Dylan Baker Biography

American actor Dylan Baker has been in the public eye for over two decades. During that time, he remains most known for his roles in Murder One, Happiness, and the Spider-Man franchise.

Dylan Baker was born October 7, 1959 in Syracuse, New York. He was subsequently raised in Lynchburg, Virginia. It was here he began performing in various stage productions.

On the education front, Baker first attended Holy Cross Regional Catholic School. He followed with Darlington School and Georgetown Preparatory School. Pursuing his secondary education, Baker enrolled in the College of William and Mary but actually earned his degree from Southern Methodist University. Deciding to dedicate his life to acting, Baker studied his craft at the Yale School of Drama, securing his masters in fine arts.

Beginning his career on the stage, Baker is noted for his turn opposite Diane Wiest in Not About Heroes. For his efforts, Baker landed a prestigious Obie Award.

Transitioning to the more commercial venues of film and television, Baker made his onscreen debut in 1986 with A Case of Deadly Force. The television drama starred Richard Crenna and John Shea.

But he received his first real exposure with John Hughes’ 1987 comedy Planes, Trains, and Automobiles with stars Steve Martin and John Candy.

Quickly impressing, Baker began landing multiple roles in film and television. Taking work in a variety of genres and styles, Baker increased his visibility with appearances in The Murder of Mary Phagan (starring Jack Lemmon and Cynthia Nixon) as well as The Long Walk Home with Sissy Spacek and Whoopi Goldberg.

Before possessing any real notoriety, Baker could also be seen in a supporting role for the romantic comedy Love Potion No. 9 with Sandra Bullock and Tate Donovan. He took another commercial role with Demi Moore and Michael Douglas in Disclosure.

His first major project, however, came in 1995. In that year, he landed the role of Detective Arthur Polson in Murder One. He was with the program until 1996. During his eighteen-episode run, he shared the screen with Mary McCormack, Michael Hayden, and JC MacKenzie. Supporting roles were provided by Stanley Tucci, Patricia Clarkson, and Anthony LaPaglia.

He followed with the controversial Todd Solondz film Happiness. Baker played Bill Maplewood opposite Jon Lovitz, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Lara Flynn Boyle, and Cynthia Stevenson.

Switching gears entirely, Baker also found himself working with Chris Rock and Bernie Mac in the tepidly received comedy Head of State.

In the same year, he starred in the short-lived television series The Pitts with Kellie Waymire and Lizzy Caplan.

Baker is perhaps best known, however, for his role as Doctor Curt Connors in the blockbuster hit Spider-Man 2. He appeared with Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, and Alfred Molina. He reprised his role for 2007’s Spider-Man 3.

Staying in the limelight, Baker starred with Aidan Quinn in the short-lived comedy-drama The Book of Daniel. He again took to the small screen for Drive with Taryn Manning, Nathan Fillion, and others.

In his personal life, Baker married Becky Gelke (Becky Ann Baker) in 1990. They have one child and are currently still together.