Stuart Pankin

Stuart Pankin
Born (1946-04-08) April 8, 1946 (age 78)[1]
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Alma materColumbia University
OccupationActor
Years active1968–present
Spouse
Joy Pankin
​
(m. 1974)​
Children1

Stuart Pankin (born April 8, 1946)[1] is an American actor. He is known for his role as anchor Bob Charles in Not Necessarily the News and as the voice of Earl Sinclair in Dinosaurs. Stuart is also known for his portrayal of Commander Edward Plank in the Zenon trilogy films, and Orthodox Jew Ben Heineman in Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as making many guest appearances in many television shows and for lending his voice to various animated shows and films. Among his approximately three dozen films was Hollywood Knights. He also appeared in Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves and Arachnophobia and as Jimmy in Fatal Attraction.

Early life and education

Pankin was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 8, 1946.[1] He attended Dickinson College, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, and Columbia University.[2]

Career

Early in his career, Pankin frequently performed at St. Vincent Summer Theatre and still returns to perform there often.[3][4] Pankin is known for his portrayal as anchor Bob Charles on HBO's Not Necessarily the News, as well for voicing Earl Sinclair in the family sitcom Dinosaurs. He is also known for playing the father Mike Dooley on the short-lived sitcom Nearly Departed.[5] Pankin also played an Orthodox Jew in Curb Your Enthusiasm. Pankin made many guest appearances and lent his voice to animated shows, as well for appearing in numerous television commercials.

One of Pankin's earliest film appearances was as asthmatic musician/magician Dudley Laywicker in Hollywood Knights. Among his approximately three dozen film appearances, he starred in Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, Zenon: The Zequel, and Zenon: Z3 as Commander Plank. He also appeared in Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves, as the brother of Wayne Szalinski, and also co-starred as a bossy, self-important lawman in the horror/comedy Arachnophobia.

Pankin also appeared as an absent-minded professor in a series of edutainment 3D films (Encounter in the Third Dimension and Misadventures in 3D), designed for large-screen IMAX theaters. He has been a spokesman in infomercials, including for the WalkFit Phase 4 Orthotics shoe insert.[citation needed]

Although Pankin is known for comedy roles and game show appearances (e.g., The $100,000 Pyramid), he has sometimes also taken dramatic roles, such as in the thriller Fatal Attraction.

Pankin also appeared on Ken Reid's TV Guidance Counselor Podcast on January 24, 2017.

Personal life

Pankin has been married to actress Joy Pankin since 1974;[2][3][4] together they have a son, Andy.[2][4][1]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
1976 Next Stop, Greenwich Village Man at Party
1979 Scavenger Hunt Duane
1980 The Hollywood Knights Dudley Laywicker
Hangar 18 Sam Tate
1981 Earthbound Sweeney
An Eye for an Eye Nicky LaBelle
1984 Irreconcilable Differences Ronnie
1985 The Dirt Bike Kid Mr. Hodgkins
1987 Fatal Attraction Jimmy
1988 Love at Stake Judge Samuel John
1989 Second Sight Dr. Preston Pickett
1990 Arachnophobia Sheriff Lloyd Parsons
1991 Mannequin Two: On the Move Mr. James
Life Stinks Pritchard
1994 The Silence of the Hams Pete Putrid
Squanto: A Warrior's Tale Brother Timothy
I Love Trouble Society Photographer
Beanstalk The Giant
1995 Congo Boyd
1996 Big Bully Gerry
Napoleon Perenti Lizard, Father Penguin Voice
Striptease Alan Mordecai
1997 Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves Gordon Szalinski Direct-to-video
1999 Encounter in the Third Dimension The Professor, M.A.X. Voice
Baby Huey's Great Easter Adventure Empire Direct-to-video
2000 Aladdin and the Adventures of All Time King Henry VIII Voice, direct-to-video
2001 D4G Stuart Dofman
2002 Now You Know Mr. Victim
2003 Misadventures in 3D The Professor, M.A.X. Short film
2007 An Accidental Christmas Saul
2008 A Woman in the West Dr. Sedgewick Short film
Public Interest Charles Waterford
2009 Dude, Where's My Bar? Moe Green Short film
2011 Hopelessly In June Francaise Flowers
The Artist Director #1
2014 Conjuring Orson Eli Klein Short film
Fat Zombie Dr. Alastair Kruger Short film
2015 The Binding Dr. Plank
2017 I Might Be Famous Pat Wonders
Anywhere, U.S.A. Frank Hanson Short film
2019 American Christmas Jim
2020 Our Almost Completely Story Buster
2021 The Great Family Mikeman Mike Short film
2022 Our Almost Completely Story Buster
TBA Kickback, V Councilman Bottom Pre-production

