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David Alan Basche
David Alan Basche
David Alan Basche
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David Alan Basche is an American actor. He is best known for playing Todd Beamer in the film United 93. He has been a series regular on many TV comedies and dramas, and has also appeared in films directed by Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Paul Greengrass, Shawn Levy, Robert Zemeckis, and Michael Patrick King.

Key Information

Life and career

[edit]

Basche's first acting role was in a school production of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer when he was in the sixth grade at West Hartford's Norfeldt Elementary School. Basche, who describes his demeanor then as an "angry, smart-ass kid," tried out for and landed the lead role after a school counselor suggested he take up acting to channel some of his anger and emotion.[1] Basche appeared in several plays presented by the Greater Hartford Jewish Community Center[2] while he was a student at King Philip Middle School, and he had roles in 10 school plays during his four years at William H. Hall High School in West Hartford.[2] Basche then went on to Emerson College, starting out as a communications major before switching to performing arts.[3]

His first major exposure was starring in Oh Grow Up, a short-lived sitcom created by Alan Ball. He later played the role of Steven Keats for two seasons in the NBC sitcom Three Sisters. He appeared in the 2005 film War of the Worlds in the role of Tim, the stepfather of Dakota Fanning and Justin Chatwin's characters. In 2006, he played Todd Beamer in United 93. David landed the lead role in 2007's I'll Believe You, a family-friendly sci-fi comedy. In 2008 he portrayed Mike Harness in Lipstick Jungle on NBC for two seasons, while simultaneously playing the role of Kenny Kagan on The Starter Wife on USA Network. In 2010 he guest starred on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, White Collar, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and The Mentalist. Basche also appeared in the film Sex and the City 2 as a wedding guest, and had a small role in the 2017 mystery film The Vanishing of Sidney Hall.[4]

Basche starred for four seasons in the TV Land original series The Exes, which premiered on November 30, 2011. The series ended on September 16, 2015.

Personal life

[edit]

Basche is married to actress Alysia Reiner; they met during a summer stock production of William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.[5] The couple has a daughter born December 5, 2008.[6]

Professional credits

[edit]

New York Theater

[edit]
Title Role Location Ref.
Snakebit Jonathan Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle Nominated Play
Love in the Age of Narcissism Join The Directors Company
Visiting Mr. Green Ross Gardiner Union Square Theater (with Eli Wallach)
WASPs In Bed Allan Beckett Theatre
Don't Let Destiny Push You Around Jack John Montgomery Theater
Macbeth MacDuff The Promenade Theatre
Measure for Measure Angelo New Generations NY

Regional theater

[edit]
Title Role Location Ref.
Dating Games Daniel/Spence The Lillian Theatre, Los Angeles
September Forever Henry Williamstown Theatre Festival
The Golden Age Tom Theatreworks Hartford (with Elizabeth Franz)
Romeo and Juliet Gregory Hartford Stage Company
A Dybbuk Reb Mal/Yeshiva Hartford Stage Company
Death of a Salesman Biff Loman New Jersey Shakespeare Festival

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2002 Full Frontal Nicholas' Agent
2005 Crazylove Paul
War of the Worlds Tim
2006 United 93 Todd Beamer
The Wedding Weekend Steven
I'll Believe You Dale Sweeney
2007 Schooled Cool High School Drama Teacher
2008 Quality Time Ray Short film
The Other Way Round Deposition Lawyer Short film
The Peppermint Tree Brian
2009 Salamander Katie's Dad Short film
Speed Grieving David Short film
2010 Sex and the City 2 David
2011 The Adjustment Bureau Thompson's Aide
Real Steel ESPN Commentator
2012 Backwards Cox
2016 Equity Ian
2017 The Vanishing of Sidney Hall Senator Dale
2018 Egg Don
Almost Home BMW John (Kevin)
2021 Know Fear Donald
2022 Glimpse Phil
2024 A Complete Unknown John Henry Hammond

