Lee Arenberg

Lee Arenberg (born July 18, 1962) is an American character actor renowned for his versatile portrayals across film, television, and theater, often embodying eccentric or comedic figures in science fiction, fantasy, and ensemble casts.^[1] With a career spanning over four decades, he has amassed more than 100 credits, highlighting his ability to transform into roles ranging from menacing aliens to bumbling pirates.^[2] Born in Palo Alto, California, Arenberg grew up on Los Angeles' Westside and attended Santa Monica High School alongside future actors Sean Penn, Robert Downey Jr., and Emilio Estevez, graduating in 1980.^[2] His passion for acting ignited at age eight during a Hebrew school production where he played David, leading him to co-found the influential theater troupe The Actors' Gang in 1981 while still in his late teens.^[2] Arenberg secured his first professional role in 1986 at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, marking the start of a prolific stage career that included Off-Broadway performances such as Carnage, A Comedy and regional productions like Ubu the King.^[3] Arenberg's breakthrough in film came with supporting roles in 1990s hits like RoboCop 3 (1993), Waterworld (1995), and Cradle Will Rock (1999), where he showcased his knack for memorable character work.^[2] He gained widespread recognition as Pintel, the dim-witted pirate sidekick in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise (2003–2007), appearing alongside Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush in three films that grossed billions worldwide.^[1] On television, he portrayed recurring characters such as the Ferengi DaiMon Bok in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1991), Mike the mailman in Seinfeld (1996), and the gruff but endearing dwarf Grumpy (also known as Leroy) in ABC's Once Upon a Time (2011–2018), a role that endeared him to fantasy audiences over seven seasons.^[3] Other notable TV appearances include the Tellurite Ambassador Gral in Star Trek: Enterprise (2005) and Ken in Californication (2007–2014).^[3] Beyond acting, Arenberg has ventured into writing, directing, and producing, debuting with the play Foursome (2000), and he remains active in philanthropy, supporting causes like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.^[2] As of 2025, he continues to take on film roles, including in Chain Reaction (2024).^[2]

Early life and education

Childhood and family background

Lee Arenberg was born on July 18, 1962, in Palo Alto, California.^[4][5] He grew up in Santa Monica, California, on the Westside of Los Angeles, after his family relocated from the Bay Area during his early years.^[4] Arenberg was raised in a Jewish family by his parents, Janet Estelle (Rubin) and Sheldon Ira Arenberg, with limited public details available about their professions or personal lives beyond their cultural heritage.^[5] He has one brother, Jonathan William Arenberg, who works as an engineer.^[5] Arenberg has cited his family and close friends as key inspirations during his formative years, noting that living near working actors in Los Angeles provided a grounded perspective on the profession as an everyday job rather than a glamorous pursuit.^[4] At age eight, Arenberg received his first taste of performing when he portrayed David in a Hebrew school play titled Killing Goliath, earning a standing ovation that ignited his interest in acting.^[6][4] He later attended Santa Monica High School.^[4]

Schooling and early influences

Arenberg attended Santa Monica High School, where he graduated in 1980.^[4][7] After high school, Arenberg attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) as a theater major.^[2] During his time there, he studied alongside future prominent actors including Sean Penn, Robert Downey Jr., and Emilio Estevez, whose shared interest in performance fostered a creative environment.^[4][8] A pivotal early collaboration occurred when Arenberg co-wrote a play with Estevez, which Penn directed, marking one of his first significant forays into dramatic writing and production.^[4][9] These high school experiences, building on his earlier exposure to acting through a Hebrew school role at age eight that initially sparked his passion, solidified Arenberg's commitment to pursuing theater as a career.^[6][9]

