Biography
One of the most sought-after jokesmiths in the entertainment industry, Bruce Vilanch has become a recognizable face in his own right, thanks to the feature-length documentary "Get Bruce!" (1999) and his stint as a regular on "Hollywood Squares" (1998- ), for which he also serves as head writer. Known for his eclectic eyewear and collection of unique T-shirts, he began as a child model for Lane Bryant, but when his initial efforts as an actor …
Latest Tv Credits
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Career Milestones
2001 | Headlined one-man show "Bruce! A Month of Mondays" in Beverly Hills, California | |
2000 | Wrote for Midler's sitcom "Bette!" (CBS) | |
2000 | Starred Off-Broadway in "Bruce Vilanch: Almost Famous", a one-man cabaret-style show in which he sang and told stories about working behind the scenes in Hollywood | |
2000 | First time as head writer for the Academy Awards | |
2000 | Penned music and lyrics for the comedy song "My Bill Gates" for "The 14th Annual American Comedy Awards"; garnered Emmy nomination | |
1999 | Wrote Nathan Lane's "coming out" story for The Advocate | |
1999 | Subject of feature-length documentary "Get Bruce!" | |
1998 | Was regular on the sydicated "Hollywood Squares", sitting in close proximity to Goldberg in her center square; also served as head writer | |
1997 | Reunited with Midler for "Bette Midler--Diva Las Vegas" (HBO) | |
1993 | Provided the material that Ted Danson performed in blackface for the notorious Friars Club roast of then-girlfriend Whoopi Goldberg | |
1990 | Reteamed with Midler on "An Evening With Bette, Cher, Goldie, Meryl, Olivia, Lily and Robin" (ABC) | |
1989 | Portrayed Philpot, Santa's number one helper, in syndicated TV-movie "It Nearly Wasn't Christmas" | |
1989 | First time as writer for the Academy Awards; earned a shared Emmy (2009, 2010) nomination for Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Special | |
| Began contributing a regular column to The Advocate; eventually called "Notes From a Blond" | ||
1980 | Co-wrote screenplay for "Divine Madness", starring Midler as the Divine Miss M | |
1978 | Helped write the Broadway flop "Platinum" | |
1975 | Moved to L.A. to write for the short-lived "The Manhattan Transfer" (CBS) variety show; later wrote for variety shows like the original "Donny and Marie" and "The Brady Bunch Hour" (both ABC) | |
1975 | Feature debut as a dress designer in Berry Gordy's "Mahogany", starring Diana Ross | |
1970 | Impressed by review of her cabaret performance, Bette Midler hired him to punch up her act; Vilanch introduced her to work of entertainer Sophie Tucker, a mainstay of her act | |
| Became an entertainment reporter for Chicago Tribune | ||
| Co-starred with Talulah Bankhead in summer stock | ||
| Worked as a child model ("charming chub" division) for Lane Bryant | ||
Awards
2010 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing For a Variety, Music or Comedy Special in The 82nd Annual Academy Awards |
2009 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing For a Variety, Music or Comedy Special in 81st Annual Academy Awards |
2000 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music and Lyrics in The 14th Annual American Comedy Awards |
1992 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement In Writing In a Variety or Music Program in The 64th Annual Academy Awards |
1991 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing In a Variety or Music Program in The 63rd Annual Academy Awards |
1977 | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing In a Comedy-Variety or Music Special in The Barry Manilow Special |