Alan Wolf Arkin was a highly celebrated American actor and filmmaker with a career spanning seven decades. His accolades include an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Tony Award, and six Emmy Award nominations.
1906: David Arkin is Born
In 1906, David I. Arkin, father of Alan Arkin, was born.
1909: Beatrice Wortis is Born
In 1909, Beatrice Wortis, mother of Alan Arkin, was born.
March 26, 1934: Alan Arkin is Born
On March 26, 1934, Alan Wolf Arkin was born in Brooklyn, New York, to David and Beatrice Arkin.
1951: Arkin Attends Los Angeles State College
Alan Arkin attended Los Angeles State College from 1951 to 1953.
1953: Arkin Leaves Los Angeles State College
Alan Arkin left Los Angeles State College in 1953.
August 19, 1956: Birth of Adam Arkin
On August 19, 1956, Alan Arkin's son Adam Arkin was born.
1956: The Tarriers and "The Banana Boat Song"
Alan Arkin formed the folk group The Tarriers, where he sang and played guitar. That year, they released their hit song "The Banana Boat Song," which reached No. 4 on the Billboard chart.
1956: The Tarriers Release "Cindy, Oh Cindy"
The Tarriers, Alan Arkin's folk group, released their hit song "Cindy, Oh Cindy" in 1956.
1957: The Tarriers Release "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" and Appear in "Calypso Heat Wave"
The Tarriers, Alan Arkin's folk group, released their hit song "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)" and appeared in the musical film "Calypso Heat Wave" in 1957.
1957: Calypso Heat Wave
The Tarriers, with Alan Arkin, appeared in the film "Calypso Heat Wave," performing their songs "Banana Boat Song" and "Choucoune."
1958: The Baby Sitters Formation
Alan Arkin began performing and recording with the children's folk group The Baby Sitters in 1958.
1958: Arkin Publishes "People Soup"
In 1958, Alan Arkin published his story "People Soup" in Galaxy Science Fiction magazine, which would later be adapted into his directorial debut short film.
March 21, 1960: Birth of Matthew Arkin
Alan Arkin's second son, Matthew Arkin, was born on March 21, 1960.
1961: Heller's "Catch-22" is Published
Joseph Heller's satirical war novel "Catch-22" was published in 1961.
1961: Arkin Makes Broadway Debut as Performer
Alan Arkin made his Broadway debut as a performer in "From the Second City" at the Royale Theatre in 1961.
1963: Arkin Wins Tony Award for "Enter Laughing"
Alan Arkin starred in the Broadway play "Enter Laughing" in 1963 and won a Tony Award for his performance.
1963: Arkin's Broadway Debut and Tony Award Win
In 1963, Alan Arkin made his Broadway debut in "Enter Laughing" and won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor for his performance as David Kolowitz.
1964: Arkin Appears on "East Side/West Side"
Alan Arkin appeared in an episode of the television series "East Side/West Side" in 1964.
1964: Marriage to Barbara Dana
Alan Arkin married actress-screenwriter Barbara Dana in 1964.
1964: Arkin Stars in "Luv" on Broadway
Alan Arkin returned to Broadway in 1964, starring as Harry Berlin in the comedic play "Luv," directed by Mike Nichols and also featuring actors Eli Wallach and Anne Jackson.
1966: Arkin Appears on "ABC Stage 67"
Alan Arkin appeared in an episode of the television series "ABC Stage 67" in 1966.
1966: Arkin Receives Oscar Nomination for "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming"
Alan Arkin received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in the comedy film "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming" in 1966.
1966: Arkin Stars in "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming"
In 1966, Alan Arkin starred in the Cold War comedy "The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming," which earned him critical acclaim and awards recognition.
1967: Birth of Anthony "Tony" Arkin
Alan Arkin and Barbara Dana welcomed their son, Anthony "Tony" Arkin, in 1967.
1967: Arkin Stars in "Wait Until Dark"
In 1967, Alan Arkin starred opposite Audrey Hepburn in the psychological thriller film "Wait Until Dark," directed by Terence Young.
1968: Arkin Stars in "Inspector Clouseau" and "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter"
In 1968, Alan Arkin starred in two films: "Inspector Clouseau," in which he took on the role of the iconic detective, and "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter," a drama that earned him critical acclaim and awards nominations.
1968: End of The Baby Sitters
Alan Arkin's time with the children's folk group The Baby Sitters ended in 1968.
1968: Arkin Earns Second Oscar Nomination for "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter"
In 1968, Alan Arkin received his second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role as a deaf-mute man in the drama "The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter."