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1997 As the World Turns Officer Tate 1 episode
1998, 2006,
2009		 Law & Order Jack McKinney (1998)
Attorney Tepper (2006)
Kevin Franklin (2009)		 3 episodes
1999 Oh Grow Up Norris Michelsky 13 episodes
2001 The Division Mr. Glenmark Episode: "Obsessions"
Ed Bud Frankel Episode: "Prom Night"
2001–2002 Three Sisters Steven Keats 19 episodes
2002 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Gordon Daimler
Adam van der Welk		 Episode: "Cross Jurisdictions"
2003 Frasier Woody Wiswell 2 episodes
Miss Match Brian 2 episodes
2004 Carry Me Home Bernard TV movie
Mister Ed Wilbur Pope TV movie
2005 Rescue Me Steve Bowden 2 episodes
Play Dates Jake TV movie
2006, 2011 Law & Order: Criminal Intent David Kellen (2006)
Jay Kendall (2011)		 2 episodes
2007 30 Rock Alan Episode: "Hard Ball"
2008 Lipstick Jungle Mike Harness 6 episodes
The Starter Wife Kenny Kagan 10 episodes
2009 Royal Pains Rob Miller Episode: "No Man is An Island"
2010 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Michael Gallagher Episode: "Savior"
White Collar Gary Jennings Episode: "Need to Know"
The Mentalist Dr. Jack Wilder Episode: "Jolly Red Elf"
2011–2015 The Exes Stuart Gardner 64 episodes
2013 Person of Interest Wayne Kruger Episode: "Nothing to Hide"
2015 Chicago P.D. Jim Sheltie Episode: "Never Forget I Love You"
2016 Elementary Warren Clift Episode: "A Burden of Blood"
Blindspot Patrick Lyman Episode: "Mans Telepathic Loyal Lookouts"
Blue Bloods Joe Pelligrino Episode: "The Price of Justice"
Better Things Greg Episode: "Alarms"
2017 NCIS: New Orleans Devon Mitchell Episode: "End of the Line"
The Blacklist: Redemption Jack Thornton Episode: "Operation Davenport"
2019 Bull David Newton Episode: "Pillar of Salt"
Instinct Steve Gerich Episode: "Big Splash"
Bluff City Law Dr. Lee Pyle Episode: "American Epidemic"
2023 Lioness Dr. Brumley Episode: "Bruise Like a Fist"
2024 The Diplomat Brad Chapman Episode: "The Ides of March"

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

David Alan Basche

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from Grokipedia
David Alan Basche (born August 25, 1968) is an American best known for portraying , the heroic passenger on United Flight 93, in Paul Greengrass's 2006 film United 93. Born in and raised in , Basche began acting at age 11 in school productions and later pursued formal training, switching from a communications major to in college before graduating from in . His career spans theater, television, and film, with notable collaborations including directors in War of the Worlds (2005), in (2006), in (2013), and in A Complete Unknown (2024). Basche's television work includes series regular roles on comedies such as The Exes (TV Land, 2011–2015), where he played Stuart Gardner for five seasons, Three Sisters (NBC, 2001–2002), and Oh Grow Up (ABC, 1999). He has also appeared in guest and recurring capacities on dramas like Blue Bloods, Elementary, Blindspot, Chicago P.D., NCIS: New Orleans, and The Diplomat (2024), showcasing his versatility in both comedic and dramatic formats. In film, beyond United 93, his credits include The Adjustment Bureau (2011), Real Steel (2011), the Sundance-selected Equity (2016), which he co-produced with his wife, actress Alysia Reiner, whom he met in 1992 during a production of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. On stage, Basche earned acclaim in and regional theater, including a Drama Desk-nominated performance in Snakebit with Naked Angels and co-starring with in Visiting Mr. Green (1997–1998) as Ross Gardiner. Beyond acting, he has directed episodes for series and charity campaigns, apprenticed on shows like Scream Queens, , and Grace & Frankie, and lent his voice to commercials for brands including and Marriott. An environmentalist and philanthropist, Basche supports causes through The Creative Coalition and maintains an active presence as a host.

Early life and education

Upbringing

David Alan Basche was born on August 25, 1968, in , and was raised in the nearby suburb of West Hartford. He grew up in a Jewish family; his father, Philip Basche, died suddenly when David was six years old, leaving his mother, Renee Orgel Basche, to raise him. Following this loss, Basche described himself as a troubled child during his early years. Basche's introduction to performing arts came during his time at Norfeldt Elementary School in West Hartford, where he landed his first acting role as Tom Sawyer in a sixth-grade production of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. This opportunity, offered by a perceptive drama teacher amid his personal challenges, marked the beginning of his engagement with theater and helped channel his energies positively. Throughout middle and high school, Basche continued participating in school plays, building on his initial experience and deepening his passion for . These formative involvements in local productions fostered his interest in the , setting the stage for further pursuit in higher education. His family's background had no connections to the entertainment industry, making his path a self-driven one rooted in community and school opportunities.

