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David Emmanuel Paymer (born August 30, 1954) is an American actor and television director. He is known for his character actor roles on stage and screen. He has received nominations for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Awards, a Grammy Award, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Key Information

Paymer made his feature film debut as a cab driver in the action comedy The In-Laws (1979). He went on to receive an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor nomination for playing a caring brother and exhausted agent in the showbiz drama Mr. Saturday Night (1992). He is also known for his comedic roles in Airplane II: The Sequel (1982), Crazy People (1990), City Slickers (1991), Get Shorty (1995), The American President (1995), Carpool (1996), State and Main (2000), and In Good Company (2004) as well as dramatic roles in Quiz Show (1994), Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993), Nixon (1995), Amistad (1997), The Hurricane (1999), Ocean's Thirteen (2007), and Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)

Early life

[edit]

Paymer was born on August 30, 1954, in Oceanside, New York, the son of Sylvia, a travel agent, and Marvin Paymer, a pianist and musical director[1] who originally worked in the scrap metal business. They divorced in 1973.[2] Paymer, who is Jewish, has a brother, Steve. His mother was born in Belgium and left for the United States to escape the Nazi occupation.[3]

Paymer graduated from the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts in theater and psychology. He is married to Liz Georges; they have two children.[citation needed]

Career

[edit]

Paymer's acting career began in 1979 with the film The In-Laws. He has appeared in over 90 films in his career. He has also appeared in many popular television shows, including Taxi, Happy Days, L.A. Law, Cheers, Ghost Whisperer, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Entourage , Diff'rent Strokes, The Good Wife, and Family Ties. He has had recurring roles on Cheers, Murphy Brown, and The Larry Sanders Show. He has also appeared in such films as Amistad, City Hall, RFK, and Into the West. He received an Academy Award nomination for Mr. Saturday Night. His voice-over work includes Sheldon in the Kids' WB cartoon series Channel Umptee-3, and neurotic Welsh Terrier Mel in Balto 3: Wings of Change.

Paymer has directed episodes of several popular television series, including Gilmore Girls, Grey's Anatomy, One Tree Hill, Melrose Place, Everwood, Brothers & Sisters, and Bunheads.

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Roles Notes
1979 The In-Laws Cab Driver
1982 Airplane II: The Sequel Court Photographer
1984 Best Defense Kurly
1984 Irreconcilable Differences Alan Sluiser
1985 Perfect Managing Editor
1986 Howard the Duck Larry
1986 Night of the Creeps Young scientist
1987 No Way Out David
1988 Rock 'n' Roll Mom Boris
1989 No Holds Barred Unger
1990 Crazy People George
1991 City Slickers Ira Shalowitz
1992 Mr. Saturday Night Stan Young
1993 Searching for Bobby Fischer Kalev
1993 Heart and Souls Hal the driver
1994 City Slickers II: The Legend of Curly's Gold Ira Shalowitz
1994 In Search of Dr. Seuss Ad Man
1994 Quiz Show Dan Enright
1995 Get Shorty Leo Devoe
1995 The American President Leon Kodak
1995 Nixon Ron Ziegler
1996 Unforgettable Curtis Avery
1996 City Hall Abe Goodman
1996 Carpool Daniel Miller
1997 The 6th Man Coach Pederson
1997 Gang Related Elliot Goff
1997 Amistad John Forsyth
1998 The Lesser Evil George
1998 Outside Ozona Alan Defaux
1998 Mighty Joe Young Dr. Harry Ruben
1999 Payback Arthur Stegman
1999 Chill Factor Dr. Richard Long
1999 Mumford Dr. Ernest Delbanco
1999 The Hurricane Myron Bedlock
2000 State and Main Marty Rossen
2000 Bait Agent Wooly
2000 Bounce Prosecuting Attorney Mandel Uncredited
2000 Enemies of Laughter Paul Halpern
2001 Focus Mr. Finkelstein
2001 Bartleby The Boss
2002 The Burial Society Morry Zimmer
2003 Alex & Emma John Shaw
2004 In Good Company Morty
2004 Spartan TV News Anchor Uncredited
2004 Balto III: Wings of Change Mel Voice[4]
2005 Checking Out Ted Applebaum
2005 Marilyn Hotchkiss' Ballroom Dancing & Charm School Rafael Horowitz
2005 My Suicidal Sweetheart Max, Sr.
2005 School of Life Matt Warner
2007 Resurrecting the Champ Whitley
2007 Ocean's Thirteen V.U.P.
2008 Redbelt Richard
2009 Drag Me to Hell Mr. Jacks
2011 Twixt Sam Malkin
2012 The Five-Year Engagement Pete Solomon
2014 Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit Dixon Lewis[5]
2014 Two-Bit Waltz The Lawyer
2016 The Pickle Recipe Uncle Morty
2017 Lemon Dr. Gold
2018 Accident Man Milton
2019 The Sunlit Night Levi
2019 Where'd You Go, Bernadette Jay Ross
2020 Horse Girl Doctor
2020 Bad Therapy Dr. Edward Kingsley
2024 Bad Shabbos[6] Richard