1969: Arkin Stars in "Popi"
Alan Arkin starred in the comedy-drama film "Popi" in 1969, playing a struggling Puerto Rican widower in New York City.
1969: Arkin Makes Directorial Debut with "People Soup"
In 1969, Alan Arkin made his directorial debut with the short film "People Soup," which starred his sons, Adam and Matthew, and was later nominated for an Academy Award.
1969: Arkin Stars in "Popi"
In 1969, Alan Arkin starred in the comedy film "Popi," directed by Arthur Hiller, in which he played a Puerto Rican widower raising his sons in Spanish Harlem.
1970: Arkin Plays Yossarian in "Catch-22"
In 1970, Alan Arkin portrayed the iconic character Captain John Yossarian in the film adaptation of Joseph Heller's satirical war novel "Catch-22."
1970: Arkin Stars in "Catch-22" and Appears on "Sesame Street"
In 1970, Alan Arkin starred in the film adaptation of Joseph Heller's novel "Catch-22" and made guest appearances on the children's television show "Sesame Street" with his wife, Barbara Dana.
1971: Arkin Directs "The Sunshine Boys" on Broadway
In 1971, Arkin directed Neil Simon's play "The Sunshine Boys" on Broadway, earning a Tony Award nomination for his work.
1971: Arkin's "Sesame Street" Appearances Continue
Alan Arkin continued his guest appearances on the children's television program "Sesame Street" with his wife, Barbara Dana, into 1971.
1971: Arkin Directs "Little Murders"
Alan Arkin directed the black comedy film "Little Murders" in 1971.
1971: Release of Little Murders
In 1971, Alan Arkin directed the black comedy film "Little Murders," written by Jules Feiffer. Starring Elliott Gould and Marcia Rodd, the film follows a young woman introducing her boyfriend to her dysfunctional family amidst a series of strange occurrences in their neighborhood.
1972: Starring Roles in Deadhead Miles and Last of the Red Hot Lovers
Alan Arkin appeared in two films in 1972: Vernon Zimmerman's comedy "Deadhead Miles" and Gene Saks' adaptation of Neil Simon's play "Last of the Red Hot Lovers."
1973: Broadway Direction of The Sunshine Boys
Alan Arkin directed the Broadway production of Neil Simon's "The Sunshine Boys" in 1973. He received a Tony Award nomination for Best Direction of a Play for his work.
1974: Appearance in Freebie and the Bean
In 1974, Arkin starred in the black comedy action film "Freebie and the Bean."
1975: Roles in Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins and Hearts of the West
During 1975, Alan Arkin took on roles in two films: the dramedy "Rafferty and the Gold Dust Twins" and the western comedy "Hearts of the West."
1976: Role in The Seven-Per-Cent Solution
In 1976, Arkin starred in the British mystery film "The Seven-Per-Cent Solution."
1977: Arkin Directs "Fire Sale"
Alan Arkin directed the comedy film "Fire Sale" in 1977.
1977: Direction of Fire Sale
Alan Arkin directed the film "Fire Sale" in 1977.
1978: Performance in The Other Side of Hell
Arkin starred in the TV prison film "The Other Side of Hell" in 1978.
1979: Arkin Stars in "The In-Laws"
In 1979, Alan Arkin starred alongside Peter Falk in the critically acclaimed comedy film "The In-Laws," directed by Arthur Hiller.
1979: Production and Starring Role in The In-Laws
In 1979, Arkin starred alongside Peter Falk in the buddy comedy film "The In-Laws," which he also co-produced. The film was directed by Arthur Hiller and written by Andrew Bergman.
1980: Performance in Simon and Saturn Award Nomination
In 1980, Alan Arkin starred in Marshall Brickman's comedy "Simon." Despite receiving mixed reviews, his performance garnered a Saturn Award nomination.
1980: David Arkin Passes Away
In 1980, David I. Arkin, Alan Arkin's father, passed away.
1982: Voice Acting in The Last Unicorn
Arkin provided the voice for the character Schmendrick in the 1982 animated cult classic "The Last Unicorn."
1982: Arkin Voices Schmendrick in "The Last Unicorn"
In 1982, Alan Arkin provided the voice for the character Schmendrick in the animated fantasy film "The Last Unicorn."
1985: Television Film and Genie Award Win
Alan Arkin starred in the television film "The Fourth Wise Man" in 1985. The same year, he won the Genie Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Reuben Shapiro in the film adaptation of Mordecai Richler's novel "Joshua Then and Now."
1985: Contribution to "Contemporary Broadway Revisited"
In 1985, Alan Arkin sang two selections by Jones and Schmidt for Ben Bagley's album "Contemporary Broadway Revisited."
