Born Jan. 26, 1949, in San Francisco, David Strathairn attended Williams College, where he acted in experimental theater and befriended future filmmaker John Sayles. Before embarking on a professional acting career, Strathairn had a brief stint as a circus clown. He then returned to theater, and in 1980 appeared in Return of the Secaucus 7, Sayles's directorial debut.Known as a strong character actor who delivers understated yet potent performances, Strathairn has appeared in many Sayles films, including Eight Men Out (1988), Passion Fish (1992) and Limbo (1999). Strathairn also claims Silkwood (1983) and L.A. Confidential (1997) among his notable movies.
In 2005, Strathairn received critical acclaim and numerous award nominations for his role as newsman Edward R. Murrow in Good Night, and Good Luck. Strathairn's television credits include the HBO drama Temple Grandin, which brought him a 2010 Golden Globe nod and an Emmy win.
Good Night, and Good LuckGeorge Clooney's Oscar-nominated docudrama pits veteran television newsman Edward R. Murrow against a determined Sen. Joseph McCarthy and his single-minded crusade to quell the threat of communism in America. Read More
HowlJames Franco steps into the shoes of famed Beat poet Allen Ginsberg in this star-studded biopic centered around Ginsberg's poem "Howl" -- and the widely publicized obscenity trial that followed its publication in 1957. Documentarians Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman (The Times of Harvey Milk)... Read More
Heavens FallInspired by the true events surrounding the "Scottsboro Nine," this compelling drama follows the plight of nine young black men, unjustly sentenced to death in the spring of 1931, following the false accusations of raping two white women. Defended by New York attorney Sam Leibowitz (Timothy Hutton),... Read More
Harrison's FlowersAndie MacDowell stars as Sarah, a happily married photo editor for Newsweek whose Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist husband, Harrison Lloyd (David Strathairn), is having second thoughts about covering the world's "hot spots." But he accepts one final assignment. Informed that Harrison is... Read More
The Sensation of SightBlaming himself for a tragedy involving one of his students, English teacher Finn (David Strathairn) leaves his job and family, moves into a boarding house and sells encyclopedias door-to-door in this dreamlike indie drama. As he makes his way through his small New England town, Finn connects with... Read More
