One of modern TV and moviedom's most sturdy and reliable character actors, David Paymer dreamed of being an actor from early childhood. Although he came from a traditional middle-class Jewish family that urged him to become a doctor or lawyer, Paymer felt more at home in the world of the thespian. At 14, he used a fake I.D. to see The Graduate, which starred a young Dustin Hoffman. He grew up in Oceanside, New York, where his father was in the scrap metal business. His mother, a homemaker, had fled Belgium with her family to escape the Nazis. When his father quit the scrap metal business to pursue music, it inspired young Paymer to give his acting dream a try. His aborted big break came when he was cast in the TV series, St. Elsewhere, as "Dr. Wayne Fiscus" - then promptly dumped and replaced by Howie Mandel. Luckily, his real big break was destined to be on the big screen, as "Ira Shalowitz" in the Billy Crystal vehicle, City Slickers. Crystal was so pleased with Paymer's work that he wrote the part of "Stan Yankelman", beleaguered brother of the titular character in the movie, Mr. Saturday Night, especially for Paymer. The part earned Paymer an Oscar nomination in 1993. "That was like getting my passport stamped", said Paymer and he was quickly in demand by directors such as Spielberg . Chameleon-like in his portrayals, Paymer has since starred in hundreds of roles in film & television, notably "The American President", "Get Shorty", "Payback", "The Hurricane", "In Good Company", Francis Ford Coppola's "Twixt" and Kenneth Branagh's "Jack Ryan: Shadow One". Paymer received Golden Globe nominations for "Mr. Saturday Night" and for HBO's "Crime of the Century". Paymer became a hyphenate in 2002, directing the acclaimed comedy short "Candor City Hospital" for Showtime. He has since directed over 60 episodes for broadcast television, including such hits as "Grey's Anatomy", "The Mentalist", "Brothers & Sisters", "Medium" & "The Unit". He is also a producer and director on the CW series "Hart of Dixie". Paymer resides in Santa Monica, CA with his wife and two daughters.
Education: Lee Strasberg Theater Institute; Professional Performing Arts School.
Younger brother of Steve Paymer.
After filming the original pilot for "St. Elsewhere" , he was replaced in the role of Dr. Wayne Fiscus by Howie Mandel.
Son of composer/pianist Marvin Paymer.
Billy Crystal was so impressed with his work in the film City Slickers that he immediately cast him in his next vehicle, Mr. Saturday Night , as Crystals long-suffering brother who ages from 20-75. Paymer earned a supporting Oscar nomination for his efforts.
Majored in acting and psychology at University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Michigan).
Taught acting classes at the Film Actors Workshop.
Got his first big break playing the role of "Sonny" in both the national tour and the Broadway production of "Grease" in the 70s.
Wrote and performed stand-up comedy teaming with his older brother, Steve Paymer , at the Improv and Comedy Store venues in Los Angeles. The two later corroborated on the movie Candor City Hospital with David directing/acting and Steve writing.
Has worked opposite Sir Anthony Hopkins twice: first in Nixon , and then in Amistad . In both films, Hopkins plays a former U.S. President.
Played Dick Goodwin in the made-for-TV movie RFK the same person who sought out to expose the fixed game show his character produced for NBC in the movie Quiz Show .
Provided voice acting for the 1983 NPR radio dramatization of "Star Wars". He played "Deak", one of Luke Skywalkers childhood friends.