1987: Arkin Stars in "Escape from Sobibor"
In 1987, Alan Arkin starred as Leon Felhendler in the television film "Escape from Sobibor," which earned him an Emmy nomination.
1987: Sitcom Appearance and Escape from Sobibor
In 1987, Arkin appeared in the short-lived sitcom "Harry." More significantly, he starred in the television film "Escape from Sobibor" as Leon Felhendler, which depicted the mass escape from the Sobibor Nazi extermination camp. This performance earned him nominations for a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
1990: Supporting Role in Edward Scissorhands
Alan Arkin appeared in a supporting role in Tim Burton's fantasy romance film "Edward Scissorhands," starring Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder, in 1990.
1990: Arkin Appears in "Edward Scissorhands"
In 1990, Alan Arkin appeared in Tim Burton's fantasy film "Edward Scissorhands," starring Johnny Depp.
1991: Appearance in The Rocketeer
Arkin was part of the cast of the live-action Disney film "The Rocketeer" in 1991.
1991: Arkin Acts in "The Rocketeer"
In 1991, Alan Arkin appeared in the superhero film "The Rocketeer," directed by Joe Johnston.
1991: Beatrice Arkin Passes Away
In 1991, Beatrice Arkin, Alan Arkin's mother, passed away.
1992: Arkin Joins Ensemble Cast of "Glengarry Glen Ross"
In 1992, Alan Arkin joined a star-studded cast, including Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, and Ed Harris, for the film adaptation of David Mamet's play "Glengarry Glen Ross."
1992: Role in Glengarry Glen Ross Adaptation
In 1992, Arkin appeared in the film adaptation of David Mamet's play "Glengarry Glen Ross."
1993: Roles in Comedies Indian Summer and So I Married an Axe Murderer
Alan Arkin appeared in two comedies in 1993: "Indian Summer" and "So I Married an Axe Murderer."
1993: Direction of Samuel Beckett Is Coming Soon
Alan Arkin directed the film "Samuel Beckett Is Coming Soon" in 1993.
1994: Divorce from Barbara Dana
Alan Arkin and Barbara Dana divorced in 1994.
1996: Appearance in Mother Night Adaptation
In 1996, Arkin was part of the film adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's novel "Mother Night."
1996: Marriage to Suzanne Newlander
In 1996, Alan Arkin married psychotherapist Dr. Suzanne Newlander.
1997: Arkin Stars in "Grosse Pointe Blank"
In 1997, Alan Arkin starred in the dark comedy crime film "Grosse Pointe Blank," directed by George Armitage.
1998: Lead Role in Slums of Beverly Hills
Arkin had the lead role in Tamara Jenkins' comedy "Slums of Beverly Hills" in 1998.
2000: Direction of Arigo
Arkin directed the film "Arigo" in 2000.
2001: Arkin Appears in "Thirteen Conversations About One Thing"
In 2001, Alan Arkin appeared in the drama film "Thirteen Conversations About One Thing," directed by Jill Sprecher.
2001: Roles in America's Sweethearts and Thirteen Conversations About One Thing
In 2001, Arkin appeared in the comedy "America's Sweethearts" and the drama "Thirteen Conversations About One Thing." His performance in the latter earned him the Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor.
2003: Television Films and Emmy Nomination
Arkin starred in two television films in 2003: "The Pentagon Papers" and "And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself." His role in "The Pentagon Papers" earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor.
2003: Arkin Appears in "The Pentagon Papers"
In 2003, Alan Arkin appeared as Harry Rowen in the television film "The Pentagon Papers," for which he received an Emmy nomination.
2005: Guest Appearance in Will & Grace
Arkin guest-starred as Marty Adler in an episode of the NBC sitcom "Will & Grace" titled "It's a Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad World" in 2005.
2006: Arkin Wins Academy Award for "Little Miss Sunshine"
Alan Arkin won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the foul-mouthed grandfather in the comedy film "Little Miss Sunshine" in 2006.
2006: Supporting Role in Little Miss Sunshine and Critical Acclaim
Alan Arkin's performance as the unconventional grandfather in the ensemble comedy-drama "Little Miss Sunshine" in 2006 earned him widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, a BAFTA Award, and an Independent Spirit Award.
February 25, 2007: Academy Award Acceptance Speech
Upon receiving the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Little Miss Sunshine" on February 25, 2007, Alan Arkin delivered his acceptance speech.
2007: Supporting Roles in Rendition and The Santa Clause 3
Between 2006 and 2007, Arkin took on supporting roles in the films "Rendition" and "The Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause."