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1979 ABC Afterschool Special Ralph Episode: "Make Believe Marriage"
1980 Barney Miller Felix Morrissey Episode: "Guns"
1980 Lou Grant Roy Episode: "Nightside"
1981 Happy Days Dwayne Episode: "If You Knew Rosa"
1981 House Calls Johnny Vance Episode: "No Balls, One Strike"
1981 This House Possessed Pasternak Television film
1981 Hart to Hart Orderly Episode: "Hart of Darkness"
1982 Cagney & Lacey Vinnie Episode: "You Call This Plain Clothes?"
1982 Open All Night Punker Episode: "Sitting Ducks"
1982 Taxi Ned Episode: "Alex the Gofer"
1982 Fame The Salesman Episode: "The Sell-Out"
1983 The Greatest American Hero The Gatekeeper Episode: "Wizards and Warlocks"
1983 Grace Kelly Jay Kanter Television film
1983 Gloria Robber Episode: "Gloria on the Couch"
1983 The Powers of Matthew Star Dr. Benson Episode: "Matthew Star D.O.A."
1983 The Jeffersons David Episode: "I Do, I Don't"
1984 Hill Street Blues Attorney Michael Shapiro Episode: "The Other Side of Oneness"
1984 Her Life as a Man Ted Television film
1984–1986 The Paper Chase Myslesky 6 episodes
1984–1988 Cagney & Lacey Todd Feldberg 10 episodes
1985 Scarecrow and Mrs. King Dr. Fronan Episode: "DOA: Delirious on Arrival"
1985 Hardcastle and McCormick Patrick Burke Episode: "The Yankee Clipper"
1985 Family Ties Larry Harris Episodes 58 & 66 "Oh Donna" & "Cold Storage"
1985 Cheers Reporter Episode: "King of the Hill"
1985 Love, Mary David Lewis Television film
1986 Diff'rent Strokes Mr. Wallace 2 episodes
1986 Moonlighting Camille's PR Episode: "Camille"
1986 Cheers Phil Schumacher 2 episodes
1985 Pleasures Stanley Television film
1986–1987 Downtown Captain David Kiner 14 episodes
1987 21 Jump Street Mike Ferris Episode: "16 Blown to 35"
1987 Rags to Riches Arnie Episode: "Born to Ride"
1987 My Sister Sam Bob Episode: "And They Said It Would Never Last"
1987 Private Eye Archie Hammond Episode: "Blue Hotel"
1987 It's Garry Shandling's Show Richard Kimble Episode: "The Fugitive"
1988 St. Elsewhere Mr. Bickle 2 episodes
1988 Simon & Simon Brian Sadler Episode: "Ain't Gonna Get It from Me, Jack"
1988 Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color Boris Episode: "Rock 'n Roll Mom"
1988 Who's the Boss? Jack Episode: "A Jack Story"
1988 A Year in the Life Defense Attorney Episode: "Fathers and Other Strangers""
1988 Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color Mr. Oliphant Episode: "The Absent-Minded Professor"
1988 Duet Andy Episode: "One Man Out"
1989 Matlock Lenny Marcus Episode: "The Prisoner: Part 1"
1989 Hooperman Leonard Episode: "The Sure Thing"
1990 L.A. Law Joey Paul Episode: "Whatever Happened to Hannah?"
1990 Mancuso, F.B.I. Lloyd Episode: "Adamant Five"
1990 Cop Rock Homeless Man Episode: "Oli of Ol' Lay"
1990–1991 Murphy Brown Dr. Bishop 2 episodes
1991 Jake and the Fatman Henry Stocker Episode: "I'm Gonna Live Til I Die"
1991 Equal Justice Stuey Episode: "Sleeping with the Enemy"
1991–1992 The Commish Arnie Metzger 10 episodes
1992–1998 The Larry Sanders Show Norman Litkey 6 episodes
1993 Tales from the Crypt Andy Conway Episode: "Two for the Show"
1994 Cagney & Lacey: The Return Feldberg Television film
1994–1995 Aaahh!!! Real Monsters Murray Voice, 2 episodes[4]
1995 Cagney & Lacey: Together Again Feldberg Television film
1995 Santo Bugito The Professor, Centipede, Biker Bug Voice, episode: "My Name Is Revenge"[4]
1996 Crime of the Century David Wilentz Television film
1997–1998 Channel Umptee-3 Sheldon S. Cargo Voice, 13 episodes
1998 The New Batman Adventures Frank Voice, episode: "Torch Song"[4]
1998 Godzilla: The Series Dean Whitehead Voice, episode: "Talkin' Trash"
1998 The Wild Thornberrys Finch, Iguana Voice, 2 episodes[4]
1998 Pinky, Elmyra & the Brain Shad Equippo Voice, 2 episodes[4]
1999 Dash and Lilly Arthur Kober Television film
2000 Rocket Power Director Voice, episode: "The Wrath of Don"
2000 For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story Embassy interviewer Television film
2000 Partners Bob Television film
2001 Night Visions Jim Osgoode Episode: "Neighborhood Watch"
2002 Without a Trace Mr. Freedman Episode: "Birthday Boy"
2002 Justice League Chancellor Voice, episode: "War World"[4]
2002 Joe and Max Joe Jacobs Television film
2002 RFK Dick Goodwin Television film
2003–2004 Line of Fire Jonah Malloy 13 episodes
2004 Static Shock Mason Andrews Voice, episode: "Hoop Squad"[4]
2004 Century City Miller Sisto Episode: "Pilot"
2004 Jack & Bobby Adam Chasen 2 episodes
2005 School of Life Matt Warner Television film
2005 Into the West Daniel Royer Episode: "Ghost Dance"
2005 Warm Springs Louis Howe Television film
2006 Entourage Sammy Kane Episode: "I Wanna Be Sedated"
2006 Ghost Whisperer Adam Godfrey Episode: "A Grave Matter"
2007 Brothers & Sisters Donald Dudley Episode: "All in the Family"
2008 October Road Dr. Dough Levy Episode: "Dancing Days Are Here Again"; also directed 4 episodes
2008 My Name Is Earl Clark Clark Episode: "Monkeys Take a Bath"
2009–2016 The Good Wife Judge Richard Cuesta 9 episodes
2010 Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Dr. Stephen Elroy Episode: "Ace"
2011 The Mentalist James Panzer Episode: "Blinking Red Light"
2013–2014 Perception Rueben Bauer 4 episodes
2017 Pure Genius Douglas Prescott Episode: "Hero Worship"
2017 There's... Johnny! Dr. Neuberger Episode: "Take Me to Church"
2017–2018 I'm Dying Up Here Ernie Falk 5 episodes
2017–2022 The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Harry Drake 5 episodes
2018 The Conners Gary Episode: "There Won't Be Blood"
2019 Brooklyn Nine-Nine Dr. William Tate Episode: "The Therapist"
2019 On Becoming a God in Central Florida Buck Bridges 2 episodes
2019 Room 104 Robert Episode: "Night Shift"
2020 Star Trek: Picard Dr. Benayoun Episode: "Maps and Legends"
2020 Briarpatch Jimmy Jr. 3 episodes
2020–2023 Dave Don 11 episodes
2021 The Morning Show Hannah's Father Episode: "Ghosts"
2022 Minx Myron Episode: "You happened to me"

