Nathan Lane, born Joseph Lane on February 3, 1956, is a distinguished American actor known for his extensive work in theater, film, and television. Since beginning his career in 1975, Lane has earned critical acclaim for both comedic and dramatic roles, securing numerous prestigious awards including three Tony Awards, seven Drama Desk Awards, three Emmy Awards, a Laurence Olivier Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2008 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Joseph Lane (stage name Nathan Lane) |
| Date of Birth | February 3, 1956 |
| Place of Birth | Jersey City, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Devlin Elliott (married 2015) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1975–present |
| Net Worth | Approximately $25 million |
| Notable Roles | Timon (The Lion King), Albert Goldman (The Birdcage), Max Bialystock (The Producers) |
| Awards | 3 Tony Awards, 7 Drama Desk Awards, 3 Emmy Awards, Laurence Olivier Award, SAG Award |
Early Life and Education
Born in Jersey City, New Jersey, Nathan Lane grew up in an Irish American Catholic family. His father, Daniel, was a truck driver and aspiring tenor who passed away when Lane was eleven, while his mother, Nora, worked as a housewife and secretary. He has two brothers.
Lane attended Roman Catholic schools in Jersey City, including St. Peter’s Preparatory High School, where he was voted Best Actor in 1974.
He briefly studied at St. Joseph’s College in Philadelphia but left due to financial reasons.
To distinguish himself from another actor named Joseph Lane, he chose the stage name Nathan, inspired by the character Nathan Detroit from Guys and Dolls.
Career
Lane’s career began in the late 1970s with off-Broadway performances, and he made his professional theater debut in 1978 in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
His Broadway debut followed in 1982 with the revival of Noël Coward’s Present Laughter. He gained widespread recognition for his collaborations with playwright Terrence McNally and for his standout performances in musicals and comedies.
Some of his most notable stage roles include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Producers, Angels in America, and Guys and Dolls.
On screen, Lane is widely recognized for voicing Timon in The Lion King (1994) and its sequels, as well as for his roles in films such as The Birdcage (1996), Mouse Hunt (1997), and the film adaptation of The Producers (2005).
Lane’s television appearances include popular series like Modern Family, The Good Wife, and The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
Personal Life
Nathan Lane is openly gay and married his partner, Devlin Elliott, in 2015. He is admired not only for his talent but also for his wit, charm, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
Net Worth
Nathan Lane’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $25 million, earned through his prolific career across stage, film, and television.
Selected Filmography
- Ironweed (1987) – Harold Allen
- The Birdcage (1996) – Albert Goldman
- Mouse Hunt (1997) – Ernest “Ernie” Smuntz
- The Lion King (1994) – Timon (voice)
- Stuart Little (1999) – Snowbell (voice)
- The Producers (2005) – Max Bialystock
- Modern Family (TV Series)
- The Good Wife (TV Series)
- The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (TV Series)
Awards and Nominations
- Three Tony Awards, including for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Producers, and Angels in America
- Seven Drama Desk Awards
- Laurence Olivier Award
- Three Emmy Awards
- Screen Actors Guild Award
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2006)
- Inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame (2008)