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1974 Free to Be... You & Me Man in the maternity ward Television film
1977 The San Pedro Bums Stuf Television film
The San Pedro Beach Bums Stuf 10 episodes
1978–1980 Barney Miller Alex Fleischer, Anthony Moreau 2 episodes
1979–1980 B.J. and the Bear Harvey Krepler, Mushroom 2 episodes
1981 House Calls Huggins Episode: "Bombing Out"
CHiPs Louis Episode: "Ponch's Angels"
Benson The Plumber Episode: "Stress"
1982 No Soap, Radio Tuttle 5 episodes
Strike Force Unknown role Episode: "Deadly Chemicals"
The Powers of Matthew Star Bill Chambers Episode: "The Accused"
1982–1984 Matt Houston Farley Ward, Minister 2 episodes
1982–1985 Trapper John, M.D. August Havermeyer 3 episodes
1983–1990 Not Necessarily the News Bob Charles 46 episodes
1984–1987 Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer Counterfeiter, Labbo 2 episodes
1985 Fame Harry Burke Episode: "Wishes"
Three's a Crowd Alex Cummings Episode: "A Star Is Born"
It's a Living Jerry Wilson Episode: "I Write the Songs"
Scarecrow and Mrs. King Teller in red jacket Episode: "Sour Grapes"
1985–1991 Night Court Mr. Shoope, Dr. Adelman, Dr. Charles Melnick 3 episodes
1986–1991 The $100,000 Pyramid Himself 45 episodes
1986 The Golden Girls Jacques De Courville Episode: "Vacation"
1986 Bamboozle Himself
1987 Family Ties Marv Episode: "The Visit"
The New Hollywood Squares Himself 3 episodes
Second Chance Teacher 1 episode
1987–1988 Super Password Himself 20 episodes
1988–1989 Hooperman The Devil, Clyde 2 episodes
1988 Who's the Baby Himself Television film
1988 The 9th Annual CableACE Awards Himself
The 2nd Annual American Comedy Awards
1989 Nearly Departed Mike Dooley 6 episodes
Who's the Boss? Doug Shaffer Episode: "It's Somebody's Birthday"
1989–1990 Falcon Crest Jace Sampson 8 episodes
It's Garry Shandling's Show Lucas Death, Garry's Brain 2 episodes
1990 Stingray Morgan Episode: "That Terrible Swift Sword"
1991–1994 Dinosaurs Earl Sinclair Voice, 65 episodes
1991 Knots Landing Benny Appleman 9 episodes
Charlie Hoover Ed Episode: "Roll One for Ed"
Shannon's Deal Ted McCarthy Episode: "First Amendment"
The Chuck Woolery Show Himself 1 episode
1992 Whoops! Santa Claus Episode: "Say It Ain't So, Santa"
1993 The Commish Mike Amador Episode: "The Set-Up"
Family Matters Honest Bob Episode: "Car Wars"
Bonkers Mammoth Mammoth, Pops Klock Voice, 2 episodes
Class of '96 Barry Episode: "Parents Weekend"
1994 Father and Scout Aaron Television film
Batman: The Animated Series Condiment King Voice, episode: "Make 'Em Laugh"[6]
Adventures in Wonderland Scalawag Jones Episode: "The Color of Wobucks"
Aladdin Sultan Pasta Al-Dente Voice, 3 episodes
1995 Sisters Junior Episode: "A Lullaby to My Father"
Down, Out & Dangerous Calvin Burrows Television film
University Hospital Arnie Nicholson Episode: "Dark Side of the Moon"
1996 Bone Chillers Mr. Batrachian Episode: "Teacher Creature"
Deadly Games Dr. Jerry Abernathy Episode: "Dr. Kramer"
Duckman Additional voices Episode: "Apocalypse Not"
The Mask: Animated Series Buzz Stingman / Stinger Voice, 2 episodes
Quack Pack Green I Monster of Jealousy Voice, episode: "Snow Place to Hide"
1996–1997 Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher Kurt Fust 22 episodes
Life with Louie Flanngan Voice, 2 episodes
1997 Cow and Chicken Chicken Walla, Mailman, Sergeant Voice, episode: "Cow Instincts, Don't It?/Ballerina Cow"[6]
The Angry Beavers Distructo, Mailman Voice, 2 episodes[6]
Aaahh!!! Real Monsters Clancy, News Anchor Voice, episode: "The Great Escape/Beast with Four Eyes"[6]
1998 Ally McBeal Mr. Handy Episode: "They Eat Horses, Don't They?"
Like Father, Like Santa Snipes Television film
Animaniacs Ed Voice, episode: "The Carpool"[6]
Babylon 5: The River of Souls James Riley Television film
Oh Yeah! Cartoons Possum Voice, episode: "Apex Cartoon Props & Novelties"[6]
1998–1999 Hercules Additional voices 3 episodes
1998–2001 Dharma & Greg Mr. Gottlieb, Rabbi Mutchnik 3 episodes
1999–2001 For Your Love Mr. Gerard 5 episodes
1999 Suddenly Susan Andy Bevins Episode: "Wedding Bell Blues"
The Brothers Flub Additional voices 16 episodes
Batman Beyond Key Negotiator Voice, episode: "Meltdown"[6]
Superman: The Animated Series Dr. Cardy Voice, episode: "A Fish Story"[6]
Uncle Gus in: For the Love of Monkeys Uncle Gus Voice, TV short
Mad About You Mr. Brodsky Episode: "Uncle Phil Goes Back to High School"
Walker, Texas Ranger Stanley Chamberlain Episode: "Tall Cotton"
Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century Commander Edward Plank Television film
2000 Phase 4 Himself Television film
Action Bill Rothstein Episode: "The Last Ride of the Elephant Princess"
2001 Malcolm in the Middle Doctor Episode: "Flashback"
Godzilla: The Series Milo Sanders Voice, episode: "Tourist Trap"
Chasing Destiny Mike Ditlow Television film
The Zeta Project Dr. Donald Tannor Voice, 2 episodes[6]
The Hughleys Santa Episode: "I'm Dreaming of a Slight Christmas"
Zenon: The Zequel Commander Edward Plank Television film
2002 Teamo Supremo Joseph Garbaggio / Sloppy Joe Voice, episode: "The Sinister Sloppy Joe!"
2002 As Told by Ginger Mr. Bowers Voice, episode: "New Girl in Town"
2003–2004 That's So Raven Mr. Grozowtski 3 episodes
2004 Higglytown Heroes Bus Driver Hero Voice, episode: "Catch Up with Ketchup/Star Struck"
Walk Fit Himself Television film
Miss Cast Away and the Island Girls Noah Television film
Zenon: Z3 Commander Edward Plank Television film
2005 Lilo & Stitch: The Series Additional voices Episode: "Sample"
Curb Your Enthusiasm Ben Heineman 2 episodes
I Love the 80's 3-D Himself Documentary
2006 Boston Legal Judge Gilbert Potts Episode: "Tick or Treat"
Wagtail Himself
2007 On the Lot Himself Unknown episodes
State of Mind Dr. Shapiro Episode: "Snow Melts"
2008 The Suite Life on Deck Simms Episode: Parrot Island"
2009 Splatter Dr. Bellows Episode: "Where There's a Will"
2011 Shake It Up! Santa Episode: "Jingle It Up"
2012 A Christmas Wedding Date Santa Sam Television film
Desperate Housewives Patrick Episode: "You Take for Granted"
2013 All I Want for Christmas Lewis Television film
2014 Q N' A with Mikki and Shay Himself 1 episode
2015 Girl Meets World Principal Yancy Episode: "Girl Meets the New Teacher"
The Biz Saul TV short
You'll Be Fine Dave Episode: "We've Been Waiting"
2016 Underachievers Principal Hartley TV short
2018 See Ya Morris Episode: "3 F's"
2021 Pilot Season Ron Episode: "Behind the Times"

