---
name: "Bill Irwin"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/bill-irwin"
fi1m_id: "bill-irwin"
imdb_id: "nm0410347"
tmdb_id: 58549
wikidata_id: "Q603317"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "11 April 1950"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 10
average_fi1m_score: 72
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 10
updated: "2026-10-04T21:36:31.969825+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."
---

# Bill Irwin

## Identity

Bill Irwin

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/bill-irwin
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** bill-irwin
- **IMDb ID:** nm0410347
- **TMDB ID:** 58549
- **Wikidata ID:** Q603317
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Irwin, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q603317, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0410347/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/58549

Actor. Born 11 April 1950 in Santa Monica, California, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 11 April 1950, Santa Monica, California, USA
- **Active:** 1980–present
- **Also known as:** William Irwin, Fool Moon 
- **Average Fi1m score:** 72, as actor, over 10 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 64 (1), 1990s 70 (1), 2000s 69 (2), 2010s 78 (2), 2020s 72 (4)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 73 to 71 across 8 titles
- **Score spread:** 2 at 80+, 7 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 5 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Drama 6, Action 3, Adventure 3, Comedy 3, Family 2, Fantasy 2
- **Screen time:** 14 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $2,972m across 6 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Irwin, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q603317, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0410347/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/58549

## Streaming the US now

- **Netflix:** [*Rachel Getting Married*](https://film.one/film/rachel-getting-married.md) (84)
- **Apple TV:** [*Interstellar*](https://film.one/film/interstellar.md) (79)
- **Disney+:** [*Legion*](https://film.one/tv/legion.md) (77)

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

## Fi1m on Bill Irwin

> Bill Irwin's elastic movement makes him a distinctive comic performer, but his quieter acting deserves equal attention. In *Rachel Getting Married*, he makes a father's affection convincing by letting us see how tired he is.

In *Rachel Getting Married* (2008), Bill Irwin looks worn out by people he plainly loves. As Paul Buchman, he plays an affectionate, flustered father without pressing for our sympathy. We were moved by the weariness he and Debra Winger bring to the family scenes, because it makes the affection feel earned. There is effort involved in being kind here, and Irwin lets us see it. This is where we value him most: given an ordinary person to play, he makes the difficulty of getting through a family occasion count.

His physical precision comes from vaudeville-style clowning and circus work in the 1970s. The screen work began with *Popeye* (1980), but the stage offers a clearer account of how those skills developed. He played Lucky in *Waiting for Godot* (1988), then co-created and performed the clown revue *Fool Moon* (1993) with David Shiner. George in *Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?* (2005) put his physical expressiveness and timing to dramatic use.

The risk on screen is that such a performer gets hired chiefly to be odd, a limitation of some of Irwin's early supporting parts. Jonathan Demme makes better use of him by giving the ensemble room to listen and react. Rosemarie DeWitt's Rachel has concerns beyond Kym's troubles; Irwin and Winger help make the family's affection credible without smoothing away its irritation. Nobody has to win our approval in every scene. The wedding celebrations do run long, but the actors make us willing to stay.

In Christopher Nolan's *Interstellar* (2014), Irwin's work as TARS includes puppetry as well as the voice. It is another reason not to separate the actor from the physical performer. We would still send someone curious about him to *Rachel Getting Married* first. More directors could afford to let him be ordinary.

## Biography

Bill Irwin is an American actor, choreographer, clown and comedian. Born on 11 April 1950 in Santa Monica, California, he trained in theatre arts at Oberlin College and at Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Clown College. He received a MacArthur Fellowship in 1984.

Irwin began as a vaudeville-style stage performer and contributed to the revival of American circus in the 1970s. He won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his performance in *Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?* (2005) and was nominated for four Tony Awards for *Largely New York* (1989). On screen he has appeared in *Rachel Getting Married* (2008) as Paul Buchman, *How the Grinch Stole Christmas* (2000) as Lou Lou Who, and *Interstellar* (2014) voicing TARS. He is also known for the role of Mr Noodle on the *Sesame Street* segment *Elmo's World*.

