Mandy Patinkin is a versatile and accomplished actor, singer, and producer, known for his work in musical theatre, television, and film
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. Born Mandel Bruce Patinkin on November 30, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois, he has built a remarkable career spanning over four decades
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. His journey from a synagogue choir singer to a Tony Award-winning Broadway star and a beloved television actor is nothing short of inspiring.
Patinkin’s early life was steeped in music and performance
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. He began singing in synagogue choirs at the age of 13 and later attended the University of Kansas before transferring to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City
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. Although he left Juilliard before graduating due to conflicts with teachers, his time there helped him hone his craft and build connections that would prove invaluable in his career
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His Broadway debut came in 1975, starring opposite Meryl Streep in the revival of the comic play “Trelawny of the ‘Wells'” at The Public Theatre’s Shakespeare Festival
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. He gained widespread acclaim for his role as Che Guevara in the original Broadway production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Evita” in 1979, earning him a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical
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. He continued to shine on stage, notably in Stephen Sondheim’s “Sunday in the Park with George,” for which he received another Tony nomination
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Patinkin’s transition to television and film was seamless. He is perhaps best known for his role as Inigo Montoya in the beloved 1987 film “The Princess Bride,” where his line “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die” has become iconic
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. His filmography includes notable roles in “Yentl” (1983), “Dick Tracy” (1990), and “Wonder” (2017)
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On television, Patinkin has been a part of several successful series, including “Chicago Hope,” where he won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Leading Actor in a Drama Series, and “Homeland,” where he portrayed the complex character Saul Berenson for nine seasons
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. His recent work includes a guest role on the NBC medical drama “Brilliant Minds,” where he plays Dr. Noah Wolf, a character inspired by his own family’s history with mental illness
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Patinkin’s dedication to his craft and his ability to bring depth and nuance to his roles have earned him a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. He continues to be active in the entertainment industry, balancing his work with his passion for supporting various charitable causes, including Doctors Without Borders and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America
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