Peter Riegert
Peter Riegert (born April 11, 1947) is an American actor, director, and screenwriter best known for his supporting roles in films such as Donald "Boon" Schoenstein in National Lampoon's Animal House (1978), Mac MacIntyre in Local Hero (1983), Sam Posner in Crossing Delancey (1988), and Lt. Mitch Kellaway in The Mask (1994), as well as his portrayal of corrupt politician Ronald Zellman on the HBO series The Sopranos (2001–2004).[1][2] Born in the Bronx borough of New York City to a Jewish family—his father, Milton, was a food wholesaler, and his mother, Lucille, a piano teacher—Riegert grew up in the nearby suburb of Ardsley and graduated from the University at Buffalo.[3][4] Before pursuing acting, he worked as an eighth-grade teacher in Brooklyn, a social worker, and a political aide to Congresswoman Bella Abzug, and he did not consider a career in performance until age 23.[5][6][7] Riegert began his professional career on stage, making his Broadway debut in the short-lived musical Dance with Me (1975) and later appearing in plays including The Nerd (1987), An American Daughter (1996), and David Mamet's The Old Neighborhood (1997).[8] Riegert transitioned to film in the late 1970s, earning acclaim for his breakout role in National Lampoon's Animal House, a comedy that became a cultural touchstone.[2] His subsequent film work spanned genres, including the romantic comedy Crossing Delancey, the crime satire Oscar (1991) as Aldo, and dramatic turns in The In-Laws (2003) and King of the Corner (2005), the latter of which he also directed.[1][5] On television, beyond The Sopranos, he appeared in miniseries like Barbarians at the Gate (1993)—earning a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor—and Show Me a Hero (2015), while also directing episodes of series such as The Sopranos.[5] Riegert received an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film for directing By Courier (2001) and won a Golden Eagle Award for his performance in In the Weeds (2000) at the 2004 Marco Island Film Festival.[5]Early life
Family background
Peter Riegert was born on April 11, 1947, in the Bronx borough of New York City.[9] He grew up in Hartsdale, New York, a suburb north of the city, in a family of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.[3] His parents were Lucille, a piano teacher born in New York to Jewish emigrants from the Russian Empire, and Milton Riegert, a food wholesaler born in Utah to Russian Jewish parents.[10] The family's Jewish heritage traced back to Eastern European roots, with maternal grandparents originating from regions including Vitebsk (now in Belarus) and other parts of the Russian Empire.[10] Riegert was raised in a non-observant Jewish household, fostering an awareness of his cultural identity without adherence to traditional religious practices.[11] His mother's profession introduced elements of music into the home.[10]Education
Peter Riegert graduated from Ardsley High School in Ardsley, New York, in 1964.[12] He then attended the University at Buffalo, part of the State University of New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1966.[13] Following graduation, Riegert held several jobs in New York City to support himself, including as an eighth-grade English teacher in Brooklyn public schools for about a year and a half, a social worker at University Settlement House on the Lower East Side, a waiter, and a political aide to Congresswoman Bella Abzug.[13][5][6] He did not consider a career in performance until age 23.[4] In 1972, while working these jobs, he joined the improvisational comedy group War Babies, marking his transition toward professional performance.[14]Career
Stage work