Theater

[edit]
Year Title Role Venue Ref.
1978 Grease Sonny Latierri Broadhurst Theater, Broadway
1999 The Odd Couple Felix Ungar L.A. Theatre Works
2008 Two Unrelated Plays by David Mamet Pelargon Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles
2020 The Christopher Boy's Communion Mr. Stone Odyssey Theatre, Los Angeles
2021 Mr. Saturday Night Stan Yankelman Barrington Stage Company
2022 Nederlander Theater, Broadway [7]

Directorial credits

[edit]
Year Title Notes
2004–2005 Everwood 4 episodes
2004–2006 One Tree Hill 2 episodes
2005 Jack & Bobby Episode: "Stand by Me"
2005 Inconceivable Episode: "Face Your Demon Semen" (unaired)
2006 Windfall Episode: "Crash Into You"
2006 Grey's Anatomy Episode: "Break on Through"
2006 Pepper Dennis Episode: "Dennis, Bulgari, Big Losers at ACoRNS"
2006, 2010 Medium 2 episodes
2007 Brothers & Sisters Episode: "All in the Family"
2007 What About Brian Episode: "What About the Exes..."
2007 Gilmore Girls Episode: "Will You Be My Lorelai Gilmore?"
2007 Heartland Episode: "Domino Effect"
2007 Side Order of Life Episode: "Coming Out"
2007–2009 Brothers & Sisters 4 episodes
2008 The Unit Episode: "Inquisition"
2008–2009 Privileged 4 episodes
2009 Melrose Place Episode: "June"
2009–2012 Make It or Break It 7 episodes
2010 Men of a Certain Age Episode: "Powerless"
2010 Life Unexpected Episode: "Bride Unbridled"
2010 Hellcats Episode: "Nobody Loves Me But My Mother"
2010 No Ordinary Family Episode: "No Ordinary Visitors"
2011 90210 Episode: "The Enchanted Donkey"
2011–2015 Hart of Dixie 11 episodes
2011–2015 Switched at Birth 6 episodes
2012–2013 Bunheads 2 episodes
2013 The Carrie Diaries Episode: "Endgame"
2013 Mistresses Episode: "A Kiss Is Just a Kiss?"
2013 The Mentalist Episode: "Red and Itchy"
2013 The Fosters Episode: "Vigil"
2013 Franklin & Bash Episode: "Shoot to Thrill"
2016 Recovery Road Episode: "My Loose Thread"
2016 Lucifer Episode: "Favorite Son"

