---
name: "Alan Arkin"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/alan-arkin"
fi1m_id: "alan-arkin"
imdb_id: "nm0000273"
tmdb_id: 1903
wikidata_id: "Q108283"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "26 March 1934"
died: "29 June 2023"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 11
average_fi1m_score: 71
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 11
updated: "2026-10-11T23:18:49.690848+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Alan Arkin

## Identity

Alan Arkin

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/alan-arkin
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** alan-arkin
- **IMDb ID:** nm0000273
- **TMDB ID:** 1903
- **Wikidata ID:** Q108283
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Arkin, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108283, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000273/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1903

Actor. Born 26 March 1934 in New York City, New York, USA. Died 29 June 2023.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 26 March 1934, New York City, New York, USA
- **Died:** 29 June 2023
- **Active:** 1966–2022
- **Also known as:** Alan Wolf Arkin, אלן וולף ארקין 
- **Frequently works with:** [Danny DeVito](https://film.one/person/danny-devito.md), [Steve Carell](https://film.one/person/steve-carell.md)
- **Academy Awards:** 1 Oscar (1 won · 3 nominated)
- **Average Fi1m score:** 71, as actor, over 11 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1960s 70 (1), 1990s 76 (4), 2000s 66 (2), 2010s 70 (3), 2020s 66 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 71 to 68 across 10 titles
- **Score spread:** 4 at 80+, 4 at 60–79, 3 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 11 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 6, Comedy 5, Family 3, Thriller 3, Adventure 2, Crime 2
- **Screen time:** 20 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,978m across 11 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Arkin, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108283, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000273/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1903

## Streaming the US now

- **Disney+:** [*Edward Scissorhands*](https://film.one/film/edward-scissorhands.md) (83), [*The Muppets*](https://film.one/film/the-muppets.md) (80), [*Dumbo*](https://film.one/film/dumbo-2019.md) (51)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Glengarry Glen Ross*](https://film.one/film/glengarry-glen-ross.md) (86), [*Gattaca*](https://film.one/film/gattaca.md) (80)
- **Apple TV:** [*Argo*](https://film.one/film/argo.md) (79), [*The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming!*](https://film.one/film/the-russians-are-coming-the-russians-are-coming.md) (70)
- **Netflix:** [*Minions: The Rise of Gru*](https://film.one/film/minions-the-rise-of-gru.md) (66)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Fi1m on Alan Arkin

> Alan Arkin could make a bad-tempered supporting character worth listening to, with dry delivery and a sense of the person behind the complaint. We rate him most when the comedy leaves that person's troubles intact.

When Alan Arkin plays a grump, he rarely seems to be waiting for us to laugh. The dry delivery makes the complaint sound serious to the man making it, and we value that respect for an awkward character. This was useful well before the familiar older-man parts. His debut in *The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming* (1966) established him as a comic lead; *Wait Until Dark* (1967), opposite Audrey Hepburn, supplied menace, though the acting could be theatrical. He then played Yossarian for Mike Nichols in *Catch-22* (1970).

In Andrew Niccol's *Gattaca* (1997), he plays Detective Hugo, a useful reminder to look beyond the comedies when following his work. The precise production design makes genetic discrimination frighteningly plausible, while Jude Law's bruised performance gives it a human cost. The film's solemnity sometimes gets in the way, but we recommend it for making its premise so convincing. It is one to choose for the film rather than for a substantial dose of Arkin's comedy.

*Grosse Pointe Blank* (1997), with Arkin as Dr Oatman, is a less persuasive reason to spend an evening. John Cusack and Minnie Driver make its unlikely romance worth following, and the early comedy is sharp. We warmed to those two, then grew irritated as the film became increasingly pleased with its own cleverness. There is too little development of the premise to sustain it, and we would not recommend it simply because Arkin is among the cast.

His renewed prominence with *Little Miss Sunshine* (2006) and *Argo* (2012) made the gruff supporting parts especially familiar. As the foul-mouthed grandfather Edwin Hoover in the former, Arkin finds humanity without tidying the man up. Lester Siegel, the jaded Hollywood producer in the latter, belongs to the same broad family of world-weary men. That familiarity could become a limitation, however reliable the comic timing. For a warmer Arkin, try his Bill in Tim Burton's *Edward Scissorhands* (1990).

## Biography

Alan Arkin was an American actor. He made his Broadway debut in Enter Laughing (1963), winning a Tony Award, and received an Academy Award nomination for his first film role in The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming (1966).

Arkin appeared as Bill in Edward Scissorhands (1990), George Aaronow in Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) and Detective Hugo in Gattaca (1997). He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Little Miss Sunshine (2006) and was nominated again for Argo (2012). He trained with the Second City improv troupe in Chicago and had a background in music and directing.

