How an engineer turned actor became a master of the stage and screen

Cultures · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Judd Hirsch is a rare talent who moves effortlessly between Broadway, television, and film. Before becoming a household name, he studied physics and worked as an engineer. Today, he holds a unique place in Hollywood history, having set records for longevity and performance excellence across seven decades of professional work.

Born in the Bronx in 1935, Judd Hirsch followed an unconventional path into the performing arts. After graduating from the City College of New York with a degree in physics, he served in the United States Army Reserve as a surveyor in 1958. He subsequently worked as an engineer for Westinghouse before pivoting to the theater. He honed his craft at the HB Studio and graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1962, marking the beginning of a career defined by its remarkable versatility.

Hirsch achieved widespread fame as Alex Rieger on the hit sitcom Taxi, which aired from 1978 to 1983, earning him two Primetime Emmy Awards. His ability to anchor television series continued with roles in Dear John and the CBS drama Numb3rs. Beyond television, he became a formidable stage presence, winning two Tony Awards for his performances in I'm Not Rappaport in 1986 and Conversations with My Father. Critics have long noted his unique capacity to slip between mediums without losing his artistic edge.

His film career is equally distinguished, featuring roles in classics like Ordinary People, Independence Day, and A Beautiful Mind. In 2023, at age 87, Hirsch made history as the second-oldest acting nominee for an Academy Award for his role in The Fabelmans. This nomination also set a record for the longest gap between Oscar recognitions. Even into his nineties, Hirsch remains active, appearing in the 2026 medical drama Doc, proving that his dedication to the craft remains as vibrant as it was at the start of his journey.

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