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Association Category Work Result Ref.
1992 Academy Awards Best Supporting Actor Mr. Saturday Night Nominated
Golden Globe Awards Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture Nominated
1995 Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture Get Shorty Nominated
1995 Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture Nixon Nominated
2000 Florida Film Critics Circle Best Cast State and Main Won
National Board of Review Best Cast Won
Online Film Critics Society Best Cast Won
1993 CableACE Awards Actor in a Dramatic Series Tales from the Crypt Nominated
1996 Golden Globe Awards Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film Crime of the Century Nominated
2003 Satellite Award Best Actor – Television Series Drama Line of Fire Nominated
2023 Grammy Awards Best Musical Theater Album Mr. Saturday Night Nominated

References

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

David Paymer

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
David Paymer is an American character actor and television director renowned for his versatile supporting roles in film and television, often portraying nuanced, everyday professionals with a blend of humor and pathos.[1] Born David Emmanuel Paymer on August 30, 1954, in Oceanside, Long Island, New York, he grew up in a family where his father, Marvin Paymer, worked in the scrap metal business and later as a pianist and composer, while his mother, Sylvia, was a travel agent who had fled Belgium to escape Nazi persecution during World War II.[2][3] He has a brother, Steve Paymer, who is also an actor.[4] Paymer developed an early passion for acting and pursued formal training, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in theater and psychology from the University of Michigan in 1975.[5] After graduation, he honed his skills in dinner theater and summer stock productions before landing his first major professional role as "Sonny" in the national tour and Broadway production of Neil Simon's Brighton Beach Memoirs in the mid-1980s.[6] His film breakthrough came in the early 1990s with roles in critically acclaimed movies such as City Slickers (1991), Mr. Saturday Night (1992)—for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor—and Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993).[7][1] Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Paymer solidified his reputation as a go-to character actor in high-profile films, including Quiz Show (1994) as a congressional investigator, Get Shorty (1995) as a harried film producer, The American President (1995) as a press secretary, Nixon (1995) as Ron Ziegler, Amistad (1997) as Secretary of State John Forsyth, Payback (1999) as a shady accountant, and Ocean's Thirteen (2007) as a casino owner.[1][2] On television, he appeared in guest and recurring roles on series like Tales from the Crypt (earning a CableACE Award nomination in 1995), The Larry Sanders Show, Star Trek: Voyager (as Doctor Moritz Benayoun in 2001), HBO's Crime of the Century (1996, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television), and more recent shows such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023), I'm Dying Up Here (2017–2018), Bookie (2023–2024), St. Denis Medical (2024), Bad Shabbos (2025), and All's Fair (2025).[7][2][8] In addition to acting, Paymer transitioned into directing in the early 2000s, helming over 60 episodes of popular television series, including Gilmore Girls (2003–2007), Grey's Anatomy (2005–2015), One Tree Hill (2006–2009), The Mentalist (2008–2015), Brothers & Sisters (2006–2011), Hart of Dixie (2011–2015), Bunheads (2012–2013), Franklin & Bash (2013), Recovery Road (2016), Switched at Birth (2016), and Lucifer (2016).[2][5] His directorial work has been praised for its steady pacing and character focus, complementing his on-screen contributions.[4] Paymer's accolades also include Golden Globe nominations for Mr. Saturday Night (1993) and Crime of the Century (1997), as well as a Grammy Award nomination in 2023 for Best Musical Theater Album for the Broadway adaptation of Mr. Saturday Night.[8][9] He continues to work actively in both acting and directing, maintaining a low-key yet enduring presence in the entertainment industry.[1]

Early life and education

Early life

David Paymer was born on August 30, 1954, in Oceanside, Long Island, New York, to a middle-class Jewish family.[6] He is the son of Marvin Paymer, a pianist, composer, and musical director who originally worked in the scrap metal business, and Sylvia Paymer (also cited as Edythe in some sources), a travel agent born in Belgium to a Jewish family that fled the Nazi occupation during World War II.[10][11][12] Paymer has a brother, Steve, who later became an actor, writer, and producer.[10][4] Paymer spent his childhood in Oceanside, where his parents nurtured his artistic inclinations—his father performed piano in local productions, while his mother participated in acting and producing community theater alongside neighbors like Artie Iger.[13] He attended Oceanside High School, participating in school musicals and his first theater production in the late 1960s, where his passion for acting blossomed under the mentorship of drama teacher Barry Kaplan.[5][14] From early childhood, Paymer dreamed of becoming an actor.[6] At age 14, he used a fake ID to sneak into a New York theater to watch Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate, an experience that further fueled his enthusiasm for the performing arts.[15]

