David Strathairn was born on January 26, 1949, in San Francisco, California. After graduating from high school, he attended Williams College, where he displayed a strong interest in and affinity for the theater. It was also during his time at university that he met John Sayles, with whom David would later work with frequently.
After graduation, David attended clown college in Florida, and traveled with a circus for six months. After his stint with the circus, David returned his focus to his true love: acting. He traveled across the country, where he found work in summer theaters.
Finally, in 1980 David appeared on screen for the first time. The drama, called Return of the Secaucus 7, was the first directing effort of his college pal John Sayles. Also starring Bruce MacDonald, Gordon Clapp, and Mark Arnott, the film won awards for Best Independent Film, Best Screenplay, and Best Comedy Written Directly for the Screen.
This first successful performance was the first of many for the actor. Throughout the years, he has appeared in too many films to list. Some of his more well-known movies are A League of Their Own, with Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Madonna, and Rosie ODonnell; Sneakers, with Robert Redford, Dan Aykroyd, River Phoenix, and Sidney Poitier; The Firm, with Tom Cruise, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Gene Hackman; and The River Wild, also starring Kevin Bacon and Meryl Streep.
Over the years, David has also found success on the small screen as well. His television roles include appearances in The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd; The Miracle Worker, in which he played the father of Helen Keller; and a semi-regular role on The Sopranos, the HBO smash hit starring James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, and Edie Falco.
David’s most notable appearance in recent years was in 2005 when he stepped out of his traditional spot as the supporting man and took on the leading role in Good Night and Good Luck. For his portrayal as newsman Edward R Murrow, he received nominations for a Golden Globe, an Academy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. David continues to be extremely busy and in demand in Hollywood. In 2007 and 2008 alone, he will see the release of six films. They include a starring role in Racing Daylight; a supporting role in The Bourne Ultimatum, with Matt Damon, Julia Stiles, Chris Cooper, and Joan Allen; as well as substantial roles in The Spiderwick Chronicles and Hereafter.
David is currently married to Logan Goodman. The couple has two children together, and David is the father of actor Tay Strathairn. Reportedly, David and his wife currently reside in upstate New York.
YUDDY
