← Back to explore

Robert Klein

Acting

Born February 8, 1942 · The Bronx, New York City, New York, USA

Biography

Robert Klein (born February 8, 1942) is an American stand-up comedian, singer, and actor. He is known for his appearances on stage and screen. He has released four standup comedy specials including, A Child of the 50s (1973), Mind Over Matter (1974), New Teeth (1975), and Let's Not Make Love (1990). The first two albums received Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album nominations. Klein hosted Saturday Night Live in its first season in 1975 and again in 1978. Klein made his Broadway debut in the 1966 production of The Apple Tree opposite Alan Alda. He earned a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical nomination for his performance in Neil Simon's musical comedy They're Playing Our Song (1979). He is known for his film roles in The Owl and the Pussycat (1970), Mixed Nuts (1994), One Fine Day (1996), Primary Colors (1998), Two Weeks Notice (2002), How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003), and Reign Over Me (2007). He is also known for his recurring television roles in Law & Order: SVU (2009-2012), The Good Wife (2013-2014), Madam Secretary (2014), Will & Grace (2018-2019). He has received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his specials, Child in his 50's (2001), and Unfair and Unbalanced (2010). He was profiled in the Starz documentary Robert Klein Still Can't Stop His Leg (2016).

Awards & recognition

  • Tony AwardBest Actor in a Musical · 1979 · nominated

Filmography50+ titles

Heartland

2007as Dwayne Trent

Oz

1997as Self (uncredited)

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

1999as Dwight Stannich

Frasier

1993as Gary (voice)

The Good Wife

2009as Lyle Pollard

Hollywood Squares

1998as Self - Panelist

Murder, She Wrote

1984as Barney Drake

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

1962as Self

Law & Order

1990as Rick Mason

The Last Unicorn

1982as The Butterfly (voice)

Reign Over Me

2007as Jonathan Timpleman

Family Ties

1982as Roger "Eggy" Erdman

Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

2012as Self

Monty Python: Live at Aspen

1998as Host

The King of Queens

1998as Bruce Degner

The Mysteries of Laura

as Leo Diamond

Madam Secretary

2014as Lester Clark

Laurel and Hardy: A Tribute to the Boys

1992as Self

Definitely, Maybe

2008as Robert Klein

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

2003as Phillip Warren

Saturday Night Live

1975as Self - Host

The Dick Cavett Show

1968as Self - Guest

The Ed Sullivan Show

1948as Self

Mad About You

1992as Stan Freitus

The History of Comedy

2017as Self

Inside Comedy

2012as Self

Monty Python Conquers America

2008as Self

The Safety of Objects

2001as Howard Gold

One Fine Day

1996as Dr. Martin

Life on Mars

2008as Elliott Casso

Two Weeks Notice

2002as Larry Kelson

Primary Colors

1998as Norman Asher

Jeffrey

1995as Skip Winkley

Hooper

1978as Roger Deal

Before I Go

2021as Jasper

Tales from the Darkside: The Movie

1990as Wyatt (segment ‘Lover’s Vow’)

Le gang

1977

The Owl and the Pussycat

1970as Barney

The Back-up Plan

2010as Dr. Scott Harris

Robert Klein: The Amorous Busboy of Decatur Avenue

2005as Self

Next Stop Wonderland

1998as Arty Lesser

Radioland Murders

1994as Father Writer

Ira & Abby

2006as Seymour Black

I'm with Lucy

2002as Dr. Mort Zalkind

Mixed Nuts

1994as Mr. Lobel

Jimmy Kimmel Live!

2003as Self

People I Know

2002as Dr. Sandy Napier

Gravity

as Father Anthony

Notice to Quit

2024

Demoted

2011as Bob Farrell