Born on August 16, 1945 in Chicago Illinois, Robert Balaban didn't establish himself on the silver screen until the latter years of the twentieth century.

It wasn't until Bob attended Colgate University and N.Y.U. that Balaban's real love for acting started to develop. Like most actors, Balaban started his career on the stages of Broadway in the late sixties.

In 1969 Balaban made his silver screen debut in "Midnight Cowboy", starring opposite Jon Voight. Throughout the seventies Balaban continued his focus in theater and TV and landed his infamous role in the series "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" in 1978.

Once established as an actor, Balaban slowly edged his way off the screen, transcending from reliable character to ambitious director. Balaban's first breakthrough job was with the 1984 TV series "Tales from the Dark Side". The following year Balaban also directed another successful series simply titled, "Amazing Stories".

It wasn't until 1989 that Balaban took a stab at the big screen with his debut of the much-debated black comedy film, "Parents". His other notable silver screen contributions, 1993's "My Boyfriend's Back", and 1994's "The Last Good Time", were more widely accepted.

Balaban has since returned to acting, particularly in TV where has starred as a memorable character in "Seinfeld". But his performance in 2000's "Best in Show" proved that Robert Balaban has what it takes to make his mark no matter what medium he chooses; subtle comedic lines with an equally amusing persona. In fact, his trademark style is that of the quirky intelligent types.

Bob Balaban's film credits include:

No Reservations (2007)
Dedication (2007)
For Your Consideration (2006)
Lady in the Water (2006)
Trust the Man (2005)
Capote (2005)
Scene Stealers (2004)
The Majestic (2001)
Best In Show (2000)
Three to Tango (1999)
Cradle Will Rock (1999)
Clock Watchers (1997)
City Slickers II (1994)
ALTERED STATES (1980)
CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977)
CATCH-22 (1970)
MIDNIGHT COWBOY (1969)

Bob Balaban in ABSENCE OF MALICE (1981)

Bob Balaban in CAPOTE (2005)

Bob Balaban in LADY IN THE WATER (2006)