Alec Baldwin
Alec Baldwin is an award-winning actor, writer, producer, and director who has worked in both television and film. Born in 1958, Baldwin is best known for his roles in such films as Beetlejuice and The Departed, and for his multi-faceted career in television, including hosting his own talk show, guest-hosting Saturday Night Live, and portraying Jack Donaghy on NBC sitcom 30 Rock. In addition to acting, Baldwin is a respected author, having penned two books: A Promise to Ourselves: A Journey Through Fatherhood and Facing the Music.
Baldwin grew up in Long Island, New York, in a large Irish-Catholic family. As a child, he was always interested in film, and was inspired to pursue acting following a screening of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? in his freshman year of college. After receiving his bachelors degree in English literature from New York University, Baldwin began acting in off-Broadway productions, before landing his first major role in the soap opera The Doctors.
From there, Baldwin made a name for himself in various television series and film projects, most notably Beetlejuice and The Departed. He also made a successful transition to the small screen, appearing in a series of television movies and earning an Emmy Award nomination for his performance on the sitcom Will & Grace. Most recently, Baldwin has been the subject of much praise for his portrayal of Jack Donaghy on 30 Rock, for which he won two consecutive Golden Globe awards and earned his sixth Emmy nomination.
In addition to acting, Baldwin is an accomplished author. In 2008, he released his first book, A Promise To Ourselves: A Journey Through Fatherhood and Facing The Music, a memoir about his experiences as a father of four kids. He followed up this book with Nevertheless, a personal look at his life, career and the influence his father had on him. In the book, Baldwin shares his experiences battling depression, how he changed his approach to life and career, and how he maintained his sense of balance and joy.
Baldwin has also written a number of essays and articles for various publications, including Newsweek, Esquire, GQ, and Vanity Fair. It's clear to see that Baldwin is a talented writer and his books and essays reflect his sharp intelligence and wit.
In addition to his acting and writing career, Baldwin is an active philanthropist. He is the chairman of the Alec Baldwin Foundation, which seeks to support causes important to Baldwin, including the preservation of America’s great cities, the education of at-risk children and the protection of the environment. He was also one of the celebrities photographed for Annie Leibovitz’s 2007 A-list calendar, and he was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights.
It’s clear to see that Alec Baldwin is an extremely gifted and multi-faceted artist. His acting and writing talents are only eclipsed by his humanitarian and philanthropic efforts, making him one of the most versatile stars in Hollywood.