Video games

Year Title Role
1999 Lands of Lore III Finch Josiah, The Noble

Radio

Year Title Role Notes
2017 Ken Reid's TV Guidance Counselor Podcast Himself / Guest

Web

Year Title Role Notes
2016 Kevin Pollak's Chat Show Himself / Guest Episode: "257"

Theatre

Year Title Role Noted
1968 The War of the Roses —
1971 Mary Stuart Sheriff of Northampton Broadway[7]
1972 Narrow Road to the Deep North One of the Peasants, Soldiers, Tribesmen
Twelfth Night Priest
The Crucible Hopkins
1975 The Glorious Age Performer Off-Broadway[7]

Awards and nominations

Awards and nominations
Year Award Category Title Result
1983 CableACE Awards Best Actor in a Variety Program Not Necessarily The News Nominated
1987 Best Actor in a Comedy or Music Program Nominated
1988 Best Actor in a Comedy Series Won
1989 Best Actor in a Comedy Series Nominated
2006 ERA Awards Best Celebrity Presenter Electronic Retail Association Nominated

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Stuart Pankin Biography (1946-)". www.filmreference.com.
  2. ^ a b c Stuart Pankin Biography - Yahoo! Movies
  3. ^ a b "Stuart Pankin Family to perform in Saint Vincent Theatre production 'Rumors' - Saint Vincent College". Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2011-07-15.
  4. ^ a b c "Stage Preview: Stuart Pankin returns to Saint Vincent for lively 'Lend Me a Tenor'".
  5. ^ Stuart Pankin at IMDb
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Stuart Pankin (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved August 27, 2023. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
  7. ^ a b "Stuart Pankin Theatre Credits, News, Bio and Photos".