*Sources: imdb.com, en.wikipedia.org.*

## On Fi1m (10)

- *The Odyssey* (2026), Fi1m 83, as Cyclops — [page](https://film.one/film/the-odyssey.md)
- *The Beast in Me* (2025), Fi1m 67, as James Ingram — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-beast-in-me.md)
- *Rustin* (2023), Fi1m 68, as A. J. Muste — [page](https://film.one/film/rustin.md)
- *The Dropout* (2022), Fi1m 70, as Channing Robertson — [page](https://film.one/tv/the-dropout.md)
- *Legion* (2017), Fi1m 77, as Cary Loudermilk — [page](https://film.one/tv/legion.md)
- *Interstellar* (2014), Fi1m 79, as TARS (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/interstellar.md)
- *Rachel Getting Married* (2008), Fi1m 84, as Paul Buchman — [page](https://film.one/film/rachel-getting-married.md)
- *How the Grinch Stole Christmas* (2000), Fi1m 54, as Lou Lou Who — [page](https://film.one/film/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas.md)
- *Hot Shots!* (1991), Fi1m 70, as Buzz Harley — [page](https://film.one/film/hot-shots.md)
- *Popeye* (1980), Fi1m 64, as Ham Gravy — [page](https://film.one/film/popeye.md)

## Complete filmography (88)

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

- *All That She Wants* (2026), Actor
- *The Odyssey* (2026), as Cyclops — Fi1m 83, [page](https://film.one/film/the-odyssey.md)
- *The Beast in Me* (2025), series, as James Ingram — Fi1m 67, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-beast-in-me.md)
- *High Tide* (2024), as Scott
- *4th Dementia* (2024), as Lou
- *Rustin* (2023), as A. J. Muste — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/film/rustin.md)
- *Endgame* (2023), as Clov
- *Spoiler Alert* (2022), as Bob
- *The Andy Warhol Diaries* (2022), series, as Andy Warhol
- *The Dropout* (2022), series, as Channing Robertson — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-dropout.md)
- *The Gilded Age* (2022), series, as Cornelius Eckhard
- *Lust Life Love* (2021), as Richard
- *Irresistible* (2020), as Elton Chambers
- *Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration* (2019), as Mr. Noodle
- *New Amsterdam* (2018), series, as Calvin Bennett
- *Star Trek: Discovery* (2017), series, as Su'Kal
- *Julie's Greenroom* (2017), series, Actor
- *Legion* (2017), series, as Cary Loudermilk — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/legion.md)
- *This Is Us* (2016), series, as ER Doctor, Dr. Spencer — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/tv/this-is-us.md)
- *Quarry* (2016), series, as Harlowe
- *Confirmation* (2016), as Senator Jack Danforth
- *Old Hats* (2016), Writer
- *South of Hell* (2015), series, as Enos Abascal
- *Sesame Street: Play All Day with Elmo!* (2015), as Mr. Noodle
- *Ricki and the Flash* (2015), as Single Dad
- *Show Boat* (2015), as Cap'n Andy Hawks
- *Identity Theft* (2015), as Mark
- *Interstellar* (2014), as TARS (voice) — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/film/interstellar.md)
- *Sleepy Hollow* (2013), series, as Atticus Nevins
- *Monday Mornings* (2013), series, as Dr. Buck Tierney
- *Elementary* (2012), series, as Richard Balsille
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's Magic Numbers* (2012), as Mr. Noodle
- *Higher Ground* (2011), as Pastor Bud
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: Penguins and Friends* (2011), as Voice
- *Lights Out* (2011), series, as Hal Brennan
- *Blue Bloods* (2010), series, as Cardinal Brennan
- *Goldstar, Ohio* (2010), as Chief Jeff 'Goob' Garver
- *Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days* (2010), as Mr. Noodle (uncredited) (archive footage)
