Judd Hirsch, born on March 15, 1935, is a distinguished American actor celebrated for his versatile performances across television, film, and theatre. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Alex Rieger in the iconic television comedy series Taxi, which aired from 1978 to 1983. His portrayal of John Lacey in the NBC series Dear John (1988–1992) and Alan Eppes in the CBS series Numb3rs (2005–2010) further solidified his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
In addition to his television success, Hirsch has made significant contributions to film, appearing in notable works such as Without a Trace (1983), Teachers (1984), and the blockbuster Independence Day (1996) along with its sequel, Independence Day: Resurgence (2016). His filmography also includes critically acclaimed titles like A Beautiful Mind (2001), Tower Heist (2011), Altered Minds (2013), The Meyerowitz Stories (2017), and Hollywood Stargirl (2022).
Hirsch's talent has not gone unnoticed, as he has received numerous accolades throughout his career. He has won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series twice and has been honored with two Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Play. Additionally, he received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy and has been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performances in Ordinary People (1980) and The Fabelmans (2022).