Education

Paymer graduated from Oceanside High School in Oceanside, New York, in 1972, where he developed an early interest in performing arts through participation in school musicals.[14][5] Following high school, Paymer initially enrolled at the University of Rochester as a psychology major before transferring to the University of Michigan during his junior year.[16] He transferred to the University of Michigan in his junior year, attending from approximately 1974 to 1975, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in theater and psychology.[5][16] This program allowed him to balance a practical backup field with intensive training in acting, immersing himself in the university's theater department.[5] During his time at the University of Michigan, Paymer gained practical experience through involvement in student theater productions, including a role in Cyrano de Bergerac at the Power Center for the Performing Arts and performances at the Campus Inn.[5] These opportunities honed his skills in classical and contemporary works, contributing to his decision to pursue acting professionally rather than psychology.[5] Upon graduating in 1975, Paymer immediately took steps toward a professional career by auditioning for stage roles, leading to his entry into touring and Broadway productions shortly thereafter.[5][17]

Acting career

Early acting roles

After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1975, David Paymer moved to New York City to launch his acting career. Shortly thereafter, he secured his first professional role in the national touring company of the musical Grease, portraying Sonny LaTierri for approximately eight months beginning in late 1975. He later joined the Broadway production of Grease as a replacement in the same role, performing through 1979. These early theater opportunities marked his entry into professional stage work, building on his university training in acting. In 1979, while still associated with Grease, Paymer transitioned into film with a small part as a cab driver in the comedy The In-Laws. That same year, he appeared in bit roles as Pat in the action film The Bushido Blade and as Stanley in the horror film The Driller Killer. His television debut also occurred in 1979, playing Ralph in the ABC Afterschool Special episode "Make Believe Marriage." Throughout the early 1980s, Paymer continued securing minor roles across media, including Luke in the thriller Cruising (1980) and the court photographer in Airplane II: The Sequel (1982). He took on small screen appearances, such as a guest spot on Barney Miller, and performed in regional productions like summer stock and dinner theater shows. By 1987, he had a technician role in the political thriller No Way Out, exemplifying his persistence in entry-level ensemble and supporting work during this period.

Film breakthrough and notable roles

Paymer achieved his breakthrough in film with a supporting role as Stan Yankelman, the long-suffering brother of comedian Buddy Young Jr., in Billy Crystal's directorial debut Mr. Saturday Night (1992). His portrayal of the character, who ages from 20 to 75 over the course of the film, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor, marking a significant step in establishing him as a versatile character actor.[7] Building on this acclaim, Paymer appeared in several prominent 1990s films that showcased his range in both comedic and dramatic contexts. In City Slickers (1991), directed by Ron Underwood, he played Ira Shalowitz, one of the neurotic urban friends embarking on a cattle drive, contributing to the ensemble comedy's box office success.[18] He followed with the role of Kalev, a chess parent, in Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993). In Robert Redford's Quiz Show (1994), he portrayed scheming producer Dan Enright, a performance noted for its sharp intensity in the historical drama about the 1950s quiz show scandals. In Barry Sonnenfeld's Get Shorty (1995), Paymer portrayed Leo Devoe, a debtor entangled in the Hollywood underworld, adding to the film's satirical edge. That same year, in Rob Reiner's romantic comedy The American President, he depicted White House Deputy Chief of Staff Leon Kodak, a harried advisor navigating political intrigue, and in Oliver Stone's Nixon, he played White House Press Secretary Ron Ziegler. Paymer's dramatic turn came in Steven Spielberg's Amistad (1997), where he played U.S. Secretary of State John Forsyth, embodying bureaucratic tension in the historical account of the slave ship revolt. His decade concluded with Payback (1999), Brian Helgeland's neo-noir thriller, in which he took on the sleazy role of Arthur Stegman, operator of an underground casino.[19][20][21] Entering the 2000s, Paymer continued to diversify his portfolio with roles that highlighted his chameleon-like ability to shift between humor and pathos. In David Mamet's ensemble satire State and Main (2000), he starred as Marty Rossen, a manipulative Hollywood producer scrambling to salvage a troubled film shoot in a small town, earning praise for capturing the industry's absurdities. The following year, in Neil Jordan's adaptation of Arthur Miller's novel Focus (2001), Paymer played Mr. Finkelstein, a Jewish neighbor caught in themes of prejudice and identity during 1940s America, demonstrating his skill in understated dramatic support. Later in the decade, he appeared as a casino owner in Ocean's Thirteen (2007). These performances underscored Paymer's evolution from lighthearted sidekicks in early comedies to more nuanced, morally complex figures in serious narratives, often in collaboration with acclaimed directors like Crystal, whose projects provided key opportunities to blend comedy with emotional depth.[22]

