Nathan's father, Daniel Lane, was a truck driver and aspiring tenor singer who died of alcoholism when Nathan was eleven. He has two older brothers, Dan (56), a teacher and Bob(54), an insurance salesman. His brother took him to see a play called Black Comedy, when he was about eleven, and Nathan knew he would be an actor, some day. Not long after that, they went and saw a matinee of Butley and Nathan was amazed that an actor could stand to keep doing the play over again. These days, he's admitted to not liking matinee performances.

In the 6th grade, Nathan had his first feel for acting. He appeared in Around The World In 80 Days and marvelled in the laughs he recieved. Nathan attended St. Peter's Prep School in Jersey City and graduated in 1974. From there, he won a scholarship to St. Joseph's University, in Philidelphia and he began working in the county clerk's office. When his scholarship ran out, he was forced to move back home. A couple months later, he was working another job at the Halfpenny Playhouse in East Orange, New Jersey. He's also been a singing messenger, and a stand-up comic. In his twenties, Nathan polled farmers on their favourite pesticides.

In 1992, Nathan won the Drama Desk award, for best actor, for his role as Nathan Detroit in the Broadway version of Guys And Dolls. He was also nominated for a Tony Award and won the Outer Critics Circle Award. A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum, in 1996, won him a Tony Award for best actor.

Aside from his Broadway status, Nathan is probably best known for his roles in The Birdcage (1996) as Albert (his first starring role), The Lion King (1994) as Timon, Mouse Hunt (1997) as Ernie Smuntz and the short-lived comedy series Encore! Encore! (1998) in which he played Joseph Pinoni, a famous opera singer who lost his voice and moves in with his family. Some of his other roles include appearances in Addams Family Values (1983), Joe Versus The Volcano (1990), The Boys Next Door (1996) and Isn't She Great (2000).

He's also appeared on such shows as Frasier, Miami Vice and Mad About You. In 2000-2001, Nathan starred as Max Bialystock, alongside Matthew Broderick, in the hit Broadway play The Producers.

Nathan has often stated that it takes him a while to open up to people and feel comfortable around them, so if he appears moody or insensitive while you're up in his face asking for an autograph, that's why. He's a hard worker and is often under a lot of stress, which can play an important part on one's attitude. In November of 2001, he was diagnosed with a polyp on his left vocal cord; an example of the strenuous work habits he endures. Nathan is openly gay and often makes jokes about his sexuality. Some people; however, ignorantly prefer to stereotype him and can't see past his sexuality and discover the talent that lies within.

Along with the other things that Nathan has endured and tackled in life, he also quit drinking in 1993.

At E's Golden Hanger Awards, Nathan won "Best Dressed Man," beating out such stars as Matt Damon, Chris Rock and Billy Zane. He hosted the 50th Tony Awards on CBS on the 2nd of June, 1996. On that very night, he won a Tony for his role in the revival of "A Funny thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."

Nathan has never learned to drive. He's stated, in a People Magazine interview, that "[In L.A.] you might as well say 'I'm a child molester,' because that's the look they give you. [Or they look at you like you're] part of some Communist plot."

Ask people who Nathan Lane is, and if you get a few blank stares, just mention "Timon from The Lion King," "Max Bialystock from The Producers or "Robin Williams partner in The Birdcage and they're sure to know who you're talking about then. He's witty, funny, charming, talented and a genius. He is Nathan Lane.

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Last Updated: 18 November 2002.
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