John Goodman

Goodman was acting in a 1987 stage production of "Antony and Cleopatra" in Los Angeles, when an ABC talent scout spotted him and recruited him for a role on a new television sitcom. The show "Roseanne," starring comedian Roseanne Barr, focused on the ups-and-downs of a blue-collar, Midwestern family. Goodman was chosen to play the jovial, tough-loving father and the foil to Barr's role as the sarcastic, sharp-witted mother. The comedy was an overnight hit, and became a career-making move for Goodman. He was nominated for an Emmy seven times from 1989 to 1995, and earned a Best Actor Golden Globe Award in 1993.

Goodman performed on the big screen in the successful Steven Spielberg thriller, "Arachnophobia," the comedy "King Ralph" and "Barton Fink." He then received critical acclaim for his starring role in the biopic portrayal of "The Babe," about baseball legend Babe Ruth. In 1994, he appeared in the live-action version of "The Flintstones" across from comedian Rick Moranis, which became a blockbuster hit.

He used his newfound fame to produce the made-for-TV biopic, "Kingfish: A Story of Huey P. Long," which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or Special. His award streak continued with the TV remake of "A Streetcar Named Desire," featuring co-stars Alec Baldwin and Jessica Lange, which earned his ninth Emmy nod.

During his 1995 hiatus from "Roseanne," Goodman returned to the stage and performed some small roles. His growing film career led to his decision to leave "Roseanne" at the end of the eighth season.

His film career now moving in full force, Goodman appeared in "The Borrowers" and then appeared in another Coen Brothers film, "The Big Lebowski," which earned Goodman rave reviews from critics and audiences. He also appeared in the Blues Brothers remake "Blues Brothers 2000." He also appeared in another critically acclaimed Coen Brothers film, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?," a retelling of the Homer epic, "Ulysses."

In addition to film and television, Goodman added voiceover work to his repertoire with 1993's "We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story." The performance led to other voice roles, including the Disney films "The Emperor's New Groove," "Monsters, Inc.," "The Jungle Book 2" and "Cars."

Goodman continued working steadily in film and television, including an appearance on the short-lived television drama "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip," which earned him an Emmy nomination, and appearances in the Jerry Seinfeld animated film "Bee Movie," "Speedracer," "Confessions of a Shopaholic," "42" and "Monsters University."