Peter Riegert began his professional theater career in the early 1970s, earning his Equity card by portraying Chico Marx in a stage musical production.[15] His Broadway debut came as a replacement in the role of Honey Boy in the musical Dance with Me, which opened on January 23, 1975, at the Mayfair Theatre and ran for 396 performances under the direction and choreography of Joel Zwick.[16] This lighthearted comedy set in a Brooklyn dance studio marked Riegert's entry into the commercial theater scene, showcasing his versatility in musical theater.[17] Riegert's Off-Broadway work in the mid-1970s established him as a compelling stage presence in contemporary drama. In 1976, he portrayed Danny in David Mamet's Sexual Perversity in Chicago at the Cherry Lane Theatre, a production that propelled Mamet to national prominence with its sharp, fragmented dialogue exploring urban relationships.[18] The play's Off-Broadway run was a critical and commercial success, praised by The New York Times for its "glittering mosaic of tiny, deadly muzzle-flashes from the war between men and women."[19] Riegert's performance in the role contributed to the ensemble's dynamic energy, later inspiring him to direct a revival of the play in 2006 at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Earlier, he appeared in Harold Pinter's The Birthday Party in a double-bill with Mountain Language Off-Broadway, earning rave reviews for his intense portrayal in the absurdist thriller.[20] Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Riegert transitioned to more prominent Broadway roles, evolving from musical comedy to character-driven dramas. In 1980, he starred in Censored Scenes from King Kong, a satirical revue that highlighted his comedic timing amid the show's chaotic ensemble sketches.[21] He followed with the role of Axel Hammond in The Nerd in 1987, a farce by Larry Shue that ran for over 400 performances at the Helen Hayes Theatre, where Riegert's portrayal of the eccentric inventor was noted for its physical humor and timing.[8] In 1996, Riegert played Walter Abrahmson, the protagonist's husband and sociology professor, in Wendy Wasserstein's An American Daughter at the Cort Theatre, bringing nuance to the political family drama during its limited run.[8] His most acclaimed Broadway performance came in 1997 as the lead in David Mamet's The Old Neighborhood opposite Patti LuPone at the Booth Theatre, where critics lauded his "riveting" depiction of a man confronting his past, contributing to the play's strong reception despite its short run.[2] Other Off-Broadway credits included Road to Nirvana (1992), Isn't It Romantic (1985), and A Rosen by Any Other Name (1986), further demonstrating his range in ensemble pieces and intimate character studies.[3] Riegert's stage career reflects a progression from energetic musical roles to introspective dramatic portrayals, often in works by influential playwrights like Mamet and Pinter, which honed his skills in naturalistic dialogue and emotional depth. This foundation in theater paved the way for his film debut in National Lampoon's Animal House in 1978.[8]Film roles
Riegert made his film debut portraying Donald "Boon" Schoenstein, a level-headed Delta House fraternity brother and romantic lead, in the landmark college comedy National Lampoon's Animal House (1978), directed by John Landis.[22] The role marked his entry into Hollywood alongside emerging talents like John Belushi and Tom Hulce, contributing to the film's chaotic energy and its status as a cultural touchstone for 1970s youth rebellion.[22] His breakthrough came as "Mac" MacIntyre, a Houston-based oil executive sent to Scotland to acquire a coastal village for a refinery, in Bill Forsyth's wry comedy-drama Local Hero (1983).[23] Riegert's performance evolved from a satirical take on corporate ambition to a grounded straight man amid the film's eccentric ensemble, earning praise for his unflappable composure that anchored Forsyth's subtle humor and themes of cultural clash.[23] Riegert continued to showcase his range in romantic comedies like Crossing Delancey (1988), where he played Sam, a steadfast pickle vendor pursuing an independent bookseller amid Lower East Side traditions, infusing the character with unassuming charm and quiet depth.[24] In the blockbuster The Mask (1994), he delivered deadpan timing as Lt. Mitch Kellaway, the skeptical detective clashing with Jim Carrey's anarchic alter ego, providing essential grounding to the film's manic comedy.[25] Later, in Steven Soderbergh's ensemble drug-war epic Traffic (2000), Riegert portrayed attorney Michael Adler, representing the Ayala family, a political figure navigating ethical dilemmas, highlighting his ability to shift from levity to dramatic intensity.[26] In the 2010s, Riegert appeared as Delbert McGinty, the pragmatic former boss urging caution in family decisions, in Cameron Crowe's heartfelt We Bought a Zoo (2011), adding subtle support to Matt Damon's lead performance amid the story's themes of renewal.[27] His final major role up to 2016 was as Lou Levov, the gruff patriarch in Ewan McGregor's directorial adaptation of American Pastoral (2016), bringing familial tension to Philip Roth's tale of postwar disillusionment.[28] Throughout these films, Riegert demonstrated versatility, seamlessly transitioning between comedic everymen and dramatic authority figures, often collaborating with acclaimed directors to enhance ensemble dynamics.[25]Television appearances
