Judd Hirsch is a veteran American actor known for his versatility, depth, and ability to bring life to a wide range of characters across television, film, and theater. Best known for his Emmy Award-winning role as Alex Reiger in the classic sitcom Taxi, Hirsch has enjoyed a career spanning over five decades, solidifying his place as one of Hollywood’s most respected actors. His performances are marked by a rare combination of warmth, intensity, and sincerity, allowing him to inhabit every character he plays with authenticity and humanity.
While Taxi made him a household name, Hirsch’s work extends far beyond that iconic show. With a career that includes both comedic and dramatic roles, Hirsch has consistently demonstrated his range, earning him numerous accolades and leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Judd Seymore Hirsch was born on March 15, 1935, in The Bronx, New York. Raised in a working-class Jewish family, Hirsch was introduced to the challenges and rewards of hard work from an early age. His father worked as an electrician, and Hirsch’s early life in The Bronx instilled in him a grounded sense of reality and compassion for the everyman—qualities that would later shine through in many of his characters.
Though initially interested in engineering, Hirsch discovered his passion for acting during his college years. He attended City College of New York, where he earned a degree in physics. However, his interest in performing arts gradually took over, and he soon began studying acting at the HB Studio in New York City, a renowned training ground for actors. After honing his craft on the stage, Hirsch began pursuing acting opportunities in television and film, though it would take some time for him to break into the industry.
Rise to Fame with Taxi
In 1978, Hirsch landed the role that would change his life and define much of his career—Alex Reiger in the television series Taxi. Created by James L. Brooks, Ed. Weinberger, Stan Daniels, and David Davis, Taxi was a sitcom that followed the lives of a group of New York City cab drivers working for the Sunshine Cab Company. At the heart of the show was Hirsch’s character, Alex Reiger, a seasoned and level-headed cab driver who acted as a mentor and confidant to his co-workers, many of whom were struggling to navigate their own lives.
Hirsch’s portrayal of Alex Reiger resonated deeply with audiences. Unlike many sitcom characters of the time, Reiger was a deeply human figure—flawed, compassionate, and cynical yet hopeful. He embodied the archetype of the “everyman” caught in the grind of daily life, and Hirsch’s understated, naturalistic performance helped make Reiger a relatable and beloved character.
The success of Taxi was driven not only by its sharp writing and ensemble cast but also by the strength of Hirsch’s portrayal. As the moral center of the show, Reiger often provided the emotional anchor amid the more eccentric characters, such as Louie De Palma (played by Danny DeVito), the abrasive dispatcher, and Latka Gravas (played by Andy Kaufman), the quirky mechanic. Hirsch’s ability to play off his co-stars, balancing comedy with sincerity, helped elevate Taxi into one of the greatest sitcoms of all time.
Hirsch’s performance earned him widespread acclaim, including two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 1981 and 1983. Taxi ran for five seasons, and while the show ended in 1983, Hirsch’s role as Alex Reiger cemented his status as one of television’s most respected actors.
Expanding His Career: From Television to Film
While Taxi brought Hirsch national fame, it was only one chapter in his prolific career. Following the end of Taxi, Hirsch continued to work steadily in both television and film, further showcasing his range as an actor. In 1988, he starred in the NBC drama Dear John, a series about a man dealing with the fallout of a divorce. Hirsch’s portrayal of John Lacey, a man trying to rebuild his life after heartbreak, earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series.
Hirsch’s success in television transitioned seamlessly to the big screen. One of his most acclaimed film roles came in 1980, when he starred in Robert Redford’s Ordinary People. In this film, Hirsch played Dr. Tyrone Berger, a compassionate psychiatrist who helps a troubled young man (played by Timothy Hutton) cope with the loss of his brother. Hirsch’s performance was subtle yet powerful, providing the emotional core of the film and earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
In the years that followed, Hirsch appeared in a wide range of films, demonstrating his ability to adapt to various genres and characters. He played memorable roles in films such as Independence Day (1996), where he portrayed Julius Levinson, the father of Jeff Goldblum’s character, and A Beautiful Mind (2001), where he played a mathematics professor. His talent for seamlessly transitioning between drama and comedy has made him a versatile actor, capable of delivering powerful performances in both leading and supporting roles.
Stage Work and Broadway Success
In addition to his work in film and television, Judd Hirsch is an accomplished stage actor. Throughout his career, he has returned to the theater multiple times, demonstrating his love for live performance. In 1986, Hirsch won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his role in Herb Gardner’s I’m Not Rappaport. The play, which centered on the unlikely friendship between two elderly men in New York City, allowed Hirsch to showcase his ability to portray deeply human and emotionally resonant characters.
Hirsch’s stage work has garnered him further recognition, and his performances in productions like Conversations with My Father and Talley’s Folly have been widely praised. His commitment to the theater has allowed him to continue challenging himself as an actor, exploring complex roles that delve into human relationships and personal struggles.
Later Career and Continued Success
As Hirsch’s career progressed into the 2000s and 2010s, he continued to demonstrate his versatility with appearances in both television and film. He took on a recurring role in the legal drama Damages, and more recently, appeared in hit series like The Goldbergs and The Big Bang Theory. His longevity in the industry and ability to adapt to evolving trends in television have kept him relevant to new generations of audiences.
In 2020, Hirsch earned praise for his role in the critically acclaimed film Uncut Gems, in which he played Gooey, a relative of Adam Sandler’s character. The film marked yet another instance of Hirsch’s ability to contribute to a high-profile ensemble cast and deliver a memorable performance, further showcasing his staying power in the industry.
Legacy and Influence
Judd Hirsch’s career is a testament to his talent, versatility, and dedication to his craft. From his early work on Taxi to his film roles and stage performances, Hirsch has consistently brought humanity, warmth, and depth to every character he portrays. His ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles with equal skill has made him one of the most respected actors of his generation.
As the heart of Taxi, Hirsch helped redefine what a sitcom could be, proving that television could balance humor with emotional complexity. His work on the show left a lasting legacy, and his influence on both television and film continues to be felt to this day. With a career spanning over five decades, Judd Hirsch remains an iconic figure in the entertainment industry, beloved by audiences and admired by his peers.