Jeff Goldblum

Jeffrey Lynn Goldblum (born October 22, 1952) is an American actor, musician, and television host renowned for his eccentric, intellectual screen persona and versatile performances across film, television, and stage. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to a Jewish family—his mother was a radio broadcaster and an appliance company executive, while his father was a doctor—Goldblum grew up as one of four children and developed an early interest in acting, training at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City after high school. He began his career on stage in the early 1970s, making his Broadway debut in Two Gentlemen of Verona (1971), before transitioning to film with small roles in movies like Death Wish (1974) and Nashville (1975).

Goldblum rose to prominence in the 1980s and 1990s with lead roles that showcased his unique blend of charm, wit, and quirkiness, including the scientist Seth Brundle in David Cronenberg's body horror classic The Fly (1986), mathematician Ian Malcolm in Steven Spielberg's blockbuster Jurassic Park (1993) and its sequel Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), and presidential advisor David Levinson in the science-fiction hits Independence Day (1996) and Independence Day: Resurgence (2016). His filmography spans over 100 credits, including supporting turns in Woody Allen's Annie Hall (1977), the ensemble drama The Big Chill (1983), and more recent Marvel Cinematic Universe appearances as the Grandmaster in Thor: Ragnarok (2017) and Avengers: Infinity War (2018). On television, he earned an Emmy nomination for his guest role on Will & Grace (2005) and starred as Detective Zach Nichols in Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2009–2011), while hosting the National Geographic series The World According to Jeff Goldblum (2019–2021), which explored everyday topics through his curious lens. In 2025, Goldblum played the Wizard in the film adaptation Wicked: For Good, contributing to promotional campaigns and events that highlighted his enduring appeal in musical theater.

Beyond acting, Goldblum is an accomplished jazz pianist and singer, leading the band The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra since the 1980s and releasing albums such as The Capitol Studios Sessions (2018) and performing live at venues like the Carlyle Hotel in New York. In his personal life, he has been married three times: first to actress Patricia Gaul (1980–1986), then to actress Geena Davis (1987–1990, whom he met on the set of Transylvania 6-5000), and since 2014 to former gymnast and dancer Emilie Livingston, with whom he has two sons, Charlie Ocean (born 2015) and River Joe (born 2017). Goldblum, who turned 73 in 2025, continues to teach acting classes at Playhouse West and remains a cultural icon, often celebrated for his offbeat humor and meme-worthy presence in popular media.