Bill Irwin Biography
Bill Irwin is nothing less than an American icon and one of the globe's most diversely
skilled live performers.
A master of the language of the body, Bill Irwin has aptly been described as modern day
Buster Keaton. An actor, director, writer and choreographer, Bill is the recipient of two
Tony Awards for FOOL MOON (Best Live Theatrical Presentation) and for WHOSE
AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF (Best Actor In a Play). He is a recipient of a
MacArthur Genius Fellowship, the National Endowment for the Arts Choreographer's
Fellowship and been named a Guggenheim Fellow.
In 2010, The New Victory Theater presented Bill Irwin with the first ever New Victory
Arts Award. He was honored for "bringing the arts to kids and kids to the arts." For his
work in LARGELY NEW YORK Bill won a New York Drama Critics Circle Special
Citation in 1988, and an Outer Critics Circle Award and Drama Desk Award in 1989.
This show also received five Tony Award nominations.
In popular culture, Bill's work spans the generations, from his innovative character Mr.
Noodle in the ELMO’S WORLD segment of the PBS children's show SESAME STREET
to his recent work as serial killer Nate Haskell on CSI. Baby boomers all know him from
his featured role in the 1988 cult classic, music video of "Don't Worry, Be Happy" with
Bobby McFerrin and Robin Williams. Film audiences will know him for his roles in
RACHEL GETTING MARRIED and HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS among
others.
As a keynote presenter, Bill’s inspiring, informative and highly entertaining live
presentation engages audiences to observe and understand interpersonal
communication in new ways. He ask them to step outside themselves and analyze how
they are representing themselves to others and ultimately, how to make better use of
their non-verbal communication skills to enhance their success.
As a live performer, Bill is a compelling addition to any meeting or event. As the host of
a general session or an awards gala, he can integrate periodic short performance
vignettes, to keep the audience entertained and focused on the program's objectives.