Anthony acted in plays throughout high school and college, and spent 15 years working in regional theater repertory companies before settling in New York. He quickly established himself, playing Tom in a 1980 Off-Broadway production of "The Glass Menagerie", and two years later made his Broadway debut alongside Holly Hunter in Beth Henley's "The Wake of Jamey Foster". Since his debut, Anthony's theater work has been both extensive and acclaimed. His performances in "Anything Goes" and "Love! Valour! Compassion!" both earned him Tony Award nominations, and he was recognized with an Obie Award for his work in the productions of "The Foreigner", "Digby", "Henry V" and "Quartemaine's Terms". He was a member of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival acting company for the 1997-1999 seasons, and remains active in the Ashland, Oregon film and theater communities.
Anthony first got his foot in the Hollywood door in 1983 when he appeared in the Meryl Streep film "Silkwood", though his first prominent role was not until 1987's "Outrageous Fortune", where he appeared as Weldon, the government agent posing as an acting student. Of his more than twenty big screen performances, Anthony is probably best known to film audiences for his portrayal of Dr. Frederick Chilton in the 1991 Academy Award winning film "Silence of the Lambs". Some of Anthony's other film appearances include three film adaptations of John Grisham novels (The Pelican Brief, The Client, and A Time to Kill), as well as the films Kiss of Death, Searching for Bobby Fischer, Postcards from the Edge, and, most recently, Proof of Life.
Anthony's television work has included appearances as a guest performer on many of television's top rated programs, including The Practice, Frasier, Law & Order, The X-Files, Miami Vice, Murder, She Wrote, and Cheers. Most recently he was seen on FOX TV's "Boston Public", as high school vice principal Scott Guber, a role written specifically for him by series creator David E. Kelley. Says TVGuide of Anthony's performance: "As the steely vice-principal, Scott Guber, Anthony Heald continues to amaze with character contradictions he assays with conviction and ease. On one hand, Guber's a study in discipline and rigidity; on the other, he's a sensitive, contrite soul-searcher who takes comfort in conducting classical music."
In addition to his work on stage, screen and film, Anthony is one of the most prolific readers in the field of audio books/books on tape. He has recorded over sixty titles to date, including works as varied as the classic tale "Where the Red Fern Grows", NY Times bestsellers such as "The Pelican Brief", "Jurassic Park" and "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", as well as a sizable number of titles in the Star Wars audio book library.
Anthony currently resides in Ashland, Oregon with his family.
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