He was the father of actors Adam Arkin, Anthony Arkin and Matthew Arkin.

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, nytimes.com, theguardian.com.*

## On Fi1m (11)

- *Minions: The Rise of Gru* (2022), Fi1m 66, as Wild Knuckles (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/minions-the-rise-of-gru.md)
- *Dumbo* (2019), Fi1m 51, as J. Griffin Remington — [page](https://film.one/film/dumbo-2019.md)
- *Argo* (2012), Fi1m 79, as Lester Siegel — [page](https://film.one/film/argo.md)
- *The Muppets* (2011), Fi1m 80, as Tour Guide — [page](https://film.one/film/the-muppets.md)
- *Rendition* (2007), Fi1m 54, as Senator Hawkins — [page](https://film.one/film/rendition.md)
- *Little Miss Sunshine* (2006), Fi1m 78, as Edwin Hoover — [page](https://film.one/film/little-miss-sunshine.md)
- *Gattaca* (1997), Fi1m 80, as Detective Hugo — [page](https://film.one/film/gattaca.md)
- *Grosse Pointe Blank* (1997), Fi1m 55, as Dr. Oatman — [page](https://film.one/film/grosse-pointe-blank.md)
- *Glengarry Glen Ross* (1992), Fi1m 86, as George Aaronow — [page](https://film.one/film/glengarry-glen-ross.md)
- *Edward Scissorhands* (1990), Fi1m 83, as Bill — [page](https://film.one/film/edward-scissorhands.md)
- *The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming!* (1966), Fi1m 70, as Lt. Rozanov — [page](https://film.one/film/the-russians-are-coming-the-russians-are-coming.md)