Riegert's television career spans decades, featuring a mix of recurring roles in acclaimed series, guest appearances, and miniseries performances that highlight his versatility in portraying complex authority figures and everyman characters. His early TV work included guest spots on shows like MAS*H (1977) and Law & Order (1996), but he gained prominence with more substantial parts in prestige cable programming.[2] One of his most notable recurring roles was as Assemblyman Ronald Zellman, a corrupt New Jersey politician entangled with the Soprano crime family, on HBO's The Sopranos. Riegert appeared in six episodes across seasons 3 and 4 (2001–2002), earning praise for capturing Zellman's ambitious yet vulnerable demeanor amid escalating tensions with Tony Soprano.[29][1] In the HBO miniseries Barbarians at the Gate (1993), Riegert portrayed investment banker Peter Cohen, a key figure in the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco, delivering a performance that earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Special. This role underscored his ability to embody sharp, high-stakes corporate players in historical dramas.[30] Riegert recurred as George Moore, a high-ranking SEC official involved in a major financial scandal, in three episodes of the FX legal thriller Damages during its first season (2007). His character's moral ambiguity added depth to the series' exploration of white-collar crime.[1][31] Later in his career, Riegert took on the series regular role of David Sachs, the eccentric father of video game developer Eli, in Fox's sitcom Dads (2013–2014), appearing in all 18 episodes and bringing wry humor to the multigenerational family dynamics. He also recurred as Artie Goodman, a wealthy philanthropist and love interest for Jacqueline White, in seasons 3 and 4 of Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2017–2019).[32][33] In more recent dramatic work, Riegert guest-starred as Roger Pugh, the anticapitalist lawyer hired by Ewan Roy, in two episodes of HBO's Succession (2021). He appeared as Dr. Adam Cohen, a psychiatrist aiding Dr. Jason Bull during a personal crisis, in the season 6 finale of CBS's Bull (2022). Riegert portrayed Ben Zucker, a pragmatic father navigating climate collapse, in the Apple TV+ anthology series Extrapolations (2023). Additionally, he recurred as Allen Bolitar, the patriarch of the Bolitar family, in Amazon Prime Video's Harlan Coben's Shelter (2023).[34][33][35] Throughout his television tenure, Riegert has made memorable guest appearances on series such as Seinfeld (1996), The Good Wife (2009–2016) as Judge Harvey Winter in multiple episodes, BoJack Horseman (though voice work is excluded here), and miniseries like Show Me a Hero (2015) as Oscar Newman, contributing to ensemble narratives with his seasoned presence.[2][33]Directing and writing
Peter Riegert transitioned behind the camera with his directorial debut in the short film By Courier (2000), which he wrote as an adaptation of O. Henry's story "The Marionettes." The film follows a down-on-his-luck actor who impersonates a courier to deliver a package, blending humor and pathos in its 20-minute runtime. Riegert also served as producer alongside Ericka Frederick, contributing to the project's intimate production that highlighted his multifaceted storytelling skills.[36] By Courier received critical acclaim, earning a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film at the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001, shared between Riegert and Frederick. This recognition underscored Riegert's ability to craft concise, character-driven narratives, drawing from his acting background to elicit strong performances from leads Garret Dillahunt and Claire Lautier. The short's success at festivals like Sundance paved the way for Riegert's further directorial efforts.