- *Sesame Street: Elmo and Friends: The Letter Quest and Other Magical Tales* (2009), as Mr. Noodle
- *The Good Wife* (2009), series, as Fred Medkiff — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/tv/the-good-wife.md)
- *Life on Mars* (2008), series, as Dr. Schwahn
- *Rachel Getting Married* (2008), as Paul Buchman — Fi1m 84, [page](https://film.one/film/rachel-getting-married.md)
- *Dark Matter* (2008), as Hal Silver
- *Across the Universe* (2007), as Uncle Teddy
- *Raving* (2007), as Dito
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: What Makes You Happy?* (2007), as Mr. Noodle
- *Lady in the Water* (2006), as Mr. Leeds
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: Reach for the Sky!* (2006), as Mr Noodle
- *The Manchurian Candidate* (2004), as Scoutmaster
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: Families, Mail & Bath Time!* (2004), as Mr. Noodle
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: The Street We Live On!* (2004), as Mr. Noodle (uncredited)
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: Head to Toe with Elmo!* (2003), Actor
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: Happy Holidays!* (2002), as Mr. Noodle
- *Igby Goes Down* (2002), as Lt. Smith
- *Elmo's World: Family Feature* (2002), as Mr. Noodle
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: Wake Up with Elmo!* (2002), as Mr. Noodle
- *The Laramie Project* (2002), as Harry Woods
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: Wild Wild West!* (2001), as Mr. Noodle
- *Law & Order: Criminal Intent* (2001), series, as Nate Royce
- *How the Grinch Stole Christmas* (2000), as Lou Lou Who — Fi1m 54, [page](https://film.one/film/how-the-grinch-stole-christmas.md)
- *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* (2000), series, as Nate Haskell
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: Singing, Drawing & More!* (2000), as Mr. Noodle
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World: Flowers, Bananas & More!* (2000), as Mr. Noodle
- *Sesame Street: Elmo's World* (2000), as Mr. Noodle
- *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (1999), series, as Dr. Peter Lindstrom
- *A Midsummer Night's Dream* (1999), as Tom Snout
- *Illuminata* (1998), as Marco
- *Just the Ticket* (1998), as Ray Charles
- *Subway Stories* (1997), as Bill Irwin (segment "Subway Car from Hell")
- *3rd Rock from the Sun* (1996), series, as Pickles
- *Silent Tongue* (1994), as Comic
- *Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit* (1993), as Unnamed Brother #1
- *The Adventures of Pete & Pete* (1993), series, as The Broker
- *The Last Mile* (1992), as The Maestro
- *Stepping Out* (1991), as Geoffrey
- *Hot Shots!* (1991), as Buzz Harley — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/film/hot-shots.md)
- *Scenes from a Mall* (1991), as Mime
- *Memorial: Letters from American Soldiers* (1991), as Reader
- *Law & Order* (1990), series, as Ellison Conway — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/tv/law-and-order.md)
- *My Blue Heaven* (1990), as Kirby
- *Northern Exposure* (1990), series, as Enrico Bellati — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/northern-exposure.md)
- *Eight Men Out* (1988), as Eddie Collins
- *A New Life* (1988), as Eric
- *The Cosby Show* (1984), series, as Eddie Bartholomew
- *The Regard of Flight* (1983), Actor
- *Popeye* (1980), as Ham Gravy — Fi1m 64, [page](https://film.one/film/popeye.md)
- *Mudflat* (1980), Actor
- *Sesame Street* (1969), series, as Mr. Noodle

