Early Life
Frank Langella was born on January 1, 1938, in Bayonne, New Jersey. He grew up in a family of Italian descent and developed an early interest in acting. Langella's parents encouraged his passion for the performing arts, and he began to hone his craft at a young age.
As a child, Langella was fascinated by the works of Shakespeare and would often perform scenes from his plays with friends. This early exposure to classical theater laid the foundation for his future success on stage and screen.
Career
Langella's professional acting career began in the 1960s, when he started performing off-Broadway. He quickly gained recognition for his talent and versatility, landing roles in a variety of productions, including plays and musicals.
In the early 1970s, Langella transitioned to television, appearing in several popular shows, including 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' and 'The Bob Newhart Show.' His breakthrough film role came in 1970 with 'Diary of a Mad Housewife,' which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Most Promising Newcomer.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Langella continued to work extensively in television, appearing in shows like 'Murder, She Wrote' and 'Law & Order.' He also had notable roles in films like 'Dave' (1993) and 'The Ninth Gate' (1999).
In the 2000s, Langella's career experienced a resurgence, thanks in part to his critically acclaimed performance as Richard Nixon in Peter Morgan's play 'Frost/Nixon.' The role earned him a Tony Award nomination and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
Awards and Nominations
Throughout his career, Langella has received numerous awards and nominations for his performances. These include four Tony Awards, as well as nominations for an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, an Emmy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards.
In 2012, Langella published a memoir called 'Dropped Names: Famous Men and Women As I Knew Them,' which received positive reviews from critics and fans alike.