[37] Building on this momentum, Riegert directed and co-wrote the feature film King of the Corner (2004), adapting stories from Gerald Shapiro's collection Bad Jews and Other Stories. In the screenplay, co-authored with Shapiro, Riegert explored themes of midlife malaise through the life of a product tester navigating family and career crises. He also took on producing duties, personally promoting the film through grassroots screenings to build audience engagement. The movie premiered at the Newport International Film Festival and garnered positive reviews, with Roger Ebert awarding it 3.5 out of 4 stars for its warm, insightful portrayal of ordinary struggles.[38][39] Riegert's directing and writing pursuits complemented his acting career by affording him greater creative control, allowing him to infuse projects with the nuanced character work seen in earlier roles like the oil executive in Local Hero (1983), which foreshadowed his interest in collaborative storytelling. These endeavors demonstrated his versatility, enabling him to shape narratives from inception to completion while maintaining a focus on relatable human experiences.[40]Voice acting
Peter Riegert has made notable contributions to voice acting through audiobook narrations and documentary voice-overs, leveraging his distinctive baritone and ability to capture Yiddish-inflected dialects and character nuances. His vocal performances often emphasize emotional depth and cultural authenticity, setting them apart from his on-screen roles by focusing on auditory storytelling without visual cues.[41] One of his prominent audiobook works is the narration of Michael Chabon's The Yiddish Policemen's Union (2007), where Riegert adeptly handles the novel's complex array of accents and inflections to bring the alternate-history tale of Jewish refugees in Alaska to life. This performance earned a nomination for the 2008 Audie Award in the Literary Fiction category, recognizing his skillful embodiment of diverse characters.[41][42] Riegert also narrated the 2008 documentary The First Basket, directed by David Vyorst, which explores basketball's role in Jewish immigrant assimilation in early 20th-century America. His narration provides a resonant, reflective tone that complements the film's historical interviews and archival footage, enhancing its themes of cultural integration.[43][44] In addition to these, Riegert has lent his voice to other audiobooks, including Herman Wouk's The Lawgiver (2012) and a multi-narrator edition of Leo Rosten's The New Joys of Yiddish (2003, updated 2010), where he contributed segments showcasing his expertise in Yiddish humor and phrasing. For animation, he provided the voice of Max Weinstein, a minor character, in an episode of the animated series Family Guy (2009).[45][46][47] Riegert's voice work reflects the modulation skills developed during his Broadway career, allowing him to infuse recordings with theatrical precision and warmth. Critics have praised his narrations for their immersive quality, particularly in evoking Jewish cultural elements drawn from his own heritage.[41]Awards and nominations
Academy Awards
Peter Riegert received an Academy Award nomination in the Best Live Action Short Film category at the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001 for directing By Courier, a 12½-minute film he also wrote and produced alongside Ericka Frederick.[48] The film adapts a short story by O. Henry, centering on two estranged lovers who communicate through the poetic mediation of a young boy acting as their courier, blending clever dialogue, comedic misdirection, and a dreamy visual style to explore themes of reconnection and indirect expression.[49][50] Shot on a modest indie budget over a single weekend at a friend's farm in Rhinebeck, New York, production faced significant hurdles, including a rare tornado that destroyed the site's electrical system just days before filming, necessitating a generator, and heavy rain on the primary shooting day that forced Riegert to rewrite the opening sequence and relocate interiors to a nearby barn to protect the actors' delicate 1930s-era costumes.[40] The nomination marked a pivotal validation of Riegert's transition from acting to directing, serving as an effective "calling card" that elevated his profile in the industry and directly paved the way for his feature directorial debut, King of the Corner (2004), while reinforcing his versatility behind the camera.[51][40]Primetime Emmy Awards