## Complete filmography (115)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *Minions: The Rise of Gru* (2022), as Wild Knuckles (voice) — Fi1m 66, [page](https://film.one/film/minions-the-rise-of-gru.md)
- *Spenser Confidential* (2020), as Henry
- *Dumbo* (2019), as J. Griffin Remington — Fi1m 51, [page](https://film.one/film/dumbo-2019.md)
- *The Kominsky Method* (2018), series, as Norman Newlander
- *Going in Style* (2017), as Albert Garner
- *15 Septembers Later* (2016), series, as Narrator
- *Love the Coopers* (2015), as Bucky Newport
- *Alan Arkin: Live from the TCM Classic Film Festival* (2015), Actor
- *BoJack Horseman* (2014), series, as J.D. Salinger (voice) — Fi1m 91, [page](https://film.one/tv/bojack-horseman.md)
- *Million Dollar Arm* (2014), as Ray
- *In Security* (2014), as Officer Riggs
- *Grudge Match* (2013), as Louis 'Lightning' Conlon
- *The Incredible Burt Wonderstone* (2013), as Rance Holloway
- *Stand Up Guys* (2012), as Richard Hirsch
- *Starring Sigmund Freud* (2012), Actor
- *Argo* (2012), as Lester Siegel — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/argo.md)
- *Thin Ice* (2012), as Gorvy Hauer · Executive Producer
- *The Muppets* (2011), as Tour Guide — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/the-muppets.md)
- *The Change-Up* (2011), as Mitch's Dad
- *The Private Lives of Pippa Lee* (2009), as Herb Lee
- *City Island* (2009), as Michael Malakov
- *Marley & Me* (2008), as Arnie Klein
- *Wisdom* (2008), Actor
- *Get Smart* (2008), as The Chief
- *Sunshine Cleaning* (2008), as Joe Lorkowski
- *Rendition* (2007), as Senator Hawkins — Fi1m 54, [page](https://film.one/film/rendition.md)
- *Raising Flagg* (2006), as Flagg Purdy
- *The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause* (2006), as Bud Newman
- *Crossroads* (2006), as Father Behnke
- *Little Miss Sunshine* (2006), as Edwin Hoover — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/little-miss-sunshine.md)
- *Firewall* (2006), as Arlin Forester
- *Eros* (2004), as Dr. Pearl / Hal
- *Noel* (2004), as Artie
- *And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself* (2003), as Sam Drebben
- *The Pentagon Papers* (2003), as Harry Rowen
- *Thirteen Conversations About One Thing* (2001), as Gene
- *America's Sweethearts* (2001), as Wellness Guide
- *Varian's War* (2001), as Freier
- *100 Centre Street* (2001), series, as Joe Rifkind
- *Blood Money* (2000), as Willy 'the Hammer' Canzaro
- *Magicians* (2000), as Milo
- *Jakob the Liar* (1999), as Max Frankfurter
- *Will & Grace* (1998), series, as Martin Adler
- *Slums of Beverly Hills* (1998), as Murray Samuel Abromowitz
- *Four Days in September* (1997), as Charles Burke Elbrick
- *Gattaca* (1997), as Detective Hugo — Fi1m 80, [page](https://film.one/film/gattaca.md)
- *Grosse Pointe Blank* (1997), as Dr. Oatman — Fi1m 55, [page](https://film.one/film/grosse-pointe-blank.md)
- *Mother Night* (1996), as George Kraft
- *Heck's Way Home* (1996), as Dogcatcher
- *Picture Windows* (1995), series, as Tully
- *Steal Big Steal Little* (1995), as Lou Perilli
- *The Jerky Boys* (1995), as Ernie Lazarro
- *Chicago Hope* (1994), series, as Zoltan Karpathein
- *Doomsday Gun* (1994), as Yossi
- *North* (1994), as Judge Buckle
- *So I Married an Axe Murderer* (1993), as Tony's Boss (uncredited)
- *Taking the Heat* (1993), as Tommy Canard
- *Indian Summer* (1993), as Unca Lou Handler
- *Cooperstown* (1993), as Harry Willette
- *Samuel Beckett is Coming Soon* (1993), Director
- *Glengarry Glen Ross* (1992), as George Aaronow — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/film/glengarry-glen-ross.md)
- *The Rocketeer* (1991), as A. 'Peevy' Peabody
- *Havana* (1990), as Joe Volpi
- *Edward Scissorhands* (1990), as Bill — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/edward-scissorhands.md)
- *Coupe de Ville* (1990), as Fred Libner
- *Necessary Parties* (1988), as Archie Corelli
- *Trying Times* (1987), series, Director
- *Escape from Sobibor* (1987), as Leon Feldhendler
- *Harry* (1987), series, as Producer
- *Big Trouble* (1986), as Leonard Hoffman
- *A Deadly Business* (1986), as Harold Kaufman
- *Bad Medicine* (1985), as Dr. Ramon Madera
- *The Emperor's New Clothes* (1985), as Bo
- *Joshua Then and Now* (1985), as Reuben
- *The Fourth Wise Man* (1985), as Orontes
- *A Matter of Principle* (1984), as Flagg Purdy
- *The Return of Captain Invincible* (1983), as Captain Invincible
- *The Last Unicorn* (1982), as Schmendrick (voice)
- *St. Elsewhere* (1982), series, as Jerry Singleton — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/st-elsewhere.md)
- *Faerie Tale Theatre* (1982), series, as Bo
- *American Playhouse* (1982), series, as Flagg Purdy
- *Chu Chu and the Philly Flash* (1981), as Flash
- *Full Moon High* (1981), as Dr. Brand
- *Improper Channels* (1981), as Jeffery Martley
- *Simon* (1980), as Simon Mendelssohn
- *The Magician of Lublin* (1979), as Yasha Mazur
- *The In-Laws* (1979), as Sheldon S. Kompett D.D.S. · Executive Producer
- *The Defection of Simas Kudirka* (1978), as Simas Kudirka
- *The Other Side of Hell* (1978), as Frank Dole
- *Fire Sale* (1977), as Ezra Fikus · Director
- *The Seven-Per-Cent Solution* (1976), as Dr. Sigmund Freud
- *Hearts of the West* (1975), as Bert Kessler
- *Twigs* (1975), Director
- *Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins* (1975), as Rafferty
- *Freebie and the Bean* (1974), as Bean
- *It Couldn't Happen to a Nicer Guy* (1974), as (uncredited)
- *The Trouble With People* (1972), as Husband (Story 5)
- *Last of the Red Hot Lovers* (1972), as Barney Cashman
- *Deadhead Miles* (1972), as Cooper
- *Little Murders* (1971), as Lt. Practice · Director
- *Catch-22* (1970), as Capt. John Yossarian
- *The Monitors* (1969), as Man in Monitors Commercial
- *Popi* (1969), as Abraham
- *People Soup* (1969), Director
- *The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter* (1968), as John Singer
- *Inspector Clouseau* (1968), as Insp. Jacques Clouseau
- *The Love Song of Barney Kempinski* (1968), as Barney Kempinski
- *Wait Until Dark* (1967), as Roat / Roat Jr. / Roat Sr.
- *Woman Times Seven* (1967), as Fred
- *T.G.I.F.* (1967), Director
- *ABC Stage 67* (1966), series, as Barney Kempinski
- *The Last Mohican* (1966), as Mr. Ableman
- *The Russians Are Coming! The Russians Are Coming!* (1966), as Lt. Rozanov — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/the-russians-are-coming-the-russians-are-coming.md)
- *That's Me* (1963), as Music
- *Arigo*, Director, Writer