College years

David Alan Basche enrolled at in , initially pursuing a major in communications before switching to early in his studies. He ultimately earned a degree in , graduating magna cum laude in 1990. During his time at Emerson, Basche engaged in rigorous coursework focused on techniques, theater production, and skills, which provided him with foundational tools for his craft. His training emphasized practical application, helping him build confidence and reduce self-consciousness in . As president of the Gold Key Honor Society, he demonstrated academic excellence and leadership among peers in the program. Basche gained early stage experience through student productions, notably a stage of Look Homeward, Angel, where he faced challenges with singing roles that tested his versatility. This production highlighted his growth in handling demanding performance elements under academic pressures. Key mentorship came from professors like Richard Toma, whose supportive yet firm approach shaped Basche's professional mindset; in one instance, Toma locked Basche in a to encourage him to overcome his reluctance to sing, fostering trust and breakthroughs in his abilities. Interactions with faculty and fellow students further honed his collaborative skills and commitment to the arts, building on his early interests nurtured in .

Career

Theater

David Alan Basche began his professional career in regional theater during the early 1990s, establishing a strong foundation through roles in classic plays. He portrayed Gregory in at the Hartford Stage Company and Biff Loman in Arthur Miller's at the Shakespeare Festival, performances that marked his breakthrough in the regional scene and honed his skills in ensemble dynamics and live improvisation. These early experiences in venues like Hartford Stage and the Shakespeare Festival emphasized the immediacy of acting, allowing Basche to develop a versatile approach to character portrayal that prioritized emotional depth over scripted precision. Transitioning to New York theater, Basche achieved notable success in Off-Broadway productions that showcased his range in contemporary and Shakespearean works. In 1998, he starred as Ross Gardiner opposite Eli Wallach in Jeff Baron's Visiting Mr. Green at the Union Square Theatre, a two-hander that ran for over a year and earned critical acclaim for its exploration of intergenerational conflict. The following year, he played Jonathan in David Marshall Grant's Snakebit for Naked Angels, a role in the Drama Desk-nominated play that highlighted his ability to navigate complex relational tensions in a smartly observed domestic drama. Basche also took on classical roles, including Macduff in Macbeth at the McGinn/Cazale Theatre in 2001 and Angelo in Measure for Measure with New Generations, further demonstrating his command of Shakespeare's language and moral ambiguities in intimate New York settings. Basche's theater philosophy centers on the craft of live performance as essential training for emotional authenticity, a perspective shaped by his post-college immersion in work. He has credited early theater experiences with providing the rigorous discipline needed to sustain a career, influencing his seamless shift to screen roles by emphasizing character-driven and adaptability to directors' visions. While his pre-film career in theater from the remains a cornerstone of his resume, Basche has not taken on major roles since 2010, focusing instead and film opportunities that build on his foundational stage expertise.

Film

David Alan Basche made his debut in Steven Soderbergh's ensemble comedy Full Frontal (2002), portraying Nicholas's Agent in a supporting role alongside a cast including and . Basche gained prominence in blockbuster cinema with his role as Tim, the stepfather to the central family's children, in Steven Spielberg's War of the Worlds (2005), a science-fiction thriller that depicted an through the lens of suburban survival. The following year, he delivered a standout dramatic performance as , the passenger who uttered the famous "" before leading the revolt against hijackers, in Paul Greengrass's United 93 (2006); the film's raw, documentary-style authenticity was widely commended, with Beamer's family praising Basche's portrayal for honoring the real-life hero's courage and composure. In the mid-2010s, Basche continued to build his film resume with varied supporting parts, including David, a husband navigating marital tensions, in the romantic comedy sequel Sex and the City 2 (2010). He appeared as Thompson's Aide in George Nolfi's sci-fi thriller The Adjustment Bureau (2011), contributing to the film's exploration of fate and free will alongside Matt Damon and Emily Blunt. He also voiced an ESPN Boxing Commentator in Shawn Levy's Real Steel (2011), a robot boxing action film starring Hugh Jackman. Basche played Cox, a coach, in the sports drama Backwards (2012), which highlighted themes of perseverance and second chances in competitive rowing. Basche's recent film work demonstrates his range across genres and character types, from tense corporate intrigue to introspective indie narratives. In Equity (2016), directed by Meera Menon, he portrayed Ian, a key figure in a Wall Street financial scandal, adding depth to the ensemble-driven thriller focused on gender dynamics in high finance. He appeared as Senator Dale in Shawn Christensen's mystery drama The Vanishing of Sidney Hall (2017), which follows the life of a reclusive author. He starred as Don, a pragmatic businessman confronting personal and relational conflicts, in the satirical drama Egg (2018), a project he also produced that critiques motherhood and artistic ambition. Basche followed with BMW John (Kevin), a flawed mentor figure, in the coming-of-age story Almost Home (2018), which follows homeless teens navigating survival in Los Angeles. He played Donald, an uncle dealing with demonic possession in his family, in the horror film Know Fear (2021). In Glimpse (2022), directed by Theresa Rebeck, he portrayed Phil, a job candidate under surveillance pressure, in a satirical look at privacy and competition. His most recent role is John Hammond, the Columbia Records executive who discovered Bob Dylan, in James Mangold's biographical drama A Complete Unknown (2024), capturing the music industry's pivotal early-1960s moment. Throughout his film career, Basche has actively sought roles that defy typecasting, balancing intense dramatic turns—like the heroic restraint in United 93 and the moral ambiguity in Equity—with lighter comedic elements, as seen in Full Frontal and Sex and the City 2, showcasing his versatility in both blockbuster and independent cinema.