Peter Riegert received a single Primetime Emmy Award nomination during his career for his television work.[52] In 1993, Riegert was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Special for his portrayal of Peter Cohen, the chairman and chief executive of the investment banking firm Shearson Lehman Hutton, in the HBO television film Barbarians at the Gate.[53] Cohen's character navigates the high-stakes leveraged buyout battle for RJR Nabisco, providing comic relief amid the corporate intrigue.[54] The HBO production, directed by Glenn Jordan and based on the bestselling book by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar, dramatized the real-life 1988 RJR Nabisco takeover, one of the largest in history at $25 billion.[55] It garnered critical praise for its sharp satire of Wall Street excess, earning nine Primetime Emmy nominations overall, including wins for Outstanding Made for Television Movie and Outstanding Directing.[55] Reviewers highlighted the film's blend of humor and insight, with a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics who called it "fascinating" and "engrossing" as both entertainment and social commentary.[55][56] Riegert did not win the Emmy, which was awarded to Beau Bridges for his role in The Positively True Adventures of the Alleged Texas Cheerleader-Murdering Mom, but his performance was lauded for capturing Cohen's ambitious yet bumbling demeanor, contributing to the film's acclaim as a standout HBO original.[30][55]Other honors
In addition to major film and television accolades, Riegert received recognition for his work in audiobook narration. His performance as the narrator for Michael Chabon's novel The Yiddish Policemen's Union, released by Harper Audio in 2007, earned a finalist nomination in the Literary Fiction category at the 2008 Audie Awards, presented by the Audio Publishers Association.[57] Riegert shared in the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for Traffic (2000) at the 7th Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2001.[30] Riegert's directorial debut, the 2004 feature film King of the Corner, which he also co-wrote and starred in, won the Festival Award for Best First Feature at the Marco Island Film Festival, acknowledging Riegert's multifaceted contribution to its creation.[13] Riegert also received the Golden Eagle Award from the same festival for his work in independent films.[30][58] For his broader contributions to film and theater, Riegert was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the San Luis Obispo Jewish Film Festival on January 11, 2014. The honor, accompanied by a screening of King of the Corner and a Q&A session, celebrated his enduring career as an actor and director.[59]Filmography
Film
The following is a chronological list of Peter Riegert's feature film credits, including roles and notable directors where applicable.[60][15][2]| Year | Title | Role | Director (notable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | National Lampoon's Animal House | Donald "Boon" Schoenstein | John Landis |
| 1979 | Americathon | Eric McMurkin | Neal Israel |
| 1979 | Chilly Scenes of Winter | Sam Maguire | Joan Micklin Silver |
| 1981 | National Lampoon's Movie Madness | Jason Cooper | Bob Giraldi |
| 1983 | Local Hero | Mac MacIntyre | Bill Forsyth |
| 1983 | Le grand carnaval | Walter Giammanca | |
| 1984 | The City Girl | Tim | |
| 1987 | A Man in Love | Michael Pozner | |
| 1988 | Crossing Delancey | Sam Posner | Joan Micklin Silver |
| 1989 | That's Adequate | Adult Baby Elroy | |
| 1990 | Beyond the Ocean | Eric | Ben Gazzara |
| 1990 | A Shock to the System | Robert Benham | |
| 1991 | The Object of Beauty | Larry | |
| 1991 | Oscar | Aldo | John Landis |
| 1992 | The Runestone | Captain Gregory Fanducci | |
| 1992 | Passed Away | Peter Syracusa | |
| 1993 | Utz | Marius Fisher | |
| 1994 | White Man's Burden | Doctor | |
| 1994 | The Mask | Lieutenant Mitch Kellaway | Chuck Russell |
| 1995 | Pie in the Sky | Dad Dunlap | |
| 1995 | Coldblooded | Steve | |