## Gallery

- ![Aubrey Plaza, Jean Smart, Bill Irwin, Amber Midthunder, Jeremie Harris and Navid Negahban speaking at the 2018 San Diego Comic Con International, for "Legion", ](https://film.one/media/person/100072/gallery-a378e843726a.jpg) Aubrey Plaza, Jean Smart, Bill Irwin, Amber Midthunder, Jeremie Harris and Navid Negahban speaking at the 2018 San Diego Comic Con International, for "Legion",  — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/68/Aubrey_Plaza%2C_Jean_Smart%2C_Bill_Irwin%2C_Amber_Midthunder%2C_Jeremie_Harris_%26_Navid_Negahban_%2842917339275%29.jpg/1280px-Aubrey_Plaza%2C_Jean_Smart%2C_Bill_Irwin%2C_Amber_Midthunder%2C_Jeremie_Harris_%26_Navid_Negahban_%2842917339275%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Ben Travers, John Cameron, Jeph Loeb, Nathaniel Halpern, Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, Aubrey Plaza, Jean Smart, Bill Irwin, Amber Midthunder, Jeremie Harris and  (2018)](https://film.one/media/person/100072/gallery-a5914b2cad66.jpg) Ben Travers, John Cameron, Jeph Loeb, Nathaniel Halpern, Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, Aubrey Plaza, Jean Smart, Bill Irwin, Amber Midthunder, Jeremie Harris and  (2018) — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/Ben_Travers%2C_John_Cameron%2C_Jeph_Loeb%2C_Nathaniel_Halpern%2C_Dan_Stevens%2C_Rachel_Keller%2C_Aubrey_Plaza%2C_Jean_Smart%2C_Bill_Irwin%2C_Amber_Midthunder%2C_Jeremie_Harris_%26_Navid_Negahban_%2842012505400%29.jpg/1280px-thumbnail.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Bill Irwin at the NYC Premiere of "The Odyssey" - July 14, 2026](https://film.one/media/person/100072/gallery-d054a076e234.jpg) Bill Irwin at the NYC Premiere of "The Odyssey" - July 14, 2026 — PhilipRomano, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/27/BillIrwin-byPhilipRomano.jpg/1280px-BillIrwin-byPhilipRomano.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Bill Irwin at the NYC Premiere of "The Odyssey" - July 14, 2026](https://film.one/media/person/100072/gallery-826fe1570737.jpg) Bill Irwin at the NYC Premiere of "The Odyssey" - July 14, 2026 — PhilipRomano, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/BillIrwin-byPhilipRomano2.jpg/1280px-BillIrwin-byPhilipRomano2.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Bill Irwin](https://film.one/media/person/100072/gallery-939963bf183a.jpg) Bill Irwin — Image via TMDB
- ![Bill Irwin](https://film.one/media/person/100072/gallery-5b28fb7b36bf.jpg) Bill Irwin — Image via TMDB
- ![Bill Irwin](https://film.one/media/person/100072/gallery-5a160ec22fe8.jpg) Bill Irwin — Image via TMDB
- ![Bill Irwin at the NYC Premiere of "The Odyssey" - July 14, 2026](https://film.one/media/person/100072/gallery-8a2c9d4d77bb.jpg) Bill Irwin at the NYC Premiere of "The Odyssey" - July 14, 2026 — PhilipRomano, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/BillIrwin-byPhilipRomano2_%28cropped%29.jpg/1280px-BillIrwin-byPhilipRomano2_%28cropped%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Bill Irwin at the NYC Premiere of "The Odyssey" - July 14, 2026](https://film.one/media/person/100072/gallery-a6369c377d39.jpg) Bill Irwin at the NYC Premiere of "The Odyssey" - July 14, 2026 — PhilipRomano, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/57/BillIrwin-byPhilipRomano3.jpg/1280px-BillIrwin-byPhilipRomano3.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

## Awards

### Other awards — 3 won, 2 nominated

- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play 2005: Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play (won)
- Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play 1989: Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play (nominated)
- Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play 1989: Tony Award for Best Direction of a Play (nominated)
- Guggenheim Fellowship 1984: Guggenheim Fellowship (won)
- MacArthur Fellows Program 1984: MacArthur Fellows Program (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/bill-irwin