Career Timeline of Timothy Busfield: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 2, 2026

How Timothy Busfield built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Timothy Busfield is an accomplished American actor and director known for his diverse roles across film and television. He gained recognition for his portrayals of Arnold Poindexter in "Revenge of the Nerds," Elliot Weston in "Thirtysomething," Mark in "Field of Dreams," and Danny Concannon in "The West Wing." His performance in "Thirtysomething" earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 1991, highlighting his talent and contribution to the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1982: Understudy in Brighton Beach Memoirs

In 1982, Timothy Busfield began his professional career in theater, serving as an understudy to Matthew Broderick in "Brighton Beach Memoirs".

1982: Circle Repertory Company

In 1982, Timothy Busfield worked with Circle Repertory Company Off-Broadway.

1983: Cast in Reggie

In 1983, Timothy Busfield relocated to Los Angeles and joined the cast of ABC's short-lived sitcom "Reggie", an American adaptation of the BBC series "The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin".

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1984: Revenge of the Nerds Film Role

In 1984, Timothy Busfield gained recognition for his role as Arnold Poindexter in the comedy film "Revenge of the Nerds".

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1986: End of Trapper John, M.D.

In 1986, Timothy Busfield's role as J.T. McIntyre on the CBS medical drama "Trapper John, M.D." concluded with the end of the series.

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1987: Revenge of the Nerds II Film Role

In 1987, Timothy Busfield reprised his role as Arnold Poindexter in the comedy film "Revenge of the Nerds II".

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1987: Cast in Thirtysomething

In 1987, Timothy Busfield was cast as Elliot Weston on the ABC drama "thirtysomething", which was his first major mature role.

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1989: Appearance in Field of Dreams

In 1989, Timothy Busfield appeared as Mark, the antagonist, in "Field of Dreams".

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1990: Broadway Debut and Directorial Debut

In 1990, Timothy Busfield replaced Tom Hulce as the lead in the Broadway production of "A Few Good Men". He also made his directorial debut on "thirtysomething", directing three episodes.

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1992: Establishment of B Street Theatre

In 1992, Timothy Busfield and his brother Buck established the B Street Theatre in Sacramento, California, focusing on adult stage productions.

1992: Supporting Role in Sneakers

In 1992, Timothy Busfield had a supporting role in the film "Sneakers".

1993: Starring role in The Byrds of Paradise

From 1993 to 1994, Timothy Busfield starred as the head of the Byrd family in "The Byrds of Paradise" on ABC.

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1994: Roles in Quiz Show and Little Big League

In 1994, Timothy Busfield had supporting performances in "Quiz Show" and the family sports film "Little Big League," where he played Lou Collins.

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1996: Role in Champs

In 1996, Timothy Busfield starred as one of several former high school athletes in the comedy-drama "Champs" on ABC.

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1998: Directing Sports Night

Starting in 1998, Timothy Busfield split his time between acting and directing, helming multiple episodes of "Sports Night" on ABC until 2000.

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2000: Directing and Guest Starring in Ed

From 2000 to 2004, Timothy Busfield directed multiple episodes of "Ed" on NBC and also served as co-executive producer and guest-starred as Ed's brother Lloyd.

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2002: Recurring Role in The West Wing and Directing Without a Trace

Starting in 2002, Timothy Busfield began a recurring role as Danny Concannon on "The West Wing". He also directed and executive produced the CBS drama "Without a Trace" from 2002 to 2009.

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2008: Executive Producer of Lipstick Jungle

In 2008, Timothy Busfield served as executive producer of "Lipstick Jungle" on NBC, which lasted until 2009.

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2014: Guest Starring on Sleepy Hollow

From 2014 to 2015, Timothy Busfield guest-starred on "Sleepy Hollow" as Benjamin Franklin.

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2019: Directing Guest Artist and Guest Starring in Dolly Parton's Heartstrings

In 2019, Timothy Busfield directed "Guest Artist", which premiered at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and launched Grand River Productions. He also guest-starred in "Dolly Parton's Heartstrings" as Logan Cantrell in the episode "Sugar Hill".

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2020: Appearance on The George Lucas Talk Show and Voice Role in Marvel's Wastelanders: Star-Lord

In 2020, Timothy Busfield appeared as a guest during the "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" marathon fundraiser episode of "The George Lucas Talk Show" and voiced the title character in the Marvel/SiriusXM radio drama podcast series "Marvel’s Wastelanders: Star-Lord".

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