Eric Stoltz is a multifaceted theater-trained actor and producer who has made a significant impact in both independent and studio films. Born on September 30, he hails from a rich cultural heritage, being of Irish, German, and Scottish ancestry. Growing up, Eric was exposed to the world of theater at a young age, playing piano for local musical productions in American Samoa and Santa Barbara, California, where he even co-starred with Anthony Edwards in "Mame" and later as Jeff Spicoli's stoner friends in the iconic film Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982).
As a teenager, Eric's passion for the performing arts only intensified, and he began earning money by playing piano for local productions. His friendship with Anthony Edwards soon blossomed into a college roommate relationship when they both attended the University of Southern California. However, Eric's academic pursuits were cut short when he dropped out in his junior year to join a repertory company that performed 10 plays at the esteemed Edinburgh Festival in Scotland.
In 1981, Eric made the move to New York, where he honed his craft by studying with renowned acting coaches Stella Adler and Peggy Feury. He soon made his film debut in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982),a milestone that marked the beginning of his illustrious career. The 1980s saw Eric garner critical acclaim and recognition, including a Golden Globe Award nomination for his portrayal of Rocky Dennis in Mask (1985) and his starring role in John Hughes' Some Kind of Wonderful (1987).
Eric's Broadway debut in Our Town (1989) earned him a Tony Award nomination, solidifying his status as a talented and versatile performer. Throughout the 1990s, he continued to alternate between stage and screen, building an eclectic resume that included studio films like Pulp Fiction (1994),independent films like Sundance Festival Winner The Waterdance (1992),and films he produced himself, such as Mr. Jealousy (1997).
In addition to his film and television work, Eric remained committed to his stage roots, appearing in numerous productions on and off Broadway, including "Three Sisters", "Two Shakespearean Actors", "The Importance of Being Ernest", and "The Glass Menagerie". His television credits include recurring roles on Mad About You (1992),Chicago Hope (1994),and Inside (1996),as well as appearances in television and cable movies like A Killer in the Family (1983) and The Passion of Ayn Rand (1999).
Since 2002, Eric has focused primarily on directing, having worked on a television movie, several short films, independent films, and television series such as Grey's Anatomy (2005),Boston Legal (2004),Nashville (2012),and Glee (2009). In 2014, he took on the role of producing director for the CBS drama series Madam Secretary (2014),further cementing his status as a multifaceted and accomplished artist.
