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

1966

Began acting at New Haven's Long Wharf Theater

1967

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

1969

Made Off-Broadway debut in "Little Murders"

1970

Broadway debut, "Room Service"

1971

Feature film debut playing a resident in "The Hospital"

1972

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

1973

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

1975

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

1975

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

1977

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

1977

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

1978

First romantic lead opposite Melanie Mayron in "Girlfriends"

1979

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

1980

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

1981

Re-teamed with Melanie Mayron in "Heartbeeps"

1984

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

1984

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

1987

Re-teamed with Reiner for "The Princess Bride"

1988

Co-starred with Mayron in "Sticky Fingers"

1989

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

1991

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

1992

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

1993

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

1997

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

1998

Directed the comedy "Almost Heroes"

2001

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

2003

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

2006

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

2009

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

Awards

1998

Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead in Waiting for Guffman

1998

Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay in Waiting for Guffman

2001

Independent Spirit Award for Best Director in Best in Show

2003

Critics' Choice Award for Best Song in A Mighty Wind

2004

Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay in A Mighty Wind