Television appearances

David Paymer began his television career with guest appearances in various series during the 1980s and early 1990s, often portraying neurotic or comedic supporting characters. He appeared in multiple episodes of Cagney & Lacey as Todd Feldberg from 1984 to 1988.[10] In 1986–1987, he had a recurring role as Captain David Kiner on the short-lived drama Downtown.[10] Paymer also made guest spots on shows like Cheers, where he played reporter Phil Schumacher in a three-episode arc during season 4 in 1986.[23] His early television work highlighted his ability to bring anxious, everyman energy to ensemble casts. In the 1990s, Paymer gained more prominent television exposure through recurring and guest roles in popular comedies and dramas. He portrayed Arnie Metzger, the freeloading brother-in-law of the lead character, in four episodes of The Commish during its first season in 1991–1992.[24] On Murphy Brown, he appeared as Dr. Bishop in at least two episodes, including "The Bitch's Back" in 1990 and "Hoarse Play" in 1991, delivering sharp, exasperated performances amid the newsroom chaos.[25] Later in the decade, Paymer earned acclaim for his recurring role as publicist Norman Litkey on The Larry Sanders Show, appearing in six episodes across seasons 1, 3, 5, and 6 from 1992 to 1998, where his portrayal of a bald, neurotic Hollywood insider added layers of satirical bite to the behind-the-scenes satire. He also guest-starred as Andy Conway in the 1993 episode "Two for the Show" of Tales from the Crypt. In 1996, he played David Wilentz, the prosecutor, in the HBO miniseries Crime of the Century. These roles solidified his reputation for blending humor with subtle pathos in serialized formats. Paymer continued to balance drama and comedy in the 2000s with notable guest appearances that showcased his range. In 2007, he played Donald Dudley, a family friend, in four episodes of Brothers & Sisters from 2007 to 2009, including "All in the Family," contributing to the show's exploration of familial tensions.[26] His performance as Clark Clark in the 2008 My Name Is Earl episode "Monkeys Take a Bath" stood out for its comedic timing in a story involving neighborhood secrets and revenge, earning praise for capturing the awkwardness of suburban hypocrisy.[27] In the 2010s and 2020s, Paymer's television work increasingly featured recurring roles in acclaimed series, emphasizing his versatility across genres. He recurred as talent agent Harry Drake in five episodes of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel starting in 2018, with a return in season 5 in 2023, bringing shrewd, fast-talking energy to the 1950s–1960s comedy scene.[28] From 2017 to 2018, he appeared as Ernie Falk, a TV producer, in five episodes of I'm Dying Up Here. Guest spots included Myron, a magazine executive, in the 2022 premiere season of Minx.[29] More recently, he appeared as Nathan in an episode of Bookie in 2024, portraying a bookie's associate in the sports betting dramedy.[26] In 2024, Paymer guest-starred as Bob, a patient with a fabricated illness, in the St. Denis Medical episode "Ho-Ho-Hollo," infusing the mockumentary hospital comedy with his signature flustered charm.[30] As of November 2025, he continues to appear in ongoing series, including the role of Dr. Pollan in All's Fair.[26]

Stage work

Theater debut and early productions

David Paymer made his professional theater debut shortly after graduating from the University of Michigan in 1975, securing the role of Sonny LaTierri in the national touring production of the musical Grease.[31] At age 22, he attended an open casting call in New York City and was cast as the street-smart, wisecracking member of the T-Birds gang, a character role that showcased his comedic timing and ensemble skills.[32] The tour, produced by Theatre Now, Inc., ran from October 10, 1976, to January 15, 1978, taking Paymer to venues across the United States and Canada.[33] This early experience applied the stage craft he developed during his university training, emphasizing live audience engagement and quick adaptability in high-energy musical performances.[5] Following the tour's success, Paymer transitioned to Broadway, replacing the original performer as Sonny LaTierri in Grease at the Royale Theatre.[34] His run began in 1978 and continued through the show's closure in April 1980. The production, a long-running hit that premiered in 1972, provided Paymer with rigorous training in sustaining character over hundreds of performances, contrasting the immediacy of live theater with the more controlled environment he would later encounter in film and television.[10] In the late 1970s and into the 1980s, Paymer supplemented his Broadway work with appearances in summer stock and dinner theater productions, taking on varied character roles that further refined his versatility as a performer.[10] These early stage endeavors, rooted in ensemble dynamics and improvisational demands, laid the foundation for his career, highlighting the unique challenges of live performance such as nightly consistency and direct audience feedback.[31]