Acting career

Theater and early roles

Arenberg pursued formal training in acting as a theater major at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in the early 1980s.^[10] During his time there, he co-founded the improvisational theater company The Actors' Gang in 1981 alongside fellow students including Tim Robbins and Ron Campbell, which provided early opportunities for collaborative performances, workshops, and skill development through ensemble-based exercises.^[11] This involvement marked the beginning of his practical theater experience, emphasizing physicality and ensemble work that would influence his career.^[4] His transition to professional theater occurred shortly after completing his studies, with his first paid role in 1986 as an ensemble member in Joshua Sobol's Ghetto at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, directed by Gordon Davidson.^[4] The production, which explored the Vilna Ghetto during World War II, ran from October to November 1986 and highlighted Arenberg's emerging stage presence in a large-cast historical drama.^[12] This debut quickly led to additional stage work, including co-writing an untitled play with classmate Emilio Estevez, which was directed by Sean Penn as part of early professional networking in Los Angeles.^[4] In the late 1980s, Arenberg continued building his theater resume through regional and Off-Broadway productions, notably portraying Rev. Dr. Cotton Slocum in Carnage, A Comedy by Benne Clay and Tim Robbins, which premiered at The Actors' Gang in 1988 before transferring to the Joseph Papp Public Theatre in New York in 1989.^[11] These roles, often in ensemble-driven works with The Actors' Gang, allowed him to refine his comedic timing and character versatility, laying the groundwork for sustained stage involvement while auditioning for broader opportunities.^[13]

Film breakthrough

Arenberg's entry into film came in the late 1980s, marking the beginning of his transition from theater to screen work. He debuted in the 1987 comedy The Underachievers, portraying the character Joey in a story about misfit students. The following year, he appeared as Norton in Tapeheads, a satirical music video production comedy starring John Cusack and Tim Robbins, which highlighted his knack for quirky supporting roles early in his career.^[14][15] In the 1990s, Arenberg had supporting roles in films such as RoboCop 3 (1993), Waterworld (1995), and Cradle Will Rock (1999), which marked his breakthrough in cinema.^[2] A pivotal moment arrived in 2003 when Arenberg landed the role of Pintel, the diminutive, wisecracking pirate and comedic foil to Ragetti (played by Mackenzie Crook), in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. As a member of Captain Barbossa's cursed crew, Pintel's bumbling yet endearing personality—marked by his deadpan humor and unwavering loyalty—earned praise for adding levity to the swashbuckling adventure. Arenberg reprised the role in the sequels Dead Man's Chest (2006) and At World's End (2007), contributing to the franchise's massive global success, which grossed over $2.7 billion combined. This trilogy elevated his profile, establishing him as a go-to actor for memorable ensemble characters and opening doors to higher-profile projects.^[16][17] Throughout his film career, Arenberg has excelled in supporting roles that leverage his distinctive look and timing, often typecast as aliens, oddballs, or comic relief. In 1998, he played Mobutu, a stern Son'a officer, in Star Trek: Insurrection, showcasing his ability to embody otherworldly authority figures amid the sci-fi ensemble. That same year, he appeared as Lenny, a troubled suburbanite, in Todd Solondz's dark comedy Happiness, contributing to the film's unflinching exploration of dysfunction. In the 2024 short film Chain Reaction, Arenberg portrayed Frank, the uncle of a desperate bank robber.^[18][19] These roles underscore his versatility within character-driven cinema, frequently drawing on his experience with extraterrestrial and humorous archetypes from earlier Star Trek appearances.

