Nathan Lane, originally named Joseph Lane, was born on February 3, 1956, in Jersey City, New Jersey. He’s a well-known American actor who’s been performing on stage and screen since 1975. Lane is famous for both funny and serious roles. Over the years, he’s won many awards, including three Tony Awards, seven Drama Desk Awards, and three Emmy Awards. In 2006, he got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2008, he was put into the American Theater Hall of Fame.
Lane began his career in theater in 1978, acting in a play called A Midsummer Night’s Dream in New York City. He worked hard and eventually became part of some famous productions like A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and The Producers, which earned him Tony Awards. Lane’s also acted in many movies such as The Lion King, The Birdcage, and The Producers (2005). His talent extends to television too, where he’s appeared in shows like Modern Family and The Good Wife.
Growing up, Lane faced challenges. His father was a truck driver who died young, and his mother struggled with bipolar disorder. Despite this, Lane excelled in acting early on, attending Catholic schools in Jersey City. He left college after realizing it wasn’t the right fit and moved to New York City to pursue acting full-time. He adopted the name Nathan from a character in a musical, Nathan Detroit, to avoid confusion with another actor named Joseph Lane.
Lane’s personal life is also notable. He came out as gay in 1999 and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. He’s received awards for his activism and has openly supported Democratic politicians in the United States. In 2015, he married Devlin Elliott, his partner of 18 years.
Throughout his career, Lane’s versatility and skill have made him a beloved figure in entertainment. His ability to make audiences laugh and touch their hearts has earned him widespread acclaim and numerous honors. As of recent years, Lane continues to act in both films and television, showcasing his talent across various genres and mediums.