Stephen Tobolowsky

Born:May 30, 1951

Place of Birth:Dallas, Texas, USA

Known For:Acting

Biography

Stephen Tobolowsky, an American character actor with a career spanning decades, has left an indelible mark on both film and television. Born on May 30, 1951, in Dallas, Texas, Tobolowsky's journey into the world of entertainment was not a conventional one. Initially studying geology at Southern Methodist University, his passion for the arts was ignited when he landed a role in a production of "The Crucible," leading him to pursue a degree in drama from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

In the early 1980s, Tobolowsky made his foray into acting, gracing the silver screen with his presence in films like The Philadelphia Experiment (1984) and Spaceballs (1987). However, it was his role as the lovable yet persistent insurance agent Ned Ryerson in the iconic comedy Groundhog Day (1993) that catapulted him to widespread recognition. His portrayal of Ned Ryerson remains a fan favorite and solidified his status as a versatile character actor.

Throughout his illustrious career, Tobolowsky has showcased his talent in a myriad of roles, ranging from the enigmatic Sammy Jankis in Memento (2000) to the conniving Commissioner Hugo Jarry in Deadwood (2004-2006). His versatility is further exemplified by his portrayals of characters like Stu Beggs in Californication (2007-2014) and the formidable "Action" Jack Barker in Silicon Valley (2014-2019), cementing his reputation as a sought-after actor in both film and television.

Beyond his on-screen accomplishments, Tobolowsky is a multifaceted artist. In addition to acting, he is a prolific writer and podcaster, showcasing his storytelling prowess in projects like The Dangerous Animals Club (2012) and The Tobolowsky Files (2017). His eponymous podcast, The Tobolowsky Files, offers listeners a glimpse into his captivating anecdotes and experiences, further highlighting his innate ability to engage and entertain audiences across various mediums.

With a career marked by memorable performances and a genuine passion for storytelling, Stephen Tobolowsky continues to captivate audiences with his unparalleled talent and unwavering dedication to his craft. His contributions to the entertainment industry have solidified his legacy as a revered character actor whose presence enriches every project he is a part of, making him a beloved figure in Hollywood and beyond.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Memento

Sammy

2000

Leonard Shelby is tracking down the man who raped and murdered his wife. The difficulty of locating his wife's killer, however, is compounded by the fact that he suffers from a rare, untreatable form of short-term memory loss. Although he can recall details of life before his accident, Leonard cannot remember what happened fifteen minutes ago, where he's going, or why.

The Lorax

Uncle Ubb (voice)

2012

A 12-year-old boy searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.

Basic Instinct

Dr. Lamott

1992

Catherine, a novelist with an insatiable sexual appetite, becomes a prime suspect when her boyfriend is brutally murdered -- a crime she had described in her latest story.

Spaceballs

Captain of the Guard

1987

When the nefarious Dark Helmet hatches a plan to snatch Princess Vespa and steal her planet's air, space-bum-for-hire Lone Starr and his clueless sidekick fly to the rescue. Along the way, they meet Yogurt, who puts Lone Starr wise to the power of "The Schwartz." Can he master it in time to save the day?

Robots

Bigmouth Executive / Forge (voice)

2005

Rodney Copperbottom is a young robot inventor who dreams of making the world a better place, until the evil Ratchet takes over Bigweld Industries. Now, Rodney's dreams – and those of his friends – are in danger of becoming obsolete.

Sneakers

Dr. Werner Brandes

1992

When shadowy U.S. intelligence agents blackmail a reformed computer hacker and his eccentric team of security experts into stealing a code-breaking 'black box' from a Soviet-funded genius, they uncover a bigger conspiracy. Now, he and his 'sneakers' must save themselves and the world economy by retrieving the box from their blackmailers.

Garfield

Happy Chapman

2004

Garfield, the fat, lazy, lasagna lover, has everything a cat could want. But when Jon, in an effort to impress the Liz - the vet and an old high-school crush - adopts a dog named Odie and brings him home, Garfield gets the one thing he doesn't want. Competition.