Broadway and Off-Broadway credits

David Paymer made his Broadway debut as a replacement for the role of Sonny LaTierri in the long-running musical Grease, which opened in 1972 and continued until 1980.[34] This early involvement in the production, which featured a rock 'n' roll score and a nostalgic take on 1950s high school life, marked his entry into professional theater shortly after graduating college in 1975, at age 21.[5] Prior to joining the Broadway run, Paymer performed the same role in the national tour of Grease from 1976 to 1978, gaining experience in ensemble dynamics and live performance demands across various venues.[35] After a decades-long focus on film and television, Paymer returned to Broadway in 2022, originating the role of Stan Yankleman in the musical adaptation of Mr. Saturday Night at the Nederlander Theatre. In this Billy Crystal-led production, which ran from April to September, Paymer portrayed the loyal brother to Crystal's comedian character, Buddy Young Jr., drawing on their prior on-screen collaboration in the 1992 film version where he had played the same part.[36] The show, a semi-autobiographical story of show business longevity, highlighted Paymer's ability to blend humor and pathos in a supporting ensemble, earning positive reviews for the cast's chemistry. Paymer's stage work, beginning with the high-energy ensemble of Grease and culminating in the character-driven Mr. Saturday Night, provided foundational training in timing, improvisation, and audience interaction that informed his versatile screen career, particularly in comedic and dramatic supporting roles.[5] No Drama Desk or Outer Critics Circle nominations were associated with these productions.[37]
ProductionRoleVenueDatesType
GreaseSonny LaTierri (Replacement)Royale Theatre (Broadway)1978–1980Musical
Grease (National Tour)Sonny LaTierriVarious1976–1978Musical
Mr. Saturday NightStan Yankleman (Original)Nederlander Theatre (Broadway)Apr 27, 2022 – Sep 4, 2022Musical

Directing career

Transition to directing

In the early 2000s, following a prolific acting career that spanned films like Mr. Saturday Night (1992) and television guest spots, David Paymer began pursuing directing opportunities. His initial foray into the field came with the 2005 short comedy Candor City Hospital, which he co-wrote with his brother Steve Paymer and produced for Showtime; the project starred Michael McKean and Kurt Fuller and marked Paymer's debut behind the camera.[38][6] This short-form work served as a stepping stone to episodic television, where Paymer earned his first directing credit in 2005 for the WB series Everwood, helming multiple episodes including "Giving Up the Girl" and "Pro Choice."[39] Paymer balanced these early directing endeavors with ongoing acting commitments, a challenge compounded by the demanding schedules of both professions, though his extensive on-set experience as an actor provided practical insights into storytelling and collaboration.[4][3] Paymer's shift was driven by a personal aspiration for expanded creative involvement, allowing him to shape narratives from a director's viewpoint after years of interpreting them as a performer; he received no formal directing training but relied on mentorship from industry collaborators and self-taught techniques honed through observation on various productions.[5] Early projects like the Showtime short and pilots for series such as Inconceivable (2005) further solidified his transition before he took on more prominent episodic assignments.[40]

Notable television episodes

David Paymer has directed more than 60 episodes of broadcast television since 2005, amassing over 70 hours of directed content by 2019 across a range of genres including medical dramas, procedurals, and family series.[41][5] His early directing work included episodes of Everwood (2005), Jack & Bobby (2005), and Gilmore Girls, where he contributed to character-focused narratives in ensemble casts.[42] He later helmed multiple installments of Grey's Anatomy across several seasons, handling intense surgical scenes and emotional arcs central to the show's long-running format.[43] Paymer's portfolio expanded to include procedurals like The Mentalist (2008–2015), thrillers such as Medium, and comedies including Brothers & Sisters, demonstrating versatility in pacing ensemble dynamics and plot-driven storytelling.[41] Notable later credits feature Hart of Dixie (11 episodes, 2011–2015), where he directed key romantic and community-driven plots; Bunheads (2 episodes, 2012); Franklin & Bash (2013); and Lucifer (2016).[42][26] In recent years, Paymer directed episodes of ongoing series, with credits including Recovery Road (2016) and Switched at Birth (2011–2015). No major directing credits have been announced since 2016 as of November 2025, with his output focusing more on acting roles.[26][2] His approach often emphasizes efficient collaboration with actors to build tension in thriller elements, as seen in praise for his handling of suspenseful sequences in The Mentalist episodes.[5]

Awards and nominations

Academy Awards

David Paymer earned a single Academy Award nomination for his role as Stan Yankelman in the 1992 comedy-drama Mr. Saturday Night, directed by and starring Billy Crystal.[44] In the film, Paymer portrayed the loyal, long-suffering older brother and manager to Crystal's Buddy Young Jr., a fictional comedian navigating fame and personal struggles, drawing from Crystal's own experiences in show business.[45] At the 65th Academy Awards on March 29, 1993, Paymer was nominated for Best Supporting Actor alongside Gene Hackman (Unforgiven, winner), Jaye Davidson (The Crying Game), Jack Nicholson (A Few Good Men), and Al Pacino (Glengarry Glen Ross).[44] Paymer did not win the award, which went to Hackman for his portrayal of Little Bill Daggett.[44] Though he received no Academy Award wins, the nomination marked a pivotal moment in Paymer's career, boosting his visibility and solidifying his reputation as a reliable character actor capable of delivering nuanced, empathetic performances in ensemble casts.[1] This recognition highlighted his enduring contribution to supporting roles, influencing subsequent opportunities in film and television.[46]

