Christopher Guest

Photo of Christopher Guest

Biography

One of the most unique voices in contemporary comedy, Christopher Guest earned a following with the acutely observed characters and spontaneous improvised spirit of "This is Spinal Tap" (1984), "Waiting for Guffman" (1997), and "Best in Show" (2000). Offbeat and satirical in nature, Guest's portraits of regular people with big dreams were effectively compelling as they steered clear of the mean spirit of Guest's early days as a writer for …
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Job Title

Actor, Director, Producer, Writer, Music

Born

Christopher Haden-Guest on February 5, 1948 in New York City, New York, USA

Career Milestones

2009

Portrayed 'Ivan the Terrible' in "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian"

2006

Co-wrote, directed and co-starred in Academy Awards parody, "For Your Consideration"

2003

Co-Wrote (with Eugene Levy), directed and co-starred in "A Mighty Wind"; earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his screenplay

2001

Wrote, directed and starred in the dog show-themed comedy, "Best in Show"

1998

Directed the comedy "Almost Heroes"

1997

Wrote, directed and starred in the cult hit "Waiting for Guffman"

1993

Directed Daryl Hannah in the title role of "Attack of the 50 Ft. Woman" (HBO)

1992

Again collaborated with Rob Reiner for "A Few Good Men"

1991

Executive produced the CBS sitcom "Morton and Hayes"; also directed premiere episode

1989

Made directorial debut with the Hollywood satire, "The Big Picture"; also co-wrote

1988

Co-starred with Mayron in "Sticky Fingers"

1987

Re-teamed with Reiner for "The Princess Bride"

1984

Hired on NBC's "Saturday Night Live" for one year only

1984

Had breakthrough role as guitarist Nigel Hufnel in Rob Reiner's mockumentary, "This Is Spinal Tap"; and co-wrote

1981

Re-teamed with Melanie Mayron in "Heartbeeps"

1980

Appeared with his brother Nicholas in Walter Hill's western, "The Long Riders"

1979

Played Jeb Stuart Magruder in the CBS miniseries, "Blind Ambition"

1978

First romantic lead opposite Melanie Mayron in "Girlfriends"

1977

Made TV episodic debut on "All in the Family" (CBS)

1977

TV-movie debut, "Billion Dollar Bubble" (NBC)

1975

Co-wrote and performed in "The Lily Tomlin Special" (ABC)

1975

Regular player on the ABC variety series, "Saturday Night With Howard Cosell"

1973

Was a member of the ensemble "National Lampoon's Lemmings" at the Village Gate Theatre in NYC

1972

Cast as Norman in Michael Weller's "Moonchildren" on Broadway

1971

Feature film debut playing a resident in "The Hospital"

1970

Broadway debut, "Room Service"

1969

Made Off-Broadway debut in "Little Murders"

1967

First collaboration with Michael McKean, playing in a band in New York

1966

Began acting at New Haven's Long Wharf Theater

Awards

2004

Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay in A Mighty Wind

2003

Critics' Choice Award for Best Song in A Mighty Wind

2001

Independent Spirit Award for Best Director in Best in Show

1998

Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead in Waiting for Guffman

1998

Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay in Waiting for Guffman