Nathan Lane

A renowned veteran of both stage and screen, actor Nathan Lane established himself both off-Broadway and on the Great White Way as a multi-talented performer capable of essaying roles in comedies, dramas and musicals. Following a breakthrough performance opposite the great George C. Scott in "Present Laughter" (1982), Lane became known after touring in Neil Simon's "Broadway Bound" (1987). As a result, he began making strides in television and film, appearing in "Ironweed" (1987) and "Joe Versus the Volcano" (1990) while continuing to excel on the stage; particularly in roles crafted by playwright and friend Terrence McNally. Despite parts in several high-profile features, including "He Said, She Said" (1991) and "Addams Family Values" (1993), Lane made his film breakthrough voicing an animated, scene-stealing meerkat in "The Lion King" (1994). His Tony Award win for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" was followed by perhaps his most recognizable role, playing opposite Robin Williams in "The Birdcage" (1996). After affirming that he was gay following the murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998, Lane went on to enjoy enormous Broadway success playing the conniving theater producer Max Bialystock in a musical adaptation of Mel Brooks' 1968 film "The Producers" (2001), which earned the actor his second career Tony Award. Lane remained a versatile performer able to transition from stage to screen and back again with considerable ease and the full support from his fans.