Ronald Guttman

Ronald Guttman (born August 12, 1952, in Uccle, Belgium) is a Belgian actor, theatrical producer, and film producer known for his multilingual performances in theatre, film, and television across Europe and the United States.^[1][2][3] Guttman's acting career began in Brussels at the National Theatre, where he trained at the Conservatory, before expanding internationally with early roles in French-language productions and English-language films.^[4][5] In film, he gained recognition for portraying Soviet officer Ivan Putin in The Hunt for Red October (1990), alongside Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin, and later appeared as Professor Perelman in On the Basis of Sex (2018), a biographical drama about Ruth Bader Ginsburg starring Felicity Jones.^[1][2] His other notable film credits include 27 Dresses (2008), The Guru (2002), and August Rush (2007).^[1] On television, Guttman has recurring and guest roles in acclaimed series, including Emile Calvet, the father of Jessica Pare's character, in Mad Men (2010–2012); appearances in Homeland (2011), Lost (2009), and Hunters (2020); and a recurring role as Jean Jehan in Godfather of Harlem (2021–present).^[2] In theatre, he has performed on Broadway and in London, with recent highlights including the role of Professor Perelman in Patriots at the Almeida Theatre (2022) and Noël Coward Theatre (2023), with a transfer to Broadway (2024), as well as earlier productions like Picasso at the Lapin Agile and Oedipus.^[2][4] As a producer, Guttman founded and serves as president of Highbrow Productions, through which he co-produced the Broadway revival of the musical Side Show (2014–2015) and the play Coastal Disturbances.^[4][6] Fluent in multiple languages, including French, English, and Hebrew, Guttman continues to work in diverse projects, blending his acting prowess with production endeavors and a personal interest in art collecting.^[7][4]

Early life and education

Early years

Ronald Guttman was born on August 12, 1952, in Uccle, a municipality of Brussels, Belgium.^[2][8] He was raised in Brussels, where he spent his early years as a Belgian native immersed in a European cultural milieu. Guttman was born to Bernard Guttman Dow, a Polish-Jewish immigrant and Zionist leader born in Będzin in 1917 who died in 1999, and Simone Guttman, a pianist.^[9] He has a younger brother, Michael Guttman, a violinist.^[9] This foundation in Belgium's artistic environment eventually led him to formal dramatic training.^[10]

Dramatic training

Ronald Guttman pursued formal dramatic training in his native Brussels during the early 1970s, attending the Conservatoire Royal de Bruxelles, also known as the Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, from 1973 to 1974.^[11] This institution provided rigorous instruction in acting fundamentals, emphasizing classical theater techniques that formed the core of Belgian dramatic education at the time.^[12] At the conservatory, Guttman honed his skills through intensive study of dramatic texts and performance methods, culminating in his achievement of the first prize (1er prix) in acting.^[12] The curriculum focused on classical repertoire, emphasizing textual precision and emotional depth, drawing from both European and international traditions to build versatility in portraying complex roles.^[4] The conservatory education directly prepared Guttman for his entry into professional theater, enabling a seamless transition to the stage upon completion of his studies.^[11] By fostering a strong foundation in classical techniques, it positioned him to make his debut at the National Theatre in Brussels, where he could apply these skills to live performances in a major repertory venue.^[4] This preparatory phase marked the culmination of his initial skill development, bridging academic instruction with practical application in Belgium's prominent theatrical landscape.

