Mandel Bruce Patinkin entered the world in 1952 in Chicago, Illinois. Raised within a tradition of Conservative Judaism, he spent his youth attending religious school and singing in synagogue choirs before pursuing a career that spanned Broadway stages, television dramas, and motion pictures. He remains active in the entertainment industry as an actor, director, singer, and screenwriter.
Theatrical Foundations
Patinkin’s stage career began in 1975 with the revival of Trelawny of the Wells at The Public Theater. Shortly thereafter, he appeared in a Broadway revival of Hamlet. His breakthrough arrived in 1979 as Che in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita, a role that secured him a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. He continued his work in musical theatre by collaborating with Stephen Sondheim, notably in Sunday in the Park with George, and appearing in the original casts of The Secret Garden and The Wild Party.
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His film work features roles in Rob Reiner’s The Princess Bride as Inigo Montoya and Barbra Streisand’s Yentl, where he played Avigdor. The latter performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination. His television career is marked by long-term roles in Chicago Hope, Criminal Minds, and Homeland. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 1995 for his portrayal of Dr. Jeffrey Geiger.
Education and Background
The son of Doris Lee and Lester Don Patinkin, he grew up in an upper-middle-class environment. He attended several Chicago-area institutions, including South Shore High School and Kenwood Academy, graduating in 1970. He subsequently studied at the University of Kansas and the Juilliard School. His family history reflects a lineage of Polish immigrants, and his father managed two metal factories in the Chicago region.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Chicago
- Citizenship: United States
- Education: University of Kansas, Juilliard School
- Primetime Emmy Award winner: 1995
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star: 2018
- Occupations: Screenwriter, actor, singer, director
Questions readers ask
What is Mandy Patinkin's primary profession?
He is an American actor, singer, director, and screenwriter who has worked extensively in theatre, film, and television.
Which major awards has he received?
He won a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in Chicago Hope in 1995 and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018.
Achievements
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series — 1995
- Educated at Juilliard School and University of Kansas
- Worked as singer, director and screenwriter
