"Samuel Atkinson Waterston is a highly acclaimed American actor with a career spanning over five decades in theater, film, and television. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Waterston has also been nominated for an Academy Award, a Tony Award, and a BAFTA Award. His contributions to the entertainment industry have earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and induction into the American Theater Hall of Fame."
November 15, 1940: Birth of Sam Waterston
Sam Waterston was born on November 15, 1940.
1958: Graduation from Groton School
Sam Waterston graduated from the Groton School in 1958.
1962: "The Exterminating Angel" Inspiration for "Savages"
Sam Waterston acted in the Merchant Ivory film "Savages", loosely based on the 1962 Luis Buñuel film "The Exterminating Angel".
1962: Graduation from Yale College
Sam Waterston earned a BA from Yale College in 1962.
1962: Broadway Debut in "Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feelin' So Sad"
Sam Waterston made his Broadway debut in 1962, playing Jonathan in "Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma's Hung You in the Closet and I'm Feelin' So Sad".
1963: Debut at the Delacorte Theatre
Sam Waterston made his debut at the Delacorte Theatre in 1963, playing Silvius in "As You Like It".
1964: Disillusionment with the Democratic Party
Sam Waterston became disillusioned with the Democratic party in 1964, following the airing of Lyndon B. Johnson's "Daisy" election advertisement.
1964: Marriage to Barbara Johns
Sam Waterston married his first wife, Barbara Johns, in 1964.
1965: Film Debut in "The Plastic Dome of Norma Jean"
Sam Waterston made his film debut in "The Plastic Dome of Norma Jean" in 1965.
1966: "First One Asleep, Whistle" on Broadway
Sam Waterston returned to Broadway, playing David in "First One Asleep, Whistle" in 1966.
1967: "Fitzwilly"
Sam Waterston acted in a supporting role in the romantic comedy "Fitzwilly" in 1967.
1967: "Halfway Up the Tree" on Broadway
Sam Waterston appeared in the Peter Ustinov play "Halfway Up the Tree" in 1967.
October 13, 1969: "Indians" on Broadway
Sam Waterston starred in "Indians" on Broadway at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on October 13, 1969.
1969: "Generation"
Sam Waterston acted in the comedy film "Generation" in 1969.
1969: "Indians" on Broadway
Sam Waterston starred in the play "Indians" at the Public Theatre in 1969.
1970: "The Trial of Catonsville Nine" on Broadway
Sam Waterston starred in "The Trial of Catonsville Nine" at the Public Theatre in 1970.
1972: "Much Ado About Nothing"
Sam Waterston portrayed Benedick in "Much Ado About Nothing" at the Public Theatre in 1972.
1973: "The Glass Menagerie"
Sam Waterston starred in the television drama film "The Glass Menagerie" in 1973, receiving a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his work in the film.
1974: "The Great Gatsby"
Sam Waterston appeared as bond salesman Nick Carraway in the feature film version of "The Great Gatsby" in 1974, earning two Golden Globe nominations for his performance.
1974: "The Great Gatsby"
Sam Waterston played Nick Carraway in "The Great Gatsby" in 1974. He received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance.
1975: "Hamlet"
Sam Waterston played the title role in "Hamlet" at the Public Theatre in 1975.
1975: "Rancho Deluxe" and "Journey into Fear"
Sam Waterston appeared in the neo-Western comedy "Rancho Deluxe" and the Canadian thriller "Journey into Fear" in 1975.
1975: Divorce from Barbara Johns
Sam Waterston and his wife, Barbara Johns, divorced in 1975.
1975: "A Doll's House" and "Hamlet" on Broadway
In 1975, Sam Waterston starred in two productions at the Public Theatre: "A Doll's House" and "Hamlet".
1975: "Rancho Deluxe"
Sam Waterston acted in the film "Rancho Deluxe" in 1975.
1976: "Sweet Revenge"
Sam Waterston acted in the thriller "Sweet Revenge" in 1976.
1976: Marriage to Lynn Louisa Woodruff
Sam Waterston married his second wife, Lynn Louisa Woodruff, in 1976.
1977: "Capricorn One" and "Measure for Measure"
Sam Waterston acted in the thriller "Capricorn One" and starred in an Off-Broadway Production of "Measure for Measure" alongside Meryl Streep and John Cazale in 1977.
1977: "Measure for Measure" on Broadway
Sam Waterston starred in "Measure for Measure" at the Public Theatre in 1977.
1978: "Interiors"
Sam Waterston appeared in Woody Allen's "Interiors" in 1978.
1978: "Interiors"
Sam Waterston collaborated with Woody Allen in 1978, playing Mike in the drama "Interiors".
1980: "Heaven's Gate"
Sam Waterston acted in the film "Heaven's Gate" in 1980.
