Alan Arkin
With Alan Arkin’s multitude of talents, it’s hard to imagine that there’s anything he isn’t good at. Not only has he earned Oscar nominations, but he is also a talented a musician, singer, songwriter, and author.
Alan Wolf Arkin was born on March 26, 1934, in New York City . He knew he wanted to be an actor at the age of five and he began performing in St. Louis after studying at the Los Angeles State College. While he was in St. Louis , a casting director noticed Arkin and asked if he would like to join a comedy troupe he planned to form. Reluctant to move to Chicago, Arkin opted to stay in New York , but one year later he changed his mind. Arkin’s decision allowed him to perform with the now immensely successful The Second City comedy troupe, now better known as SCTV.
In 1966, Alan made his first screen appearance in the Cold War inspired comedy The Russians Are Coming, The Russians are Coming. Nominated for an Academy Award for his performance, he earned the distinction of being one of only five actors to receive this honor after only one role in a film. Another nomination followed only two years later, this time for his appearance in The Heart is a Lonely Hunter.
Throughout his still successful film career, Arkin has appeared in a staggering number and variety of films, proving his aptitude for both comedic and dramatic roles. Some of his more notable films include Edward Scissorhands (starring Johnny Depp), So I Married an Axe Murderer, and The Rocketeer. Arkin, now in his seventies, has two more films slated for release: The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, starring Tim Allen and Martin Short, and the animated comedy Bee Movie, in which he offers his voice along with Jerry Seinfeld and Renee Zellweger.
In addition to acting, Alan also enjoys writing and has achieved some success in the publishing realm. His series of science fiction stories was accepted by Galaxy Magazine and Fantasy and Science Fiction. Arkin is the author of the children’s books The Clearing and Cassie Loves Beethoven.
Musically, Arkin also has several accomplishments. He was a member of the 1950s folk group The Tarriers, whose version of the “Banana Boat Song” reached an impressive number four on the Billboard charts. “The Only Living Boy in New York ,” a song credited to Paul Simon, was allegedly co-written by Arkin. Ed McCurdy’s album When Dalliance Was in Flower, features Alan playing the recorder.
Arkin has been married three times. His first union was with Jeremy Yaffe, whom he married in 1955. During their five year love affair, the couple had two sons, Matthew and Adam. In 1964, Arkin married American actress Barbara Dana. During their marriage, Alan and Barbara had son named Anthony. Alan is currently married is to psychotherapist Suzanne Arkin.