Acting career

Theater work

Ronald Guttman began his theater career in 1975 with French-language productions at the National Theatre in Brussels, marking his entry into professional stage acting through performances in classical repertoire.^[4][5] Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Guttman established himself in European theater, particularly in Belgium, where he contributed to ensemble casts in adaptations of works by Samuel Beckett and Jean Racine, alongside plays by Arthur Schnitzler, Ivan Turgenev, and Albert Camus.^[4] These roles emphasized collaborative stagecraft and linguistic precision in French, reflecting the era's focus on modernist and classical interpretations that explored human isolation and moral complexity. Guttman's transition to American theater occurred in 2008 with his appearance in the Mint Theater Company's U.S. premiere of Ernest Hemingway's The Fifth Column at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in New York City, where he portrayed a supporting character in a production highlighting wartime intrigue during the Spanish Civil War.^[13][14] Over the subsequent decade, Guttman's stage work evolved toward more prominent solo and leading roles, showcasing his versatility in character-driven narratives. In 2014, he starred as the titular abstract artist Rudolf Bauer in the world premiere of Lauren Gunderson's Bauer at San Francisco Playhouse, a drama delving into artistic inspiration, exile, and personal rivalries that earned praise for his portrayal of a reclusive genius.^[15][16][17] This shift culminated in his role as Professor Perelman in Peter Morgan's Patriots during its 2022 premiere at London's Almeida Theatre, an Off-West End production examining Russian oligarchic power dynamics, which transferred to the West End's Noël Coward Theatre in 2023 and to Broadway in 2024.^[4][18][19]

Film roles

Ronald Guttman's film career began in European cinema with his debut in the French-Polish historical drama Danton (1983), directed by Andrzej Wajda, where he portrayed the revolutionary figure Herman in a story depicting the Reign of Terror during the French Revolution.^[20] This role marked his entry into arthouse filmmaking, showcasing his ability to embody complex historical characters in a multilingual production. His English-language debut followed later that year in Hanna K. (1983), directed by Constantin Costa-Gavras, in which he played the prison director in a political drama exploring themes of justice and identity in Israel. These early appearances established Guttman in international cinema, transitioning from French-language roles to broader English-speaking projects while highlighting his versatility in dramatic narratives.^[21] A breakthrough came in 1990 with The Hunt for Red October, directed by John McTiernan, where Guttman appeared as Lieutenant Melekhin, the chief engineer aboard the Soviet submarine, in this Cold War thriller starring Sean Connery and Alec Baldwin. That same year, he featured in Barry Levinson's family saga Avalon as Simka, a Russian-Jewish immigrant, contributing to the film's portrayal of generational changes in Baltimore's Jewish community.^[22] These Hollywood supporting roles signified his shift from European arthouse to mainstream American productions, often leveraging his European background for authentic character depth.^[8] Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Guttman continued in diverse supporting parts that spanned drama and comedy. In The Guru (2002), directed by Daisy von Scherler Mayer, he played Edwin, the father of a socialite, in a comedic tale of an Indian dance instructor's pursuit of stardom in New York.^[23] He brought nuance to the musical drama August Rush (2007) as the Professor, guiding a young prodigy's journey in discovering his talent.^[24] In the romantic comedy 27 Dresses (2008), directed by Anne Fletcher, Guttman portrayed Antoine, a wedding planner, adding flair to the film's ensemble of matrimonial mishaps.^[25] These roles underscored his adaptability across genres, from heartfelt family stories to lighthearted romances. In recent years, Guttman has maintained a presence in character-driven films, including On the Basis of Sex (2018), directed by Mimi Leder, where he played Professor Gerald Gunther in this biopic about Ruth Bader Ginsburg's early legal battles.^[26] Additional credits include Isle of Hope (2022) as Dean Donald, All You Need Is Blood (2023) as Hans, and The Duel (2024) as Rudolfo. His versatility persists in the historical drama V13 (2025), directed by Richard Ledes, in which he appears as Liebermann, set against the backdrop of pre-World War I Vienna and exploring psychological and societal tensions. Through these performances, Guttman has consistently delivered memorable supporting turns that enhance feature-length narratives with dramatic intensity and comedic timing.