1980: "Oppenheimer"
Sam Waterston portrayed J. Robert Oppenheimer in the BBC miniseries "Oppenheimer" in 1980.
1980: "Benefactors", "Heaven's Gate", and "Oppenheimer"
In 1980, Sam Waterston starred in "Benefactors" on Broadway, portrayed Old West figure Frank Canton in "Heaven's Gate", and starred as J. Robert Oppenheimer in the miniseries "Oppenheimer".
1980: "Benefactors" on Broadway
In 1980, Sam Waterston starred in "Benefactors" at the Public Theatre.
1984: "The Killing Fields"
Sam Waterston received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of Sydney Schanberg in "The Killing Fields" in 1984.
1984: "The Killing Fields"
Sam Waterston starred as American journalist Sydney Schanberg in the British drama "The Killing Fields" in 1984.
1984: Academy Award Nomination for "The Killing Fields"
Sam Waterston was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in "The Killing Fields" in 1984.
1986: "Hannah and Her Sisters"
Sam Waterston acted in Woody Allen's film "Hannah and Her Sisters" in 1986.
1986: "Hannah and Her Sisters"
Sam Waterston reunited with Woody Allen, playing David in "Hannah and Her Sisters" in 1986.
1987: "September"
Sam Waterston acted as Peter in Woody Allen's "September" in 1987.
1987: "September"
Sam Waterston acted in Woody Allen's "September" in 1987.
1988: "Lincoln"
Sam Waterston played President Abraham Lincoln in the miniseries "Lincoln" in 1988.
1988: "Lincoln"
Sam Waterston portrayed Abraham Lincoln in the miniseries "Lincoln" in 1988.
1989: "Crimes and Misdemeanors"
Sam Waterston acted in Woody Allen's film "Crimes and Misdemeanors" in 1989.
1989: "Crimes and Misdemeanors"
Sam Waterston played Ben, a rabbi who is losing his eyesight in Woody Allen's "Crimes and Misdemeanors" in 1989.
1990: The Civil War
In 1990, Sam Waterston provided the voice for Abraham Lincoln in Ken Burns' documentary miniseries "The Civil War".
1991: "The Man in the Moon"
Sam Waterston had a supporting role in the film "The Man in the Moon" in 1991.
1991: "The Man in the Moon"
Sam Waterston had a supporting role in the coming-of-age film "The Man in the Moon" in 1991.
1991: I'll Fly Away
Sam Waterston began his role as a district attorney in the drama television series "I'll Fly Away" in 1991.
1993: "Abe Lincoln in Illinois" on Broadway
Sam Waterston portrayed Abraham Lincoln in the Broadway production of "Abe Lincoln in Illinois" in 1993, earning a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Play.
1993: Abe Lincoln in Illinois
Sam Waterston took to the stage in 1993 to portray Abraham Lincoln in the production of "Abe Lincoln in Illinois".
1994: Golden Globe Win for "I'll Fly Away" & Tony Award Nomination
In 1994, Sam Waterston won a Golden Globe Award for his role in "I'll Fly Away" and received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the Broadway revival of "Abe Lincoln in Illinois".
1994: "Law & Order"
Sam Waterston began portraying Jack McCoy on the NBC crime series "Law & Order" in 1994. He received a Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as Golden Globe and Emmy nominations for his work on the show.
1994: "Serial Mom"
Sam Waterston had a supporting role in the John Waters satirical black comedy film "Serial Mom" in 1994.
1994: "Serial Mom"
Sam Waterston had a supporting role in the film "Serial Mom" in 1994.
1994: Law & Order
Sam Waterston joined the cast of "Law & Order" as Executive Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy in 1994.
1995: Saturday Night Live Appearance & Nixon
In 1995, Sam Waterston made a memorable guest appearance as himself on "Saturday Night Live" and portrayed Richard Helms in Oliver Stone's political drama "Nixon", although his scenes were cut from the final theatrical release.
1995: "Nixon"
Sam Waterston acted in the film "Nixon" in 1995.
1996: The Proprietor
Sam Waterston appeared in "The Proprietor" in 1996, reuniting with Merchant Ivory for the project.
1997: Homicide: Life on the Street
Sam Waterston appeared as McCoy in the television series "Homicide: Life on the Street" in 1997.
1998: Exiled: A Law & Order Movie
Sam Waterston reprised his role as McCoy in the 1998 film "Exiled: A Law & Order Movie".
1999: Screen Actors Guild Award Win for "Law & Order"
Sam Waterston won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series in 1999 for his portrayal of Jack McCoy in "Law & Order".
2000: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Sam Waterston made a guest appearance as McCoy on the television series "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" in 2000.
2003: Le Divorce
In 2003, Sam Waterston took part in his third Merchant Ivory film, appearing in "Le Divorce".
