The actor, producer and director Griffin Dune celebrates 69 today
Griffin Dunne’s breakthrough role came in 1981 with the horror-comedy “An American Werewolf in London,” where he played the memorable character Jack Goodman
The actor, producer and director Griffin Dune celebrates 69 today
The American actor, producer, and director Griffin Dunne, was born Thomas Griffin Dunne on June 8, 1955, in New York City into a family with strong ties to the entertainment industry. His mother, Ellen Beatriz Griffin, was an activist, and his father, Dominick Dunne, was a noted writer and producer. Dunne’s aunt is the famous novelist and screenwriter Joan Didion. Growing up in such an environment, he developed an early interest in the arts.
Dunne pursued acting at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York City, and his early career began with small roles in films and television, gradually building his reputation as a talented actor. His breakthrough role came in 1981 with the horror-comedy “An American Werewolf in London,” where he played the memorable character Jack Goodman. This role brought him significant attention and established him as a talented actor capable of both comedic and dramatic performances.
Dunne’s most notable work includes the 1985 film “After Hours,” directed by Martin Scorsese. In this dark comedy, he played the lead role of Paul Hackett, a New Yorker who experiences a surreal and nightmarish series of events. The film was critically acclaimed and showcased Dunne’s ability to carry a complex and demanding role.
As a producer, Dunne earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film for “Duke of Groove” (1996). He has also produced several notable films, including “Running on Empty” (1988) and “Joe’s Apartment” (1996).
In addition to his acting and producing credits, Dunne has made significant strides as a director. His directorial debut came with the 1995 film “Duke of Groove,” and he went on to direct feature films such as “Addicted to Love” (1997), starring Meg Ryan and Matthew Broderick, and “Practical Magic” (1998), starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman.
Griffin Dunne is the brother of the also late actress Dominique Dunne, who starred in “Poltergeist” and was murdered in 1982. He has been married twice and his first marriage was to actress Carey Lowell, with whom he has a daughter, Hannah Dunne, an actress known for her role in the television series “Mozart in the Jungle.” Dunne is currently married to Anna Bingemann, a stylist and producer.
In recent years, he has appeared in various television series, including “This Is Us,” where he plays the recurring role of Nicky Pearson, a Vietnam War veteran dealing with trauma and addiction. His performance in the series has been praised for its depth and sensitivity.
Dunne also directed the 2017 documentary “Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold,” which explores the life and career of his aunt, Joan Didion. The documentary received critical acclaim and showcased Dunne’s ability to handle deeply personal and complex subjects with care and insight.
Look back at a clip from the 1981 movie “An American Werewolf in London,” starring Griffin Dunne in his breakthrough role
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