## Gallery

- ![Alan Arkin](https://film.one/media/person/77382/gallery-3c97c0f369c0.jpg) Alan Arkin — Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/02/Alan_Arkin_-_1975.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Alan Arkin with his wife Suzanne Newlander at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival.](https://film.one/media/person/77382/gallery-d7cd2511103a.jpg) Alan Arkin with his wife Suzanne Newlander at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. — gdcgraphics, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/93/AlanArkinTIFFSept2012.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Publicity photo of Alan Arkin as Simas Kudirka & Shirley Knight as his wife. TV special, "Defection of Simas Kudirka" (1978). Copyright found for film only,](https://film.one/media/person/77382/gallery-be41c2bca608.jpg) Publicity photo of Alan Arkin as Simas Kudirka & Shirley Knight as his wife. TV special, "Defection of Simas Kudirka" (1978). Copyright found for film only, — Paramount Pictures, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Alan_Arkin_-_Kudirka_-_1978.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Alan Arkin and wife Suzanne Newlander Arkin at the premiere of Argo, Toronto Film Festival 2012](https://film.one/media/person/77382/gallery-a96195d8ba31.jpg) Alan Arkin and wife Suzanne Newlander Arkin at the premiere of Argo, Toronto Film Festival 2012 — GabboT, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Argo_13_%288010519603%29.jpg/1280px-Argo_13_%288010519603%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Alan Arkin](https://film.one/media/person/77382/gallery-11771462aa42.jpg) Alan Arkin — Image via TMDB
- ![Alan Arkin](https://film.one/media/person/77382/gallery-376378eaf84f.jpg) Alan Arkin — Image via TMDB

## Awards

### Academy Awards — 1 won, 3 nominated

- 2013: Best Supporting Actor (nominated), for *Argo*
- 2007: Best Supporting Actor (won), for *Little Miss Sunshine*
- 1969: Best Actor (nominated), for *The Heart is a Lonely Hunter*
- 1967: Best Actor (nominated), for *The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming*

### BAFTA Film Awards — 1 won, 2 nominated

- 2013: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (nominated), for *Argo*
- 2007: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (won), for *Little Miss Sunshine*
- 1967: Most Promising Newcomer to Leading Film Roles (nominated), for *The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming*

### Golden Globes — 2 won, 4 nominated

- 2018: Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture (won), for *The Kominsky Method*
- 2012: Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture (nominated), for *Argo*
- 1969: Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (nominated), for *Popi*
- 1968: Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (nominated), for *The Heart is a Lonely Hunter*
- 1966: Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (won), for *The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming*
- 1966: New Star of the Year – Actor (nominated), for *The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming*

### Primetime Emmy Awards — 0 won, 3 nominated

- 2003: Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie (nominated), for *The Pentagon Papers*
- 1997: Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series (nominated), for *Chicago Hope*
- 1987: Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie (nominated), for *Escape from Sobibor*

### SAG Awards — 2 won, 2 nominated

- 2013: Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (won), for *Argo*
- 2013: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (nominated), for *Argo*
- 2007: Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture (won), for *Little Miss Sunshine*
- 2007: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role (nominated), for *Little Miss Sunshine*

### Other awards — 8 won, 8 nominated

- star on Hollywood Walk of Fame 2019: star on Hollywood Walk of Fame (won)
- Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor 2012: Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor (nominated), for *Argo*
- Independent Spirit Awards 2007: Best Supporting Male (won), for *Little Miss Sunshine*
- Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor 2006: Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor (nominated), for *Little Miss Sunshine*
- National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor 2006: National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor (nominated), for *Little Miss Sunshine*
- Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture 2006: Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture (nominated), for *Little Miss Sunshine*
- Independent Spirit Awards 2003: Best Supporting Male (nominated), for *Thirteen Conversations About One Thing*
- National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor 2002: National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor (nominated), for *Thirteen Conversations About One Thing*
- Genie Award for Best Supporting Actor 1986: Genie Award for Best Supporting Actor (won), for *Joshua Then and Now*
- Genie Award for Best Performance by a Foreign Actor 1982: Genie Award for Best Performance by a Foreign Actor (won), for *Improper Channels*
- Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play 1973: Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play (nominated)
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director 1970: Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director (won)
- National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor 1970: National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor (nominated), for *Catch-22*
- Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director 1969: Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Director (won)
- Theatre World Award 1963: Theatre World Award (won)
- Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play 1963: Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play (won)

*From Wikidata, which records wins more completely than nominations.*

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/alan-arkin