Charles Sidney Grodin was an American actor, comedian, author, and television talk show host whose career spanned more than six decades across film, television, and the stage. Born on April 21, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Grodin became widely recognized for his deadpan delivery and his frequent casting as the put-upon straight man in Hollywood comedies. His distinctive comedic style and versatility made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry until his death on May 18, 2021.

Grodin made his acting debut in 1958, appearing in the NBC anthology series Decision. Throughout the following decade, he appeared in numerous television serials, steadily building his résumé and honing his craft. His early film career included a small but memorable part in Rosemary's Baby in 1968, which helped pave the way for larger roles. He went on to appear in Catch-22 in 1970 before landing the lead role in Elaine May's The Heartbreak Kid in 1972, a performance that earned him a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

Grodin achieved further fame through roles in King Kong in 1976 and Heaven Can Wait in 1978. He also starred in 11 Harrowhouse in 1974, for which he wrote the adaptation himself. Other notable film credits include The Incredible Shrinking Woman and The Great Muppet Caper, both released in 1981, as well as The Lonely Guy in 1984. One of his most celebrated performances came in Midnight Run in 1988, opposite Robert De Niro, a role that showcased his exceptional timing and comedic chemistry. He continued to work steadily in the 1990s with films such as Taking Care of Business in 1990, Beethoven in 1992, and its sequel Beethoven's 2nd in 1993.

Beyond his film work, Grodin was a frequent and popular guest on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson and Late Night with David Letterman, where his unpredictable and often mischievous appearances became legendary. He won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special for the Paul Simon Special in 1978, sharing the honor with Chevy Chase, Lorne Michaels, Paul Simon, and Lily Tomlin. In 2016, he portrayed Carl Shapiro in the miniseries Madoff, demonstrating his dramatic range later in his career.

Grodin was also a prolific writer, penning eight books and three plays. He hosted a talk show on CNBC and served as a political commentator for 60 Minutes II in 2000. In his later years, he returned to acting in Louis C.K.'s FX series Louie and appeared in Noah Baumbach's film While We're Young in 2014. Grodin was married to Julie Ferguson, though the couple later divorced. His legacy endures as one of American comedy's most gifted and understated performers, remembered for his sharp wit, impeccable timing, and a body of work that continues to entertain audiences.