Greg Kinnear Bio
Gregory Buck Kinnear (born June 17, 1963) is an American actor and former talk show host. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in As Good as It Gets (1997). Kinnear has appeared in many popular films, including Sabrina (1995), You’ve Got Mail (1998), Nurse Betty (2000), Someone like You (2001), We Were Soldiers, Auto Focus (both 2002), Stuck on You (2003), Robots (2005), Little Miss Sunshine, Invincible (both 2006), Green Zone, The Last Song (both 2010), Heaven Is for Real (2014), and Misbehaviour (2020). His television roles include Friends, Talk Soup, Modern Family, House of Cards, Rake, and the miniseries The Stand (2020). Kinnear portrayed John F. Kennedy in The Kennedys (2011), and Joe Biden in Confirmation (2016).
Early Life and Background
Kinnear was born on June 17, 1963, in Logansport, Indiana, to Suzanne (née Buck), a homemaker, and Edward Kinnear, a career diplomat who worked for the US State Department. He has two older brothers, James and Steven. He is of Scots-Irish descent and grew up a “Foreign Service brat,” moving frequently from Beirut to Athens. While a student at the American Community Schools in Athens, Kinnear first ventured into the role of talk show host with his radio show School Daze With Greg Kinnear. Returning to the United States for a university education, he attended the University of Arizona, graduating in 1985 with a degree in broadcast journalism. While there, he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
Path to Hollywood
Kinnear began his career in television, hosting a short-lived game show, College Mad House, which was spun off from the kids’ show Fun House. He became the creator, co-executive producer, and host of The Best of the Worst, which aired from 1991 to 1992. In 1991, Kinnear became the first host of Talk Soup, which he hosted until 1995, when he left the show for the NBC late-night talk show Later with Greg Kinnear. After his film debut in Blankman, Kinnear won the part of David Larrabee in Sydney Pollack’s 1995 remake of Billy Wilder’s classic Sabrina. He played the lead role in the 1996 comedy Dear God, and in 1997, he was cast in James L. Brooks’ comedy-drama As Good as It Gets, earning a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Greg Kinnear Career
Early Career (1988–1995)
Kinnear’s career began with his work in television, leading to his film debut in Blankman. He gained significant recognition for his role in Sabrina, which set the stage for his future successes. His performance in As Good as It Gets marked a pivotal moment in his career, as it earned him an Academy Award nomination.
Breakthrough (1996–2006)
Kinnear’s breakthrough came with his role in As Good as It Gets, where he played a pivotal character alongside Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt. This performance not only showcased his acting range but also solidified his status in Hollywood. Following this, he starred in You’ve Got Mail, where he played the significant other of Meg Ryan’s character. His role in the ensemble cast of Little Miss Sunshine further demonstrated his versatility as an actor, contributing to the film’s critical and commercial success.
Notable Works and Milestones
Greg Kinnear is best known for his roles in films such as As Good as It Gets, Little Miss Sunshine, and You’ve Got Mail. He has received critical acclaim and several award nominations throughout his career, marking him as a prominent figure in the film industry.
Greg Kinnear Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Greg Kinnear has received several nominations, most notably for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in As Good as It Gets.
Greg Kinnear Awards Won
Greg Kinnear has won various accolades throughout his career, including recognition for his performances in both film and television, contributing to his reputation as a talented actor.
Greg Kinnear Family
Greg Kinnear is married to Helen Labdon, a retired British glamour model, since May 1, 1999. They have three daughters together.
Personal Life
Kinnear maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his family and career. He has been married to Helen Labdon since 1999, and they have three daughters. His family life remains an important aspect of his identity outside of his professional endeavors.
