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Sam Waterston

Birth Place: Cambridge, MA, USA

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BIO

Samuel Atkinson Waterston is an American actor. Waterston is known for his work in theater, television, and film. He has received numerous accolades including a Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award as well as nominations for an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and a BAFTA Award.

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STAGE CREDITS

The Tempest The Tempest
[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare in the Park Production, 2015
Prospero
King Lear King Lear
[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater Production, 2011
King Lear
Hamlet
[Off-Broadway]
2008
Polonius
Much Ado About Nothing
[Off-Broadway]
Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park, 2004
Leonato
Abe Lincoln in Illinois
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 1993
Abe Lincoln
Love Letters
[Off-Broadway]
1989
Andrew Makepeace Ladd III [Replacement]
A Walk in the Woods
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1988
John Honeyman
Benefactors
[Broadway]
1985
David
Three Sisters
[Off-Broadway]
1982
Alexander Ignatevich Vershinin
Gardenia
[Off-Broadway]
1982
Joshua Hickman
Lunch Hour
[Broadway]
1980
Oliver
Chez Nous
[Off-Broadway]
1977
Phil
Measure for Measure
[Off-Broadway]
1976
Vincentio
Hamlet
[Broadway]
1975
Hamlet
Hamlet
[Off-Broadway]
1975
Hamlet/ Ghost
A Doll's House
[Broadway]
1975
Torvald Helmer
The Tempest
[Off-Broadway]
1974
Prospero
Much Ado About Nothing
[Broadway]
1972
Signior Benedick of Padua
Much Ado About Nothing
[Off-Broadway]
1972
Benedick
Hamlet
[Off-Broadway]
1972
Laertes
The Tale of Cymbeline
[Off-Broadway]
1971
Cloten
The Trial of the Catonsville Nine
[Broadway]
1971
Thomas Lewis
Hay Fever
[Broadway]
1970
Simon Bliss
Indians
[Broadway]
1969
John Grass
Spitting Image
[Off-Broadway]
1969
Gary Rogers
Henry IV Part 2
[Off-Broadway]
1968
Prince Hal
Henry IV Part 1
[Off-Broadway]
1968
Prince Hal
Muzeeka/ Red Cross
[Off-Broadway]
1968
Jack Argue (Muzeeka)
Jim (Red Cross)
Ergo
[Off-Broadway]
1968
Aslan
Halfway Up the Tree
[Broadway]
1967
Performer
Posterity for Sale
[Off-Broadway]
1967
Aburbio
La Turista
[Off-Broadway]
1967
Kent
Fitz/ Biscuit
[Off-Broadway]
1966
Woodfin (Fitz)
The Knack
[Off-Broadway]
1964
Colin [Replacement]
Thistle in My Bed
[Off-Broadway]
1963
Wessy

Movies

The Plastic Dome of Norma Jean
[ 1966 ] Andy
Fitzwilly
[ 1967 ] Oliver
Generation
[ 1969 ] Desmond
Three
[ 1969 ] Taylor
Cover Me Babe
[ 1970 ] Cameraman
Who Killed Mary Whats'ername?
[ 1971 ] Alex Monte
Mahoney's Estate
[ 1972 ] Felix
Savages
[ 1972 ] James, the Limping Man
The Great Gatsby
[ 1974 ] Nick Carraway
Rancho Deluxe
[ 1975 ] Cecil Colson
Journey Into Fear
[ 1975 ] Mr. Graham
Sweet Revenge
[ 1976 ] Le Clerq
Capricorn One
[ 1977 ] Peter Willis
Interiors
[ 1978 ] Mike
Eagle's Wing
[ 1979 ] White Bull
Heaven's Gate
[ 1980 ] Frank Canton
Hopscotch
[ 1980 ] Joe Cutter
Sweet William
[ 1980 ] William McClusky
The Killing Fields
[ 1984 ] Sydney Schanberg
Warning Sign
[ 1985 ] Cal Morse
Just Between Friends
[ 1986 ] Harry Crandall
Flagrant désir
[ 1986 ] Inspecteur Gerry Morrison
Devil's Paradise
[ 1987 ] Jones
September
[ 1987 ] Peter
Crimes and Misdemeanors
[ 1989 ] Ben
Welcome Home
[ 1989 ] Woody
Mindwalk
[ 1990 ] Jack Edwards
A Captive in the Land
[ 1990 ] Royce
The Man in the Moon
[ 1991 ] Matthew Trant
Serial Mom
[ 1994 ] Dad
Nixon
[ 1995 ] CIA Director Richard Helms
The Journey of August King
[ 1995 ] Mooney Wright
The Proprietor
[ 1996 ] Harry Bancroft
Shadow Conspiracy
[ 1997 ] The President
The Divorce
[ 2003 ] Chester Walker
The Commission
[ 2003 ] J. Lee Rankin
Please Be Normal
[ 2014 ] Dad
Anesthesia
[ 2015 ] Walter Zarrow
Miss Sloane
[ 2016 ] George Dupont
On the Basis of Sex
[ 2018 ] Erwin Griswold
The Man in the Woods
[ 2020 ] Headmter Waldorf
The Six Triple Eight
[ 2024 ] President Roosevelt

