Sam Waterston

Sam Waterston is an American actor known for his extensive career in theater, film, and television. Waterston began his acting career on the New York City stage, gaining recognition for his performances in revivals of classic works, particularly those of Shakespeare. His portrayal of Benedick in "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Delacorte Theatre in Central Park earned him an Obie, a Drama Desk Award, and a New York Drama Critics Circle Award. He was later inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame, reflecting his enduring contributions to the stage.

Waterston's film career brought him widespread recognition. He gained attention for his role as Nick Carraway in "The Great Gatsby," which led to a Golden Globe nomination. His performance as Sydney Schanberg in "The Killing Fields" earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Waterston also collaborated with director Woody Allen, appearing in films such as "Interiors," "Hannah and Her Sisters," "September," and "Crimes and Misdemeanors." On stage, his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in "Abe Lincoln in Illinois" earned him a nomination for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play.

Waterston is widely recognized for his role as Executive Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy on the NBC series "Law & Order." He joined the series during its fifth season and appeared in 368 episodes, more than any cast member except S. Epatha Merkerson. For his work on "Law & Order," Waterston received three Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Drama Series, and won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series. He also won a Golden Globe for his performance as a Southern lawyer and single father in the television series "I'll Fly Away."

Waterston has continued to work in television, starring as Sol Bergstein in the Netflix comedy series "Grace and Frankie" alongside Martin Sheen, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin. He has also appeared in productions such as Hulu's "The Dropout," portraying former Secretary of State George Shultz. Waterston's influence as a cultural figure is reflected in invitations to speak at events such as Princeton University's Class Day ceremony.

In addition to his acting career, Waterston is recognized for his humanitarian work. He received the Goodermote Humanitarian Award from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health for his support of refugees. Waterston has served as a board member of Refugees International for more than 25 years and also serves on the boards of Oceana and the Public Theater in New York City. He was declared a Living Landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy, underscoring his impact on American cultural life.