2008: Arkin Joins the Cast of "Get Smart"
Alan Arkin joined the cast of the action comedy film "Get Smart" in 2008, starring alongside Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway.
2008: Appearances in Sunshine Cleaning, Get Smart, and Marley & Me
In 2008, Arkin appeared in three comedy films: "Sunshine Cleaning," "Get Smart," and "Marley & Me."
2010: Roles in The Private Lives of Pippa Lee and City Island
Arkin acted in two films released in 2010: Rebecca Miller's "The Private Lives of Pippa Lee" and Raymond De Felitta's "City Island."
2012: Arkin Receives Third Oscar Nomination for "Argo"
Alan Arkin received his third Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the historical drama "Argo" in 2012.
2012: Argo and Award Recognition
Alan Arkin's performance as Hollywood producer Lester Siegel in Ben Affleck's "Argo" in 2012 garnered him his fourth Academy Award nomination. Although he didn't win the Best Supporting Actor award, he received nominations for a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a Screen Actors Guild Award, winning the latter for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. He also appeared in the crime drama "Stand Up Guys" that same year.
2014: Gregory Peck Award for Cinematic Excellence
Alan Arkin received the Gregory Peck Award for Cinematic Excellence at the San Diego Film Festival in 2014, honoring his life's work.
2014: Supporting Role in Million Dollar Arm
Arkin had a supporting role in the sports drama "Million Dollar Arm," starring Jon Hamm, in 2014.
2015: Appearance in Love the Coopers
Arkin was part of the ensemble cast of the Christmas comedy "Love the Coopers" in 2015.
2015: Voice Role in BoJack Horseman
From 2015 to 2016, Alan Arkin lent his voice to the character of J.D. Salinger in the Netflix animated series "BoJack Horseman."
2015: Arkin Begins Voicing J.D. Salinger in "BoJack Horseman"
In 2015, Alan Arkin began voicing the character of J.D. Salinger in the animated tragicomedy series "BoJack Horseman."
2016: Voice Role in BoJack Horseman
From 2015 to 2016, Alan Arkin lent his voice to the character of J.D. Salinger in the Netflix animated series "BoJack Horseman."
2017: Going in Style Release
In 2017, Alan Arkin was cast in the comedy "Going in Style" alongside Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine.
2017: Arkin Stars in "Going in Style"
In 2017, Alan Arkin starred alongside Morgan Freeman and Michael Caine in the comedy film "Going in Style," directed by Zach Braff.
2018: Starring Role in The Kominsky Method and Award Nominations
From 2018 to 2019, Arkin starred opposite Michael Douglas in the Netflix series "The Kominsky Method." His performance earned him two Primetime Emmy Award nominations, two Golden Globe Award nominations, and several Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
2018: Arkin Stars in "The Kominsky Method"
In 2018, Alan Arkin began starring in the Netflix comedy series "The Kominsky Method," for which he received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
2019: Dumbo Release
Alan Arkin appeared in Tim Burton's "Dumbo," which was released in 2019.
2019: Arkin Continues to Star in "The Kominsky Method"
Alan Arkin continued his role in the Netflix comedy series "The Kominsky Method" in 2019.
2019: "Minions: The Rise of Gru" Voice Recording
Alan Arkin recorded his voice performance as Wild Knuckles for "Minions: The Rise of Gru" in a studio near his seasonal home in Cape Breton Island in 2019.
2019: Starring Role in The Kominsky Method and Award Nominations
From 2018 to 2019, Arkin starred opposite Michael Douglas in the Netflix series "The Kominsky Method." His performance earned him two Primetime Emmy Award nominations, two Golden Globe Award nominations, and several Screen Actors Guild Award nominations.
2019: Arkin Lends Voice to "Dumbo"
In 2019, Alan Arkin lent his voice to the live-action adaptation of Disney's "Dumbo," directed by Tim Burton.
2020: "Spenser Confidential" Release
Alan Arkin starred in the Netflix film "Spenser Confidential" alongside Mark Wahlberg and Winston Duke, released in 2020.
September 2022: Casting in "The Smack"
In September 2022, it was announced that Alan Arkin had joined the cast of the independent heist thriller "The Smack," which was in pre-production.
2022: Arkin Voices Wild Knuckles in "Minions: The Rise of Gru"
Alan Arkin provided the voice for the character Wild Knuckles in the animated comedy film "Minions: The Rise of Gru" in 2022.
June 29, 2023: Alan Arkin Passes Away
On June 29, 2023, Alan Arkin, an acclaimed American actor and filmmaker, passed away.