2003: Richard Nelson Current Award of Achievement
Sam Waterston received The Lincoln Forum's Richard Nelson Current Award of Achievement in 2003.
2005: Law & Order: Trial by Jury
Sam Waterston made a guest appearance in the television series "Law & Order: Trial by Jury" in 2005.
August 16, 2007: Mozart Dances
Sam Waterston hosted the television broadcast of "Mozart Dances" on PBS's "Live from Lincoln Center" on August 16, 2007.
2007: Public Statement on Political Affiliation
In 2007, Sam Waterston publicly stated that he had been a Democrat but left the party following the 1964 airing of Lyndon B. Johnson's "Daisy" election advertisement.
2008: Hamlet
Sam Waterston played Polonius in the Shakespeare in the Park production of "Hamlet" in 2008.
2008: Unity08 Movement
Sam Waterston was a spokesperson for the Unity08 movement, which unsuccessfully attempted to field a non- or bipartisan presidential ticket in the 2008 election.
February 12, 2009: The Lonesome Train: A Music Legend for Actors, Folk Singers, Choirs, and Orchestra
Sam Waterston portrayed Abraham Lincoln in "The Lonesome Train: A Music Legend for Actors, Folk Singers, Choirs, and Orchestra" at the Riverside Church in New York City on February 12, 2009.
January 7, 2010: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Sam Waterston received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 7, 2010.
2010: Hollywood Walk of Fame
Sam Waterston received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010.
2010: End of "Law & Order" (First Run)
Sam Waterston's role as Jack McCoy on "Law & Order" concluded in 2010 after a successful run on the show.
2010: Law & Order Series Finale
In 2010, Sam Waterston's time as Executive Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy on "Law & Order" came to an end with the series finale.
2012: Endorsement of Barack Obama
Despite previously leaving the Democratic party, Sam Waterston endorsed Barack Obama for re-election in 2012.
2012: "The Newsroom"
Sam Waterston began portraying Charlie Skinner in "The Newsroom" in 2012.
2012: The Newsroom
Sam Waterston took on the role of cable news president Charlie Skinner in "The Newsroom", which premiered in 2012.
2012: Goodermote Humanitarian Award
Sam Waterston was awarded the Goodermote Humanitarian Award from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2012 for his ongoing commitment to supporting refugees globally.
2012: American Theater Hall of Fame
Sam Waterston was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2012.
2012: American Theatre Hall of Fame Induction
Sam Waterston was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 2012.
2014: End of The Newsroom
In 2014, Sam Waterston's run as Charlie Skinner in "The Newsroom" came to an end after the show's conclusion.
2014: End of "The Newsroom"
Sam Waterston's run as Charlie Skinner in "The Newsroom" ended in 2014.
2015: The Tempest & Grace and Frankie
In 2015, Sam Waterston joined the cast of the Netflix series "Grace and Frankie" and appeared as Prospero in "The Tempest".
2015: "Grace and Frankie"
Sam Waterston began acting in "Grace and Frankie" in 2015.
2016: Registration as a Democrat
As of 2016, Sam Waterston is a registered Democrat.
2016: "Miss Sloane"
Sam Waterston acted in the film "Miss Sloane" in 2016.
2017: "Godless"
Sam Waterston acted in "Godless" in 2017.
2017: Godless, Miss Sloane, & On the Basis of Sex
Sam Waterston appeared in the television series "Godless", as well as the films "Miss Sloane" and "On the Basis of Sex" in 2017.
2018: "On the Basis of Sex"
Sam Waterston acted in the film "On the Basis of Sex" in 2018.
October 18, 2019: Arrest at Climate Change Protest
Sam Waterston was arrested alongside "Grace and Frankie" co-star Jane Fonda on October 18, 2019, during a protest against the Trump administration's climate change policies.
2021: Law & Order Revival
Sam Waterston reprised his role as Jack McCoy in the revival of "Law & Order" in 2021.
2022: The Dropout
Sam Waterson appeared in the Hulu miniseries "The Dropout", which starred Amanda Seyfried, in 2022.
2022: Return to "Law & Order" and start of "Grace and Frankie"
Sam Waterston reprised his role as Jack McCoy in "Law & Order" in 2022. He also started portraying Charlie Skinner in the HBO drama series "The Newsroom" in 2012 and acted in "Grace and Frankie" from 2015 to 2022.
2022: End of Grace and Frankie
Sam Waterston's time on "Grace and Frankie" came to an end in 2022 when the show concluded after seven seasons.
February 2, 2024: Departure From Law & Order
It was announced on February 2, 2024 that Sam Waterston would be departing from "Law & Order" after portraying Jack McCoy for over 20 seasons and 400 episodes.
2024: Projected End of "Law & Order"
Sam Waterson's role as Jack McCoy in "Law & Order" is projected to end in 2024.