Alan Arkin biography

Synopsis

Alan Arkin was born on March 26, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York. He performed with folk music groups from the late 1950s to the late '60s. He was nominated for an Academy Award for best actor for his screen acting debut, The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming, and was nominated again two years later for his performance in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter. In 2007, Arkin received his third Oscar nomination for a supporting role in the indie film Little Miss Sunshine.

Early Life and Career

Alan Wolf Arkin was born on March 26, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in a Jewish family, Arkin attended high school in Los Angeles, California, while studying at various drama schools on scholarship. He dropped out of college to perform with the folk music group The Tarriers, most noted for the 1956 hit "The Banana Boat Song." From 1958 to 1968, Arkin was a member of the children's folk group The Baby Sitters.

Acclaimed Actor

An original member of Chicago's acclaimed Second City improv group, Alan Arkin received a an Academy Award nomination for best actor for his screen debut, The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming. He was nominated again two years later for his performance in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter. Other notable films include Wait Until Dark with Audrey Hepburn, Catch-22, Glengarry Glen Ross and Edward Scissorhands. In 2007, Arkin received his third Oscar nomination for his supporting role in the indie hit Little Miss Sunshine.

Personal Life and Other Projects

Arkin has been married three times and has three sons. He has also written several science fiction stories and children's books.