begins previews tonight, November 25. Meet the cast of Eureka Day here!
Interview: Jonathan Spector's EUREKA DAY Brings Timely Vaccine Debate to Broadway
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 10, 2024

BroadwayWorld interviewed playwright Jonathan Spector about the Broadway debut of his play Eureka Day, starring Amber Gray, Jessica Hecht, Bill Irwin, and more. Learn more about the play!

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 won several prestigious awards, including: Outstanding Lead Performer in an Off-Broadway Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Endgame; Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?; Performance (Obie Awards) for Texts for Nothing; Special Awards (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Largely New York; Special Citation (New York Drama Critics Circle Awards) for Largely New York; and Special Citations for his inspired clowning (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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