Primetime Emmy Awards

David Paymer has not received any Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his acting or directing contributions to television. Despite his prolific career in the medium, including guest appearances in series like Star Trek: Voyager and directing episodes for shows such as The Mentalist, his work has not been recognized by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in this category.[7]

Other recognitions

In addition to his major film and television accolades, David Paymer earned a CableACE Award nomination in 1995 for Best Guest Actor in a Dramatic Series for his performance in the episode "Two for the Show" of Tales from the Crypt.[7] Paymer received two Golden Globe Award nominations for his supporting roles: in 1993 for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for Mr. Saturday Night, and in 1997 for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film for Crime of the Century, where he portrayed prosecutor David T. Wilentz.[47][47] He also garnered two Screen Actors Guild Award nominations in 1996 for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, first for the ensemble of Get Shorty and second for Nixon.[48][49] Paymer received a Grammy Award nomination in 2023 for Best Musical Theater Album as a cast member of the Broadway production of Mr. Saturday Night.[9] Throughout his career, Paymer has accumulated a total of 3 wins and 8 nominations across various industry awards, including these cable, theater-adjacent, and ensemble honors that highlight his versatility as a character actor.[7]

References

  1. David Paymer Movies & TV Shows List | Rotten Tomatoes
  2. David Paymer - IMDb
  3. David Paymer Net Worth
  4. David Paymer - Actor, Director - TV Insider
  5. Oh, THAT Guy! - David Paymer
  6. David Paymer - Biography - IMDb
  7. David Paymer - Awards - IMDb
  8. https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/david-paymer/
  9. https://www.grammy.com/artists/david-paymer/52041
  10. David Paymer Biography (1954-) - Film Reference
  11. Paymer, David 1954– | Encyclopedia.com
  12. David Paymer - Ethnicity of Celebs | EthniCelebs.com
  13. Oceanside/Island Park Herald 06-08-2023 - Issuu
  14. Paymer's "State" - Jewish Journal
  15. Oceanside Library honors David Paymer with Founders Award
  16. Actor David Paymer recalls Ann Arbor college days - and returning ...
  17. A chat with actor, director David Paymer | www.liherald.com
  18. David Paymer as Ira Shalowitz - City Slickers (1991) - IMDb
  19. David Paymer as Leo Devoe - Get Shorty (1995) - IMDb
  20. The American President - David Paymer as Leon Kodak - IMDb
  21. Payback (1999) - David Paymer as Arthur Stegman - IMDb
  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120202/characters/nm0001601/
  23. Cheers - David Paymer as Phil Schumacher, Reporter - IMDb
  24. David Paymer: Arnie - The Commish (TV Series 1991–1996) - IMDb
  25. "Murphy Brown" The Bitch's Back (TV Episode 1990) - IMDb
  26. David Paymer List of Movies and TV Shows - TV Guide
  27. "My Name Is Earl" Monkeys Take a Bath (TV Episode 2008) - IMDb
  28. David Paymer as Harry Drake - The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel - IMDb
  29. "Minx" You happened to me (TV Episode 2022) - David Paymer as ...
  30. Why You Recognize St. Denis Medical Guest Star David Paymer
  31. Interview with David Paymer for Mr. Saturday Night | TDF Stages
  32. A Sidekick Gets a Chance To Take Center Stage - The New York ...
  33. https://www.ibdb.com/tour-production/grease-521700
  34. Grease – Broadway Musical – Original | IBDB
  35. David Paymer (Actor): Credits, Bio, News & More | Broadway World
  36. Mr. Saturday Night – Broadway Musical – Original | IBDB
  37. David Paymer – Broadway Cast & Staff - IBDB
  38. Candor City Hospital (Short 2005) - IMDb
  39. Everwood (TV Series 2002–2006) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
  40. https://www.filmreference.com/film/74/David-Paymer.html
  41. David Paymer: Movies, TV, and Bio - Amazon.com
  42. David Paymer — The Movie Database (TMDB)
  43. David Paymer | Grey's Anatomy Universe Wiki - Fandom
  44. The 65th Academy Awards | 1993 - Oscars.org
  45. David Paymer--From Character Actor to 'Mr. Saturday Night's' Brother
  46. Actor DAVID PAYMER received an Oscar nomination for his role in "Mr
  47. https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/david-paymer
  48. The 2nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards
  49. [PDF] sag awards® nominee histories
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