Television roles

Guttman's early television work included appearances in European productions, such as his role as Le Manessier in the French series Nestor Burma in 1998.^[27] In the United States, Guttman made his debut with guest spots in shows like Law & Order starting in 1990, portraying characters such as Farber and Assistant Italian Consul across multiple episodes of the franchise. He later secured a recurring role as Alexander Cambias Sr. in the soap opera All My Children, appearing in approximately 20 episodes from 2003 to 2009, where he depicted a complex patriarch who faked his death and influenced major storylines involving his sons.^[28] Guttman built a reputation for notable guest appearances in high-profile American series throughout the 2000s. He played the German Ambassador Franz in The West Wing in 2006, Angelo Busoni in Lost in 2006, Dr. Zimmerman in two episodes of Heroes in 2008, and Emile Calvet, the father of a key character, in Mad Men in 2012.^[29] His involvement in the Law & Order franchise continued with additional roles in spin-offs like Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, totaling seven distinct characters across the series.^[30] More recently, Guttman has taken on recurring roles in prestige dramas, including Jean Jehan, a French associate producer, in four episodes of Godfather of Harlem in 2021, and Moritz Ehrlich, a Nazi official, in four episodes of Hunters in 2020.^[31] In 2024, he appeared as Walter Jackson Freeman II in an episode of the series Moresnet.

Producing career

Highbrow Entertainment

Highbrow Entertainment was established by Ronald Guttman in 2002 as a production company dedicated to developing independent films and theater works.^[32] The company emphasizes an eclectic and introspective approach to storytelling, prioritizing international and original content that fosters self-expression, cultural representation, geopolitical understanding, education, enlightenment, and entertainment, often through character-driven dramas designed for European-American crossover appeal.^[32] As founder and president, Guttman operates in a dual capacity as both actor and producer, personally investing in and partnering on projects to support collaborations with writers, filmmakers, directors, and fellow actors.^[4][32]

Key productions

Guttman produced and starred as Isaac Cohen in The Tollbooth (2004), an independent drama directed by Debra Kirschner that examines family tensions and personal growth within a Jewish household on Long Island.^[33] The film features a cast including Marla Sokoloff and Idina Menzel, highlighting intergenerational conflicts through the story of a young artist returning home. In Tickling Leo (2009), Guttman again combined producing and acting duties, portraying a family member in this Jeremy Davidson-directed drama centered on Holocaust survivors' secrets and their ripple effects across generations during Yom Kippur.^[34] The film, which explores Jewish identity and historical trauma, starred Eli Wallach and Lawrence Pressman and received theatrical release and critical attention for its emotional depth.^[35][36] Through Highbrow Entertainment in the 2010s, Guttman executive produced additional projects that delved into themes of cultural identity, such as the documentary New York Street Games (2010), which chronicles immigrant-influenced children's games in New York City as a lens on urban heritage.^[37] He also executive produced the romantic comedy 30 Beats (2012), directed by Scott Coffey, featuring a non-linear narrative of interconnected love stories in New York City over 30 heartbeats.^[38] Other endeavors, including the theater adaptation My Name Is Asher Lev (2013), addressed personal and communal identity struggles within Jewish contexts, earning the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Play. In theater, Highbrow co-produced the Broadway revival of the musical Side Show (2014–2015), starring Elizabeth A. Davis and Emily Padgett, which explored the lives of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton.^[32][39] These works expanded Guttman's influence beyond acting, fostering narratives on immigration and belonging.^[32]

Filmography

Feature films

Ronald Guttman's feature film credits, compiled from his acting career spanning over four decades, are presented chronologically below, categorized by decade for reference. The list includes role names and directors where notable, drawing from verified film databases.^[2][40][8] 1980s (primarily European and early Hollywood transitions)

• 1983: Danton as Herman, directed by Andrzej Wajda
• 1983: Hanna K. as the Israeli Prison Director, directed by Constantin Costa-Gavras
• 1987: The Squeeze as Rigaud, directed by Roger Young
• 1988: Little Nikita as Spiesky, directed by Richard Benjamin
• 1989: Her Alibi as "Lucy" Comanescu, directed by Bruce Beresford

