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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: Heather Headley Performs 'Shadowland' From THE LION KING Hollywood Bowl Concert
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 17, 2025

Disney has debuted a new clip from The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl, the concert experience now on Disney+. In the video, original Broadway performer Heather Headley takes the stage to perform her rendition of the powerful song Shadowland. Watch it here!
Video: Learn How Nathan Lane Got Bill Burr Cast in GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 17, 2025

Nathan Lane has revealed how he helped get Bill Burr cast in the upcoming Broadway revival of Glengarry Glen Ross, which begins performances at The Palace Theatre in March, featuring a star-studded cast for a limited 12-week run! 
Photos: John Mulaney, Martin Short, Nick Jonas & More in SNL50 Special
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 17, 2025

Last night, NBC hosted the star-studded SNL50: The Anniversary Special. Numerous stars and SNL alums were present during the ceremony including John Mulaney, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ana Gasteyer, Fred Armisen, Maya Rudolph, Bowen Yang, and more. Take a look at photos from the evening here!
Photos: Lin-Manuel Miranda Reprises HAMILTON Role in SNL50 Special
by Michael Major - Feb 17, 2025

Lin-Manuel Miranda donned his classic Hamilton costume for a musical medley on the SNL50 special. The musical medley featured 'My Shot' from Hamilton, as well as songs from Les Miserables, The Lion King, Little Shop of Horrors, and more. See photos!
Video: Sabrina Carpenter Sings 'Defying Gravity' in SNL50 'Domingo' Sketch
by Michael Major - Feb 17, 2025

Sabrina Carpenter was featured in a continuation of the 'Domingo' storyline – started by Ariana Grande last year – leading her to perform an off-key rendition of 'Defying Gravity.' Watch the SNL50 video, also with Bad Bunny, Martin Short, and more.
Video: Lin-Manuel Miranda, John Mulaney, Nathan Lane & More in SNL50 Musical Sketch
by Joshua Wright - Feb 17, 2025

On tonight's star-studded lineup for NBC’s highly anticipated 'SNL50: The Anniversary Special,' John Mulaney led another one of his signature musical sketches. The segment featured songs from Les Misérables, Hamilton (with guest Lin-Manuel Miranda), The Lion King (with special guest Nathan Lane), and more.
Signature Theatre to Honor Mandy Patinkin with 2025 Stephen Sondheim Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 14, 2025

Virginia’s Tony Award-winning Signature Theatre will honor star of stage and screen Mandy Patinkin with the company’s fourteenth Stephen Sondheim Award. Learn more!
Interview: Heather Headley Looks Back on 30 Years of THE LION KING
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 12, 2025

BroadwayWorld sat down with Heather Headley to discuss the new Lion King concert on Disney+, the ongoing Broadway production, and the legacy of the franchise.
Broadway Streaming Guide: February 2025 - Where to Watch WAITRESS, THE LION KING Concert, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 11, 2025

This February, there are plenty of new things for Broadway fans to stream across our favorite streaming services, including Sara Bareilles' Waitress, The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl, and more!
Video: Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, & Jason Weaver Reunite for 'Hakuna Matata' Performance at the Hollywood Bowl
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 7, 2025

Disney has debuted the performance of Hakuna Matata from The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl. In the video, original film performers Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, and Jason Weaver reunite for a rendition of the fan-favorite song. Watch it now!
Photos: ROAD SHOW In Rehearsal At freeFALL
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2025

See photos from inside rehearsal for Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s much-traveled musical Road Show, directed by freeFall Artistic Director Eric Davis. The show is the fifth Sondheim musical produced by the company.
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld February 1, 2025
by - Feb 3, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is February 3, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed pver the weekend.
MONTHLY QUIZ""Musical People Born in February
by Rob Lester - Feb 1, 2025

Every month, Broadway World's cabaret section offers a quiz saluting notable music-related people born in that month. February's edition is ready for you now. Put on your thinking cap. The clues should help.
Video: Jennifer Hudson Performs 'Circle of Life' at THE LION KING Hollywood Bowl Concert
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 31, 2025

Watch a new clip from The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl. In the video, EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson performs a powerful rendition of the iconic number Circle of Life, surrounded by costumed performers and accompanied by a full orchestra. Watch it now!
Wake Up With BroadwayWorld January 31, 2025
by - Jan 31, 2025

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is January 31, 2025 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.
Video: THE LION KING AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL Trailer with Heather Headley, Nathan Lane, & More
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 30, 2025

Disney has debuted the first trailer for The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl, a concert experience filmed at the legendary Los Angeles venue in 2024. The concert celebrating the enduring legacy of “The Lion King” comes to Disney+ on Friday, February 7, 2025. 
Linda Lavin to Be Written Out of MID-CENTURY MODERN with Farewell Episode
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 27, 2025

Max Mutchnick, co-creator of Mid-Century Modern, took to Instagram on Friday to share how the late Linda Lavin will be written out of the new Hulu sitcom. 
West Bank Cafe Re-Opens its Doors Under New Ownership
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2025

Broadway producers Tom D’Angora and Michael D’Angora are welcoming diners, Hell’s Kitchen neighbors, and Broadway Community back to the beloved West Bank Cafe, re-opening for dinner today, Thursday, January 23rd.
Cast Set For FreeFall's Production of Sondheim and Weidman's ROAD SHOW
by Stephi Wild - Jan 23, 2025

Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s much-traveled musical Road Show is directed by freeFall Artistic Director Eric Davis and is the fifth Sondheim musical produced by the company.
Tracey Ullman and Jordana Brewster Join ELSBETH Season 2 as Guest Stars
by Josh Sharpe - Jan 17, 2025

Tracey Ullman and Jordana Brewster are both set to appear as guest stars in Season 2 of the CBS crime drama. The guest star generally serves as the murderer in the episode, with the audience following along with attorney Elsbeth Tascioni as she attempts to solve the case.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Nathan Lane been in?

Nathan Lane has appeared on Broadway in 26 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 several prestigious awards throughout his career. He received the Best Featured Actor in a Play at the BroadwayWorld Awards, Drama Desk Awards, and Outer Critics Circle Awards for his role in Angels in America. Additionally, he was honored with the Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play at the Tony Awards for the same production. He was awarded the Distinguished Achievement in Musical Theatre by the Drama League Awards, along with Best Actor in a Musical at the Olivier Awards for The Producers. For his performance in The Producers, he also garnered Outstanding Actor - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards and Outstanding Actor in a Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, as well as Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards. Lane received Outstanding Actor - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards and Best Actor - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, where he also won the Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical at the Tony Awards. His accolades continue with Outstanding Featured Actor - Play at the Drama Desk Awards for Love! Valour! Compassion!, as well as Best Actor - Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same production. Moreover, he was recognized for Outstanding Actor - Musical at the Drama Desk Awards for Guys and Dolls and sustained excellence of performance at the Obie Awards. He also received Best Actor - Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Guys and Dolls and Outstanding Lead Actor at 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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