Television

David Alan Basche began his television career with guest spots on daytime soap operas, including roles on All My Children and As the World Turns, marking his entry into the medium through New York-based productions. His breakthrough came in 1999 with a lead role as Norris Michelsky, a newly out gay man navigating divorce and friendship, in the short-lived ABC sitcom Oh, Grow Up, created by Alan Ball, which ran for one season and highlighted his comedic timing in ensemble dynamics. Basche followed this with another prominent early role as Steven Keats, the husband to the eldest Bernstein-Flynn sister, in the sitcom Three Sisters from 2001 to 2002, where he portrayed a grounded amid family chaos over two seasons. He built on these leads with recurring appearances that demonstrated his versatility, including Woody Wiswell across two episodes of in 2003, Brian in two episodes of Miss Match that same year, Steve in Rescue Me starting in 2005, and Rob Miller in beginning in 2009. These roles spanned comedies and dramas, often leveraging his ability to play relatable professionals or foils in high-stakes scenarios. A standout in his television portfolio was his four-year stint as Stuart Gardner, a divorced sports journalist sharing an apartment with two other men, in the TV Land sitcom The Exes from 2011 to 2015, co-starring Donald Faison and Wayne Knight, which earned praise for its lighthearted take on modern relationships and ran for 80 episodes. Basche's guest work further showcased his range in procedural dramas, including his portrayal of Gordon Daimler, the series' inaugural villain in the 2002 crossover episode "Cross-Jurisdictions" of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which introduced CSI: Miami elements. He appeared multiple times in the Law & Order franchise, embodying various characters such as executives and suspects across the original series and spin-offs. In more recent years, Basche continued to take on compelling guest roles in primetime series, evolving from roots to nuanced dramatic parts. He played Joe Pelligrino, a whistleblower entangled in , in the 2016 Blue Bloods episode "The Price of Justice." His appearance as Jack Thornton in the 2017 The Blacklist: Redemption episode added to his portfolio of shadowy figures. In 2019, he guest-starred as David Newton, a father in a custody battle turned murder trial, in the Bull season three finale "Pillar of Salt." Post-2020, Basche appeared as District Attorney in three episodes of For Life (2020) and returned to Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in the 2020s, first as Frank Bailey, a coercive executive enabling assaults, in the 2025 episode "," and earlier as Michael Gallagher in the 2010 episode "Savior," underscoring his ongoing demand for authoritative roles in long-running procedurals. This progression reflects Basche's transition from ensemble comedies to impactful dramatic arcs, contributing to shows with broad audience reach.

Producing and directing

David Alan Basche expanded his career beyond acting into producing and directing, collaborating closely with his wife, actress , on several projects. His producing debut came with the 2016 financial thriller Equity, which he co-produced alongside Reiner; the film premiered at the and was acquired by for distribution. In this project, Basche also appeared in a supporting role, contributing to its focus on female-led narratives in the male-dominated world of finance. Basche continued his producing efforts with the 2018 indie drama Egg, co-produced with Reiner and Michele Ganeless, featuring a cast including , , and Reiner herself. The film, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, explored themes of and generational conflict through a single-location , earning praise for its sharp and intimate storytelling. Basche starred as a key character in Egg as well, blending his on-screen and behind-the-scenes roles to support emerging indie voices. In directing, Basche apprenticed under established television directors on series such as Scream Queens, , and , gaining hands-on experience in episodic storytelling and set management. He has since directed promotional content for , including materials tied to , and various charity campaigns supporting organizations like the Cancer Support Community and . Beyond film and television, Basche has ventured into audio production as co-host and producer of the podcast Confessions of a Working Actor, launched in collaboration with actor , where episodes feature candid discussions on the profession, celebrity encounters, and industry insights from guests. He and Reiner have also co-created and co-produced the podcast series Around the Sun, a audio blending their talents with original . These pursuits marked a significant diversification for Basche following the conclusion of in 2015, allowing him to champion indie films and multimedia projects into 2025 while fostering creative partnerships that extended his influence in entertainment.