TV Shows

Grace and Frankie
Sol Bergstein
Homicide: Life on the Street
EADA Jack McCoy
I'll Fly Away
Forrest Bedford
Law & Order
John James 'Jack' McCoy
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
John James 'Jack' McCoy
The Newsroom
Charlie Skinner
Law & Order
[ 1994-2024 ] DA Jack McCoyInterim

Awards and Nominations


winner
Drama League Awards - 1994 - Distinguished Performance Award

Sam Waterston, Abe Lincoln in Illinois


winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 1994 - Best Actor - Play

Sam Waterston, Abe Lincoln in Illinois

Tony Awards - 1994 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play

Sam Waterston , Abe Lincoln in Illinois

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Actor - Play

Sam Waterston, Abe Lincoln in Illinois


winner
Drama Desk Awards - 1973 - Outstanding Performance

Sam Waterston, Much Ado About Nothing


winner
Obie Awards - 1973 - Distinguished Performances

Sam Waterston, Much Ado About Nothing

Videos

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News


ADOPT A SAILOR -- 50 STATE TOUR Makes Final Stop In Charlottesville Photo
ADOPT A SAILOR -- 50 STATE TOUR Makes Final Stop In Charlottesville
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 3, 2025

Award winning playwright Charles Evered’s play “Adopt a Sailor” has been on a nationwide tour since 2018 to garner support for the Evered House, the playwright’s non-profit that supports creative military members and others who serve. 
John Douglas Thompson To Be Honored At Red Bull Theater Benefit Photo
John Douglas Thompson To Be Honored At Red Bull Theater Benefit
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 15, 2025

Red Bull Theater has announced that John Douglas Thompson will be presented with the Matador Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Classical Theater at the Running of the Red Bulls Gala Benefit.
Photos: Kerry Washington, Bradley Cooper, & More Attend THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT NYC Scre Photo
Photos: Kerry Washington, Bradley Cooper, & More Attend THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT NYC Screening
by Josh Sharpe - Dec 18, 2024

On December 16th, the cast and crew of Netflix's hit film The Six Triple Eight attended a New York Tastemaker event at the Crosby Hotel. The event featured Kerry Washington, Tyler Perry, Bradley Cooper, Jerry Seinfeld, Gayle King, Katie Couric and more in attendance. Take a look at photos here!
Video: THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT New Trailer with Kerry Washington Photo
Video: THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT New Trailer with Kerry Washington
by Josh Sharpe - Nov 25, 2024

Netflix has released a new trailer for Tyler Perry's The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington. The movie will hit the streamer on December 20, following a small theatrical release on December 6. Watch the trailer now.
Actor-Director Nesbitt Blaisdell Has Passed Away Photo
Actor-Director Nesbitt Blaisdell Has Passed Away
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 31, 2024