Fractured

Dr. Berthram

2019

Driving cross-country, Ray and his wife and daughter stop at a highway rest area where his daughter falls and breaks her arm. After a frantic rush to the hospital and a clash with the check-in nurse, Ray is finally able to get her to a doctor. While the wife and daughter go downstairs for an MRI, Ray, exhausted, passes out in a chair in the lobby. Upon waking up, they have no record or knowledge of Ray's family ever being checked in.

Thelma & Louise

Max

1991

Taking a break from their dreary lives, close friends Thelma and Louise embark on a short weekend trip that ends in unforeseen incriminating circumstances. As fugitives, both women rediscover the strength of their bond and their newfound resilience.

Freaky Friday

Mr. Bates

2003

Mother and daughter bicker over everything -- what Anna wears, whom she likes and what she wants to do when she's older. In turn, Anna detests Tess's fiancé. When a magical fortune cookie switches their personalities, they each get a peek at how the other person feels, thinks and lives.

Groundhog Day

Ned Ryerson

1993

A narcissistic TV weatherman, along with his attractive-but-distant producer, and his mawkish cameraman, is sent to report on Groundhog Day in the small town of Punxsutawney, where he finds himself repeating the same day over and over.

The Time Traveler's Wife

Dr. Kendrick

2009

Due to a genetic disorder, handsome librarian Henry DeTamble involuntarily zips through time, appearing at various moments in the life of his true love, the beautiful artist Clare Abshire.

Buried

Alan Davenport (voice)

2010

Paul is a U.S. truck driver working in Iraq. After an attack by a group of Iraqis he wakes to find he is buried alive inside a coffin. With only a lighter and a cell phone it's a race against time to escape this claustrophobic death trap.

Mr. Peabody & Sherman

Principal Purdy (voice)

2014

A young boy and his dog, who happens to have a genius-level IQ, spring into action when their time-machine is stolen and moments in history begin to be changed.

Wild Hogs

Charley

2007

Restless and ready for an adventure, four suburban bikers leave the safety of their subdivision and head out on the open road. But complications ensue when they cross paths with an intimidating band of New Mexico bikers known as the Del Fuegos.

The Insider

Eric Kluster

1999

A research chemist comes under personal and professional attack when he decides to appear in a 60 Minutes exposé on Big Tobacco.

Candy Cane Lane

Mr. Benedetto (uncredited)

2023

A man, determined to win the neighborhood's annual Christmas decorating contest, makes a pact with an elf to help him win. However, the elf casts a spell bringing the twelve days of Christmas to life, bringing chaos to the small, unsuspecting town.

Failure to Launch

Bud

2006

At 35, Tripp has an interesting job, a hip car, a passion for sailing, an active dating life, and a great house - trouble is, he still lives with his parents, Al and Sue, who are not happy about it. Al and Sue are fascinated when friends whose adult son has recently moved away from home reveal they hired an expert to help. In desperation to push Tripp out of the nest once and for all, Al and Sue hatch a plan to hire Paula, an "interventionist," who has a formula in these cases.

Mississippi Burning

Townley

1988

Two FBI agents investigating the murder of civil rights workers during the 60s seek to breach the conspiracy of silence in a small Southern town where segregation divides black and white. The younger agent trained in FBI school runs up against the small town ways of his partner, a former sheriff.

National Security

Billy Narthax

2003

Earl Montgomery, a bombastic police academy reject, and Hank Rafferty, a disgraced, mild-mannered cop, can't seem to escape each other. They met on opposite sides of the law during a routine traffic stop that escalated out of control; now as lowly security guards they're thrown together to bust a smuggling operation.

Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous

Tom Abernathy

2005

After her triumph at the Miss United States pageant, FBI agent Gracie Hart becomes an overnight sensation -- and the new "face of the FBI". But it's time to spring into action again when the pageant's winner, Cheryl, and emcee, Stan, are abducted.

Bird on a Wire

Joe Weyburn

1990

An FBI informant has kept his new identity secret for 15 years. Now an old flame has recognised him, and the bad guys are back for revenge.

Single White Female

Mitch Myerson

1992

Attractive Manhattanite Allison Jones has it all: a handsome beau, a rent-controlled apartment, and a promising career as a fashion designer. When boyfriend Sam proves unfaithful, Allison strikes out on her own but must use the classifieds to seek out a roommate in order to keep her spacious digs.