Personal life

Family

David Alan Basche married actress on June 15, 1997. The couple first met in 1992 at the White River Theater Festival in , while performing together in a production of William Shakespeare's . Basche and Reiner welcomed their only child, daughter Livia Charles Basche, on December 5, 2008, in . Weighing at birth, Livia has been described by her father as having "perfect comedic timing, just like her mom," reflecting the family's playful dynamic amid their acting professions. The family resides in a sustainably renovated four-story in , New York, which Basche and Reiner purchased in 2005 and transformed with eco-friendly features to serve as both home and educational space for environmentally conscious living. To accommodate their dual acting careers, they split time between New York and , coordinating schedules to prioritize family amid Hollywood's demands. Their professional lives often intersect, including joint producing efforts on projects like the 2016 financial thriller Equity, in which both also appeared as actors, allowing them to blend work and personal partnership without delving into specific production details.

Interests

David Alan Basche bears a on his left inscribed with "There Is No Perfect," which he acquired shortly after the birth of his daughter in 2008 as a personal for embracing imperfection and deriving lessons from life's challenges, including the unpredictable fluctuations of his career. This symbol underscores his philosophy of , reminding him to strive for improvement as a , , and individual amid professional highs and lows. Basche actively participates in The Creative Coalition, serving as a Distinguished Advisor on its Entertainment Industry Commission on Caregiving, through which he advocates for increased arts funding and education while promoting awareness within the entertainment sector. The organization leverages his involvement to address issues like support, which intersects with broader initiatives for industry professionals facing high-stress environments. His contributions highlight a commitment to fostering creative expression and well-being among artists. In his personal pursuits, Basche engages in podcasting to explore topics beyond his profession, such as maintaining life balance amid demanding schedules, as discussed in joint appearances with his wife where they address handling career pressures and self-doubt. He also maintains fitness routines to cope with the physical and mental toll of acting commitments, emphasizing in daily exercise to sustain levels. These hobbies reflect his individualistic approach to personal growth, supported by his family. Additionally, Basche supports philanthropic causes focused on and awareness, including the Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY) to aid children with speech challenges and Actors for Autism to combat and promote inclusion, alongside cancer-related efforts through the Cancer Support Community and Cycle For Survival, with ongoing involvement as of 2025.

References

  1. https://www.davidalanbasche.com/bio
  2. https://thecreativecoalition.org/david-alan-basche/
  3. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0059654/
  4. https://www.tvinsider.com/people/david-alan-basche/
  5. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/david-basche.html
  6. https://www.fandango.com/people/david-alan-basche-43558/biography
  7. https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2012/08/meet-david-alan-basche-actor-with-ex-factor/
  8. https://ethnicelebs.com/david-alan-basche
  9. https://www.suzeebehindthescenes.com/2019/02/interview-with-actor-david-alan-basche.html
  10. https://www.spoilertv.com/2013/07/the-exes-david-alan-basche-interview.html
  11. https://today.emerson.edu/2017/03/17/actorproducer-basche-90-on-hollywood-and-emerson-experience/
  12. https://www.nytimes.com/1997/06/15/style/alysia-reiner-and-david-basche.html
  13. https://ia800209.us.archive.org/22/items/emersonianemerso1990unse/emersonianemerso1990unse.pdf
  14. https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/1027600
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  16. https://visitingmrgreen.com/usa/
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  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11563598/
  32. https://tv.apple.com/us/person/david-alan-basche/umc.cpc.67hehcz6tkisqmgdmcbx71gvt
  33. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0202746/
  34. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0266195/
  35. https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/david-alan-basche/credits/3000046570/
  36. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10004790/
  37. https://www.sagindie.org/interviews/alysia-reiner-producer-actor-egg/
  38. https://open.spotify.com/show/34g7eOMqfi2eYRm7onOXZw
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_dFkyhaNwI
  40. https://thecreativecoalition.org/david-alan-basche-on-the-exes-co-producing-his-first-film-and-more/
  41. https://people.com/parents/david-alan-basche-shows-off-livia-charles/
  42. https://www.dwell.com/article/sustainability-guided-every-decision-at-this-town-house-remodel-in-harlem-3914b992
  43. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2008/03/16/eco-conscious-home-is-classroom-too/
  44. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0059654/trivia/
  45. https://www.davidalanbasche.com/about
  46. https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcasts/the-theatre-podcast-with-alan-seales/ep192-alysia-reiner-david-alan-basche-power-couple-and-acting-producing-powerhouse/212
  47. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OdrOdp03-A
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