Nesbitt Blaisdell, a lifelong actor and director, passed away at 95. Known for his work with the Anna Sokolow Dance Troupe and teaching theater, he had a rich career in both acting and education.
A CASE FOR LOVE Documentary Now Available to Stream Photo
A CASE FOR LOVE Documentary Now Available to Stream
by Josh Sharpe - Oct 1, 2024

Grace-Based Films' documentary A CASE FOR LOVE, directed by Brian Ide, debuts on major TVOD platforms in the US and Canada. The film, inspired by Bishop Michael B. Curry, explores unselfish love as a solution to societal division.
A CASE FOR LOVE Documentary Set to Debut on Digital in October Photo
A CASE FOR LOVE Documentary Set to Debut on Digital in October
by Josh Sharpe - Sep 10, 2024

Grace-Based Films announced the debut of the documentary A CASE FOR LOVE on major TVOD platforms in the US and Canada on October 1st. The film, inspired by Bishop Michael B. Curry, explores unselfish love amidst societal division.
SACRED RIGHTS, SACRED SONG, A SERVICE FOR THE SACRED CENTER Makes Off Broadway Debut Photo
SACRED RIGHTS, SACRED SONG, A SERVICE FOR THE SACRED CENTER Makes Off Broadway Debut
by Stephi Wild - Sep 3, 2024

Mourning Doves Rising in association with Amas Musical Theater, Donna Trinkoff Artistic Producer, Jonathan S. Cerullo / JSCTheatricals and Sharon Litwinoff will present Sacred Rights, Sacred Song, A Service for the Sacred Center on Wednesday September 11 and Sunday September 22 at 7:00 pm.
Video/Photos: First Look at Kerry Washington in THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT Photo
Video/Photos: First Look at Kerry Washington in THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 28, 2024

Netflix has released a new teaser and first-look images for Tyler Perry's The Six Triple Eight, starring Kerry Washington. The movie will hit the streamer on December 20, following a small theatrical release on December 6.
SNL Stars on the Broadway Stage Photo
SNL Stars on the Broadway Stage
by Stephi Wild - Jul 27, 2024

Ana Gasteyer is not the only Saturday Night Live alum to have flexed her acting muscles on the Broadway stage. BroadwayWorld is rounding up your favorite SNL stars who are also Broadway stars. Check out our list here!
THE BEAR, ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, & More Receive 2024 Astra TV Awards Nominatio Photo
THE BEAR, ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING, & More Receive 2024 Astra TV Awards Nominations; See the Full List
by Josh Sharpe - Jul 9, 2024

With 15 nominations, FX’s The Bear was the most nominated series this year, followed by Max’s Hacks and Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building with 13 each. ABC’s Abbott Elementary and CBS’s Ghosts are tied for third place, with 11 nominations each.
Peter Van Norden to Receive the Actors' Equity Foundation's Michael McCarty Recogniti Photo
Peter Van Norden to Receive the Actors' Equity Foundation's Michael McCarty Recognition Award
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 29, 2024

The Actors’ Equity Foundation will bestow its 2024 Michael McCarty Recognition Award to actor Peter Van Norden. Learn more about Van Norden and about the award.
Interview: Lee Blessing And Joe Bishara of A WALK IN THE WOODS at Abbey Theatre Of Du Photo
Interview: Lee Blessing And Joe Bishara of A WALK IN THE WOODS at Abbey Theatre Of Dublin
by Paul Batterson - Apr 18, 2024

“I wish A WALK IN THE WOODS did not feel as timely now as it did when it was originally produced. … This play illuminates the importance for each of us as citizens of the world to understand that there are many layers to foreign politics/relations.” Joe Bishara
Fountain Theatre Co-Founding Artistic Director Stephen Sachs Will Retire Photo
Fountain Theatre Co-Founding Artistic Director Stephen Sachs Will Retire
by Stephi Wild - Feb 20, 2024