Hero

Wallace

1992

Bernie Laplante is having a rough time. He's divorced, his ex-wife hates him and has custody of their son, the cops are setting a trap for him, then to top it all, he loses a shoe whilst rescuing passengers of a crashed jet. Being a thief who is down on his luck, Bernie takes advantage of the crash, but then someone else claims credit for the rescue.

Poolman

Stephen Toronkowski / Blanche

2024

Darren Barrenman, an unwavering optimist and native Angeleno, spends his days looking after the pool of the Tahitian Tiki apartment block and fighting to make his hometown a better place to live.

Mr. Magoo

Agent FBI Chuck Stupak

1997

Mr. Magoo, a man with terrible eyesight, gets caught up in a museum robbery.

The Philadelphia Experiment

Barney

1984

Based on an "actual event" that took place in 1943. About a US Navy Destroyer Escort that disappeared from the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, and sent two men 40 years into the future to 1984.

Freddy Got Fingered

Uncle Neil

2001

Unemployed cartoonist Gord Brody moves back in with his parents Jim and Julie and younger brother Freddy. When his parents demand he leave, he retaliates by spreading rumors that Jim is sexually abusing Freddy.

Murder in the First

Mr. Henkin

1995

A young, inexperienced public defender is assigned to defend an inmate accused of committing murder while behind bars.

Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco

Bando (voice)

1996

When the pets accidentally get separated from their vacationing owners, Chance, Shadow, and Sassy navigate the mean streets of San Francisco, trying to find their home across the Golden Gate Bridge. But the road is blocked by a series of hazards, both man and beast.

Wedlock

Warden Holliday

1991

A male prison escapee heads for his hidden loot, electronically attached to a female prisoner.

Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!

George Ruddy

2004

A small-town girl wins a date with a Hollywood star through a contest. When the date goes better than expected, a love triangle forms between the girl, the celebrity, and the girl's best friend.

Memoirs of an Invisible Man

Warren Singleton

1992

After a freak accident, an invisible yuppie runs for his life from a treacherous CIA official while trying to cope with his new life.

Romeo Is Bleeding

District Attorney (uncredited)

1993

A corrupt cop gets in over his head when he tries to assassinate a beautiful Russian hit-woman.

View from the Top

Frank Thomas (uncredited)

2003

No one thought Donna would go very far. But when she sets her sights on becoming a first-class international flight attendant, Donna throws caution to the wind and takes off in pursuit of her dream. The ride is anything but smooth, however, and Donna's laugh-packed journey of a lifetime is rocked by more turbulence than she bargained for.

The Grifters

Jeweler

1990

A small-time conman has his loyalties torn between his estranged mother and his new girlfriend, both of whom are high-stakes grifters with their own angles to play.

Great Balls of Fire!

Jud Phillips

1989

The story of Jerry Lee Lewis, arguably the greatest and certainly one of the wildest musicians of the 1950s. His arrogance, remarkable talent, and unconventional lifestyle often brought him into conflict with others in the industry, and even earned him the scorn and condemnation of the public.

The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars

Calculator (voice)

1998

Based on the book by Thomas M. Disch and intended as the third film in the series, this sequel was finished and released prior to 'The Brave Little Toaster To The Rescue'. Whilst trying to protect their new "Little Master" the anthropomorphic appliances set off on an epic adventure and make many new friends along the way.

Atlas Shrugged: Part III

Dr. Hugh Akston

2014

In a post-apocalyptic America, the iron fist of the totalitarian government seeks to crush one mysterious man named John Galt, who has the power and influence to change everything...

The Spooky Tale of Captain Underpants: Hack-a-ween

Creepy Rattlechains (voice)

2019

When Melvin tries to cancel Halloween, clever best friends Harold and George create their own spooky holiday -- and it's a huge success!

The Sasquatch Gang

Dalrymple

2006

Young fantasy and science fiction aficionado Gavin Gore and his friends stumble onto some huge footprints in the woods. A local cop, reporter, and a renowned Sasquatch authority investigate, while two of Gavin's dim-witted neighbors hatch a scheme to profit from the situation.