Charles Grodin

Easton Press Charles Grodin books

How I Got To Be Whoever It Is I Am - Signed First Edition - 2009

Actor Charles Grodin

Charles Grodin, born on April 21, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was an American actor, comedian, author, and talk show host. He enjoyed a versatile career in the entertainment industry, leaving an indelible mark with his distinctive style and talent. Grodin began his career in acting in the 1950s, making his Broadway debut in the play Tchin-Tchin in 1962. His early work in films included roles in movies such as Rosemary's Baby (1968) and Catch-22 (1970). However, it was in the 1970s that Grodin gained wider recognition for his performances in comedies like The Heartbreak Kid (1972), directed by Elaine May, and Heaven Can Wait (1978). One of Charles Grodin's most memorable roles came in the form of his deadpan performance in Midnight Run (1988), a buddy action-comedy film in which he starred alongside Robert De Niro. Grodin played the character of Jonathan Mardukas, an embezzler on the run, and his chemistry with De Niro contributed significantly to the film's success.

In addition to his work in film, Grodin was a familiar face on television. He hosted his own talk show, "The Charles Grodin Show," during the 1995-1996 season. Known for his straightforward and dry humor, Grodin's talk show allowed him to showcase his wit and interviewing skills. Beyond acting, Grodin was an accomplished author, having written several books. His works included both fiction and non-fiction, with topics ranging from politics to his experiences in the entertainment industry.

Charles Grodin's career also extended to the stage, with occasional returns to Broadway and regional theater. His contributions to the arts earned him respect and admiration within the industry. Charles Grodin passed away on May 18, 2021, at the age of 86. His legacy endures through his body of work, marked by a unique comedic style and a career that spanned decades, leaving an impact on both film and television.

How I Got to Be Whoever It Is I Am

In his candid and engaging new book How I Got to Be Whoever It Is I Am, successful actor, author, and activist, Charles Grodin, looks back at the major events and private moments that have shaped his life. And, since Grodin is one of the best storytellers around, he can't help but entertain while offering insight gained from a wealth of experience.

The combination of being impeached as class president by his fifth grade teacher (and then winning many school elections thereafter) with being thrown out of Hebrew School for asking too many questions (only to find a much better teacher as a result) informed Grodin's view of himself and made him adept at dealing with rejection an important skill for an actor. Grodin's success in plays in high school and adventures in college theater led him to a career in acting, studying with the great teachers like Uta Hagen and Lee Strasberg.

Grodin shares behind-the-scenes tales of working on plays like Same Time Next Year and movies like The Heartbreak Kid and Midnight Run even how close he came to playing the lead in The Graduate. His stories feature the many actors, directors, writers, and producers, with whom he's worked, such as Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Johnny Carson, Orson Welles, Warren Beatty, and other colorful characters.

Grodin's greatest work isn't limited to stage and screen, however. He has been an award winning talk show host and commentator on Sixty Minutes II , and he reveals insights about the political and personal side of journalism and some of the larger than life characters he's interviewed.

Still, it is the personal aspects of Grodin's life that are truly revealing and funny. He shares intimate anecdotes of humorous dating experiences during the carefree 70s along with stories of what it was like to be a young actor then with friends and colleagues like Robert Redford, Gene Wilder, and Dustin Hoffman.

But it is Grodin's tales of the lives he's helped save with his relentless advocacy work that make you realize what a great guy Charles Grodin really is. We are lucky that the nice guy his friends call, "Chuck" brings us along to share a little of his journey of how he got to be who he really is!