1990s (Hollywood blockbusters and indies)

• 1990: The Hunt for Red October as Lieutenant Melekhin, directed by John McTiernan^[41]
• 1990: Green Card as Georges, directed by Peter Weir
• 1990: Avalon as Sam Kirk, directed by Barry Levinson
• 1995: Comfortably Numb as Mark
• 1996: Alchemy as Griffin
• 1996: The Beast as Dvir Leoni, directed by Kevin Reynolds

2000s (mix of comedies, dramas, and producer-actor roles)

• 2001: The Believer as Dr. Ben Rabinowitz, directed by Henry Bean
• 2002: The Guru as Ron, directed by Daisy von Scherler Mayer
• 2004: The Tollbooth as Simon, directed by Debra Kirschner
• 2007: 27 Dresses as Antoine, directed by Anne Fletcher^[42]
• 2008: August Rush as Max, directed by Kirsten Sheridan
• 2008: Tickling Leo as Misha, directed by Jeremy Davidson

2010s (independents and biographical dramas)

• 2010: 13 as Vladimir, directed by Géla Babluani
• 2012: Imogene (also known as Girl Most Likely) as Norman, directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini
• 2013: Pawn as Dr. Silver, directed by David A. Armstrong
• 2014: Welcome to New York as Deputy Secretary General, directed by Abel Ferrara
• 2016: Nina as Joseph, directed by Cynthia Mort
• 2017: Mr. & Mrs. Adelman (original title Monsieur & Madame Adelman) as Rabbi Ravouna, directed by Nicolas Bedos
• 2018: Wanderland as Nick, directed by Josh Klausner
• 2018: On the Basis of Sex as Professor Gerald Gunther, directed by Mimi Leder^[43]
• 2019: Sister of the Groom as Father O'Brien, directed by Amy Miller Gross

2020s (recent indies and genre films)

• 2023: The Duel as Rudolpho, directed by Justin Matthews and Aaron Crothers
• 2023: All You Need Is Blood as Hans von Franz
• 2023: The Isle of Hope as Dean Donald
• 2025: Babka as Yehuda^[2]
• 2025: V13 as Lieberman^[44]

Television

Guttman's television work spans both American and international productions, beginning with guest appearances in U.S. series and TV movies in the late 1990s, progressing to recurring roles in soaps and prestige dramas through the 2000s and 2010s, and continuing with prominent parts in streaming series during the 2020s.^[45] His credits include a mix of one-off guest spots, short arcs, and multi-episode engagements, often portraying authoritative or enigmatic figures.

• 1998: Midnight Flight (TV movie) – Sullivan (1 episode/special).^[46]
• 1998: Star Trek: Voyager – Gath (1 episode: "Prime Factors").
• 2000: Sex and the City – Dr. Michael (1 episode: "Boy, Interrupted").
• 2001: The West Wing – Jean-Paul Javert (1 episode: "The Drop In").
• 2003–2009: All My Children – Alexander Cambias Sr. (recurring role, approximately 20 episodes across multiple arcs, including returns in 2007 and 2009).^[8]
• 2006: Six Degrees – Charles (1 episode: pilot).
• 2006: Lost – Angelo Busoni (1 episode: "The Hunting Party").
• 2008: Lipstick Jungle – Paul (1 episode: "Chapter Twenty-One: Goodbye, Manhattan").
• 2010–2012: Mad Men – Emile Calvet (5 episodes).^[29]
• 2011: Homeland – General Youssef (1 episode: "Clean Skin").
• 2011: Mildred Pierce (miniseries) – Mr. Hempel (1 episode).
• 2013: The Good Wife – Judge Dunaway (2 episodes).
• 2014: Elementary – Dr. Larchmont (1 episode: "The Grand Experiment").
• 2016: Preacher – Denis (1 episode: "Sod the Child").
• 2017: Bull – Dr. Adam Feldman (1 episode: "Dances with Wolves").
• 2017: Madam Secretary – Ambassador Claude Marcel (1 episode: "Global Extinction").
• 2017: The Blacklist – Dr. Nicolas Kipling (1 episode: "Dr. Bogdan Krilov").
• 2018: Mozart in the Jungle – Monsieur Moreau (1 episode: "Now I Will Sing").
• 2018: Baskets – Father Bernard (1 episode: "Trip to Paris").
• 2018: Black Earth Rising (BBC/Netflix miniseries, international co-production) – Jacques Antoine Barré (3 episodes).^[47][48]
• 2020: Hunters (Amazon Prime series) – Moritz Ehrlich (4 episodes, season 1).^[49]
• 2021: Godfather of Harlem – Jean Jehan (4 episodes, season 2).^[50]
• 2022: Documentary Now! – Pierre Mouland (1 episode: "Trouver Frisson").^[51]
• 2024: Moresnet (Belgian TV series) – Walter Jackson Freeman II (1 episode).