| 1996 | Infinity | Mel Feynman | Matthew Broderick |
| 1998 | Hi-Life | Minor | |
| 2000 | Traffic | Attorney Michael Adler | Steven Soderbergh |
| 2000 | In the Weeds | Barry | |
| 2000 | Passion of Mind | Dr. Peters | |
| 2000 | How to Kill Your Neighbor's Dog | Larry | |
| 2004 | King of the Corner | Leo Spivak | |
| 2010 | White Irish Drinkers | Danny | John Gray |
| 2010 | Oka! | Mr. Small | |
| 2011 | We Bought a Zoo | Delbert McGinty | Cameron Crowe |
| 2011 | The Chosen One | Simon McKenna | |
| 2013 | At Middleton | Barden | |
| 2016 | American Pastoral | Lou Levov | Ewan McGregor |
| 2023 | You Hurt My Feelings | Jonathan | Nicole Holofcener |
Television
Riegert's television work encompasses guest appearances, recurring roles, and lead parts in series, miniseries, and made-for-TV films, often portraying authority figures, professionals, or everyman characters across genres from drama to comedy. His credits date back to the late 1970s and continue into the 2020s, showcasing his versatility in both network and cable programming.[2]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | MAS*H | Cpl. Igor Straminsky | TV series, 2 episodes [2] |
| 1984 | Ellis Island | Jacob Rubinstein | TV miniseries, 3 episodes [2] |
| 1984 | American Playhouse | Richard M. Nixon | TV series, 1 episode [2] |
| 1985 | The Equalizer | Lt. Joe Cormack | TV series, 1 episode [2] |
| 1985 | Tall Tales & Legends | Mark Twain | TV series, 1 episode [2] |
| 1986 | The Twilight Zone | Gus Rosenthal | TV series, 1 episode ("Cold Reading") [2] |
| 1986 | News at Eleven | Eric Ross | TV movie [2] |
| 1989 | Trying Times | Bill | TV series, 1 episode [2] |
| 1991 | The American Clock | Lee | TV movie [2] |
| 1992 | Middle Ages | Walter Cooper | TV series, 7 episodes [2] |
| 1993 | Barbarians at the Gate | Peter Cohen | TV movie [2] |
| 1993 | The Fire Next Time | Drew Morgan | TV movie [2] |
| 1993 | Chantilly Lace | Norm | TV movie [2] |
| 1993 | Gypsy | Herbie | TV movie [2] |
| 1994 | The Enemy Within | Gen. Rance | TV movie [2] |
| 1995 | The Larry Sanders Show | Peter Riegert | TV series, 1 episode [2] |
| 1995 | The Infiltrator | Rabbi Cooper | TV movie [2] |
| 1996 | Law & Order | Jerold Dixon | TV series, 1 episode [2] |
| 1997 | Face Down | Lt. Coop Cooper | TV movie [2] |
| 1997 | North Shore Fish | Porker | TV movie [2] |
| 1997 | King of the Hill | Boone Vineer | TV series (voice), 1 episode [2] |
| 1998 | Seinfeld | Kimbrough | TV series, 1 episode [2] |
| 1998 | The Baby Dance | Richard Luckman | TV movie [2] |
| 1998 | Sex and the City | Ira | TV series, 1 episode [2] |
| 2000–2001 | Sports Night | Jay Rydell | TV series, 3 episodes [2] |
| 2001 | The Beast | Ted Fisher | TV series, 6 episodes [2] |
| 2001 | Bojangles | Marty | TV movie [2] |
| 2001 | Club Land | Rabbi | TV movie [2] |
| 2001–2002 | The Sopranos | Assemblyman Ronald Zellman | TV series, 6 episodes [2][61] |
| 2003 | Family Guy | Max Weinstein | TV series (voice), 1 episode [2] |
| 2004 | Back When We Were Grownups | Zeb | TV movie [2] |
| 2004–2007 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Chauncey Zeirko | TV series, 2 episodes [2] |
| 2006 | Surrender, Dorothy | Mel | TV movie [2] |
| 2007–2008 | Damages | George Moore | TV series, recurring (10 episodes) [2] |
| 2008 | Cashmere Mafia | Len Dinerstein | TV series, 8 episodes [2] |
| 2009 | Leverage | Peter Blanchard | TV series, 1 episode [2] |
| 2009–2016 | The Good Wife | Judge Harvey Winter | TV series, 5 episodes [2][62] |
| 2010–2011 | One Tree Hill | Dr. August Kellerman | TV series, 6 episodes [2] |
| 2013–2014 | Dads | David Sachs | TV series, 19 episodes [2] |
| 2015 | Show Me a Hero | Oscar Newman | TV miniseries, 6 episodes [2][63] |
| 2015 | Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll | Ted | TV series, recurring [2] |
| 2017–2019 | Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt | Artie Goodman | TV series, 8 episodes [2] |
| 2017 | Disjointed | Walter | TV series, recurring [2] |
| 2019 | The Good Fight | Guest role | TV series, 1 episode [64] |
| 2021 | Succession | Roger Pugh | TV series, 2 episodes [33][64] |
| 2022 | Bull | Dr. Cohen | TV series, 1 episode [33] |
| 2023 | Extrapolations | Ben Zucker | TV miniseries, 1 episode [33][64] |
| 2023 | Harlan Coben's Shelter | Alan Bolitar | TV series, 1 episode [33][64] |