After 34 years as artistic director, Fountain Theatre co-founder Stephen Sachs has announced his retirement at the end of 2024.
Photos: Inside the 2023 Manhattan Theatre Club Fall Benefit With Christine Baranski, Photo
Photos: Inside the 2023 Manhattan Theatre Club Fall Benefit With Christine Baranski, Nathan Lane, Sarah Jessica Parker, and More!
by Bruce Glikas - Nov 15, 2023

Manhattan Theatre Club hosted its 2023 Fall Benefit on Monday, November 13. The evening began at MTC’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street) with an advance screening of the new film ALL ARTS Docs: Manhattan Theatre Club, a Home for Artists ahead of its November 21 premiere on ALL ARTS.
ALL ARTS DOCS: MANHATTAN THEATRE CLUB, A HOME FOR ARTISTS Lifts The Curtain On Histor Photo
ALL ARTS DOCS: MANHATTAN THEATRE CLUB, A HOME FOR ARTISTS Lifts The Curtain On History And Influence Of Iconic Theater
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 8, 2023

Celeb Studded ‘ALL ARTS Docs: Manhattan Theatre Club, a Home for Artists’ explores the history and influence of the iconic theater. Featuring interviews with Sarah Jessica Parker, Christine Baranski, and more. Premieres on November 21 at 9pm ET on ALL ARTS.
Jesse Tyler Ferguson Attends MODERN FAMILY Daughter Aubrey Anderson-Emmons's School P Photo
Jesse Tyler Ferguson Attends MODERN FAMILY Daughter Aubrey Anderson-Emmons's School Play
by Blair Ingenthron - Nov 6, 2023

We've got pictures as Jesse Tyler Ferguson reunited with his Modern Family TV daughter Aubrey Anderson-Emmon when he attended her high school production of The Burn last week.
Video: Go Behind the Scenes at Manhattan Theatre Club in New ALL ARTS Film This Month Photo
Video: Go Behind the Scenes at Manhattan Theatre Club in New ALL ARTS Film This Month
by Team BWW - Nov 1, 2023

Debuting on ALL ARTS on Tuesday, November 21 at 9 p.m., the hour-long “ALL ARTS Docs: Manhattan Theatre Club, a Home for Artists” traces the nonprofit Manhattan Theatre Club‘s storied 50-year history under the leadership of its artistic director Lynne Meadow and executive producer Barry Grove, Check out a sneak peek in this video!
Christine Baranski, Nathan Lane & Sarah Jessica Parker to Appear at Manhattan Theatre Photo
Christine Baranski, Nathan Lane & Sarah Jessica Parker to Appear at Manhattan Theatre Club 2023 Fall Benefit
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 26, 2023

Manhattan Theatre Club will present its 2023 Fall Benefit on Monday, November 13. See who is attending and learn how to purchase tickets!
Red Bull Theater to Continue Revelation Readings With THE INN AT LYDDA Photo
Red Bull Theater to Continue Revelation Readings With THE INN AT LYDDA
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 17, 2023

RED BULL THEATER will present THE INN AT LYDDA featuring Amir Arison, Alfredo Narciso, Jay O. Sanders, and more in their Revelation Readings series.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Sam Waterston been in?

Sam Waterston has appeared on Broadway in 12 shows.

How many West End shows has Sam Waterston been in?

Sam Waterston has not appeared in the West End.

What awards has Sam Waterston been nominated for?

Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for Abe Lincoln in Illinois, Best Actor - Play (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Abe Lincoln in Illinois, Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (Tony Awards) for Abe Lincoln in Illinois, Outstanding Actor - Play (Drama Desk Awards) for Abe Lincoln in Illinois, Outstanding Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for Much Ado About Nothing and Distinguished Performances (Obie Awards) for Much Ado About Nothing.

What awards has Sam Waterston won?

Sam Waterston has received several awards during his career, including the Distinguished Performance Award from the Drama League Awards for "Abe Lincoln in Illinois." He also won the Best Actor in a Play at the Outer Critics Circle Awards for the same production. Additionally, he earned an Outstanding Performance award from the Drama Desk Awards for "Much Ado About Nothing" and received the Distinguished Performances award from the Obie Awards for his role in "Much Ado About Nothing."

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