Stage appearances

Early performances

Ronald Guttman began his professional acting career in Brussels, Belgium, performing at the National Theatre in a series of French-language productions drawn from the classical and modern repertoire. His early roles there included works by Samuel Beckett, Arthur Schnitzler, Jean Racine, Ivan Turgenev, and Albert Camus, establishing his foundation in ensemble theater emphasizing dramatic depth and linguistic precision.^[4] Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Guttman continued in European French-language theater, taking on prominent roles in Paris-based productions. Notable among these was his performance in The Elephant Man at the Théâtre de la Potinière, where he portrayed the titular character in Bernard Pomerance's exploration of human deformity and dignity. He also appeared in Le Sablier (The Hourglass) at the Théâtre Antoine, a contemporary piece that highlighted his versatility in introspective, character-driven narratives.^[4] Prior to his transition to U.S.-based work, Guttman was an active member of La Compagnie du Rideau de Bruxelles, contributing to numerous ensemble productions that focused on classical texts. These roles underscored his commitment to the European theatrical tradition, blending historical drama with innovative interpretations of longstanding works.^[4]

Later performances

In 2008, Guttman took on the lead role of Max in Ernest Hemingway's The Fifth Column, directed by Jonathan Bank at the Mint Theater Company's production at the Lucille Lortel Theatre in New York City.^[13] The play, a U.S. professional premiere of Hemingway's wartime espionage drama set during the Spanish Civil War, featured Guttman as a charismatic intelligence operative navigating romance and betrayal; critics noted the romantic intensity of his performance amid the production's historical revival focus.^[52][53] Guttman returned to the stage in 2014 with a prominent role as Rudolf Bauer in Lauren Gunderson's world-premiere drama Bauer, directed by Bill English at the San Francisco Playhouse.^[54] Portraying the reclusive abstract artist Rudolf Bauer in a tale of creative rivalry and personal turmoil involving Guggenheim curator Hilla Rebay, Guttman's performance anchored the two-act exploration of inspiration's mysteries, earning praise for its emotional depth in a production lauded for sizzling tension and insightful direction.^[55][56] The 2020s saw Guttman in several high-profile U.S. stage roles, beginning with a solo adaptation of Albert Camus' The Fall in 2022 at the Huron Club at Soho Playhouse in New York, where he embodied the anguished exiled lawyer Jean-Baptiste Clamence in a one-man confessional narrative directed by Howard Pinhasik.^[57] That same year, he originated the role of Professor Perelman in Peter Morgan's Patriots at London's Almeida Theatre, directed by Rupert Goold, depicting a key academic figure in the play's examination of post-Soviet Russian power dynamics centered on oligarch Boris Berezovsky.^[18] The production transferred to the Noël Coward Theatre in 2023 and made its Broadway debut in 2024 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, where Guttman's portrayal contributed to the Olivier Award-nominated drama's reception as a sharp historical commentary, though specific critiques highlighted the ensemble's intensity over individual turns.^[19][58]