Television work

Arenberg's television career began with a series of guest appearances on prominent sitcoms and science fiction shows in the 1990s, showcasing his versatility in comedic and character-driven roles. He portrayed Mike Moffitt, a bookie entangled in humorous disputes with George Costanza, in two episodes of Seinfeld: "The Parking Space" in 1992 and "The Susie" in 1997. In 1993, Arenberg appeared as the Ferengi Gral in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's "The Nagus" and later that year as Prak, a scientist involved in environmental exploitation, in Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Force of Nature." He later reprised a Ferengi role as DaiMon Bok in TNG's "Bloodlines" (1994).^[20] These early spots highlighted his ability to bring distinctive energy to brief but memorable parts, often leveraging his distinctive features for alien or eccentric characters. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Arenberg continued building his small-screen profile through additional guest roles on popular series. He played "The Man," a disruptive figure who sets fire to Phoebe Buffay's charity bucket during the holidays, in the Friends episode "The One with the Inappropriate Sister" in 1998.^[21] Later, in 2003, he guest-starred as Dr. Moyer, a quirky physician, in the Scrubs episode "My Own American Girl," contributing to the show's blend of medical drama and humor. Other notable credits from this period include recurring appearances as Bobby Gianopolis, a sleazy talent agent, on the short-lived Fox series Action from 1999 to 2000, and voice work such as Bullyboy on The Mr. Potato Head Show in 1998. He also appeared as Tellurite Ambassador Gral in Star Trek: Enterprise (2005) and as Ken in Californication (2007–2014). These roles marked a progression from one-off cameos to more layered supporting parts, reflecting his growing reliability as a character actor in ensemble formats. Arenberg's television career reached a pinnacle with his major recurring role as Grumpy (also known as Leroy and briefly Dreamy) on ABC's fantasy drama Once Upon a Time from 2011 to 2018, appearing in 55 episodes across seven seasons. In the series, Grumpy is a dwarf from the Enchanted Forest, one of Snow White's seven companions, whose curse transforms him into Leroy, a gruff janitor in the modern town of Storybrooke; his arc explores themes of lost love and redemption, notably in the season 1 episode "Dreamy," where his fairy backstory as an optimistic figure named Dreamy is revealed, only for him to embrace his grumpy persona after heartbreak. This evolution from idealistic dreamer to cynical survivor provided depth to the ensemble, with Arenberg's portrayal emphasizing Grumpy's loyalty and humor amid the show's magical conflicts. Fan reception was overwhelmingly positive, with audiences praising Arenberg's performance for humanizing the character and injecting levity into intense storylines; many expressed disappointment over his limited role in the series finale, viewing Grumpy as a fan-favorite for his enduring camaraderie with the core group.^[22] This trajectory—from sporadic guest spots in the 1990s to a long-term series regular in the 2010s—underscored Arenberg's career longevity, allowing him to transition from supporting oddballs in iconic comedies to a central figure in serialized fantasy, while accumulating over 100 television credits by the mid-2020s.^[2]

Personal life

Marriages and relationships

Arenberg married writer Lisa Derrick in 1999.^[23] Their marriage ended in divorce in 2006, following a dissolution filing in late 2005.^[24] In 2007, Arenberg married actress Katie Meehan, and the couple remains married as of 2025.^[25] Arenberg and Meehan have one son together, Samuel Arenberg.^[26]

Health and activism

Arenberg has actively supported charitable causes focused on children's welfare, including involvement with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.^[2] In April 2010, he participated in a celebrity basketball game in Troy, Michigan, benefiting the Coalition for Dwarf Advocacy and Athens Theater Co., joining fellow actors from Pirates of the Caribbean and Little People, Big World to raise over $23,000 for programs aiding children with disabilities, including those with dwarfism.^[27] In March 2024, Arenberg participated in PirateFestLV, a family-friendly event in Las Vegas that benefited the Paradise Ranch Foundation through celebrity panels, auctions, and activities promoting community support and animal welfare initiatives.^[28] As a longtime member of SAG-AFTRA since 1986, Arenberg has engaged with industry advocacy, particularly during labor disputes. In a 2023 podcast interview, he discussed the broader implications of the SAG-AFTRA and Writers Guild of America strikes on working actors, highlighting challenges to fair compensation and job security in the evolving entertainment landscape.^[29]

Filmography

Film roles

Arenberg's film roles, listed chronologically by release year, include the following credited appearances:

• 1987: The Under Achievers (Joey)^[30]
• 1987: Cross My Heart (Parking Attendant)^[31]
• 1988: Tapeheads (Norton)^[2]
• 1990: Brain Dead (Sacks)^[31]
• 1990: Hollywood Boulevard II (Barcode)^[32]
• 1991: V.I. Warshawski (Flesh)^[31]
• 1992: Bob Roberts (Bum)^[2]
• 1993: RoboCop 3 (Hold-Up Man)^[2]
• 1995: Waterworld (Djeng)^[2]
• 1996: If Looks Could Kill (Mover)^[31]
• 1997: The Apocalypse (Noel)^[31]
• 1997: Warriors of Virtue (Mantose)^[1]
• 1998: Young Hearts Unlimited (Rocky)^[31]
• 1999: Clubland (Henchman 2)^[31]
• 1999: Cradle Will Rock (Paul Edwards)^[2]
• 2000: Dungeons & Dragons (Elwood Gutworthy)^[2]
• 2003: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (Pintel)^[2]
• 2006: Happily N'Ever After (Grumble the Guard, voice)^[2]
• 2006: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (Pintel)^[31]
• 2007: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (Pintel)^[31]
• 2008: Polar Opposites (McNeil)^[31]
• 2010: Quit (Gordo)^[31]
• 2010: A Kiss for Jed Wood (Mike)^[31]
• 2010: Ashley's Ashes (Visky)^[31]
• 2011: Black Velvet (Pastor)^[31]
• 2011: Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (Pintel, uncredited)^[2]
• 2012: Mickey Matson and the Copperhead Conspiracy (Billy Lee)^[31]
• 2013: Movie 43 (Big J.J.)^[2]
• 2023: Bloody Fury (Cleef Johnson)^[31]
• 2024: Chain Reaction (Frank)^[18]
• 2024: The Lost Ship (Merchant)^[1]
• 2025: Last Train to Fortune (Dooley)^[33]
• 2025: The Shepherd Code: Road Back (Chad)^[1]

Television roles

Arenberg began his television career with guest appearances in sitcoms and anthology series during the late 1980s. His early roles often featured him in comedic or quirky supporting parts, gradually transitioning to science fiction and fantasy genres where he portrayed alien characters. Perfect Strangers (1987)

• Role: Leon
• Episodes: 1 ("Knock Knock, Who's There?")

Sledge Hammer! (1988)

• Role: Buzzy
• Episodes: 1 ("The Last Supper")

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1990)

• Role: DaiMon Prak
• Episodes: 1 ("The Most Toys")

Tales from the Crypt (1990)

• Role: Marty Slash
• Episodes: 1 ("Television Terror")

Night Court (1990, 1992)

• Role: Mr. Dijilly / Mr. Abraham
• Episodes: 2 ("The Game Show," "A Guy Named Gus")

Seinfeld (1992–1997)

• Role: Mike Moffitt
• Episodes: 2 ("The Parking Space," "The Susie")

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993)

• Role: Gral
• Episodes: 1 ("The Nagus")

Friends (1998)

• Role: The Man
• Episodes: 1 ("The One with the Inappropriate Sister")

Star Trek: Voyager (1996)

• Role: Pelk
• Episodes: 1 ("Flashback")

Cybill (1996)

• Role: Dr. Angel
• Episodes: 1 ("Valentine's Day")

Arli$$ (1996)

• Role: Milt Fellows
• Episodes: 1 ("The World Series: Part 1")

Perversions of Science (1997)

• Role: Pierce
• Episodes: 1 ("Given the Heir")

V.I.P. (1998)

• Role: Victor "Vic" Romano
• Episodes: 1 ("Valentine's Day")

Action (1999)

• Role: Bobby G. (recurring)
• Episodes: 9

Dead Last (2001)

• Role: The Butcher
• Episodes: 1 ("The Old Man and the 'C'")

Grounded for Life (2001)

• Role: Stan
• Episodes: 1 ("Jimmy Was a Teen Idol")

Charmed (2002)

• Role: Unidentified Demon
• Episodes: 1 ("Oh My Goddess: Part 1")

Star Trek: Enterprise (2005)

• Role: Tellarite Ambassador Gral
• Episodes: 2 ("Babel One," "United")

Pushing Daisies (2008)

• Role: Arnaud Bailey
• Episodes: 1 ("Circus, Circus")^[34]

Good Luck Charlie (2010)

• Role: Nick
• Episodes: 1 ("Double Whammy")

Once Upon a Time (2011–2018)

• Role: Grumpy / Leroy / Dreamy (series regular/recurring)
• Episodes: 55^[35]

The Cape (2011)

• Role: Razer's Driver
• Episodes: 1 ("Tarot")

Californication (2013)

• Role: Ken (recurring)
• Episodes: 3 ("Quitters," "Rock and a Hard Place," "In the Clouds")

American Gods (2019)

• Role: Alviss
• Episodes: 1 ("The Ways of the Dead")