Mandy Patinkin

Mandy Patinkin is an American actor and tenor singer. Patinkin is well known for his portrayal of Íñigo Montoya in "The Princess Bride" in 1987. His other film credits include "Alien Nation," "Yentl" and "Dick Tracy." He has appeared in major roles in television series such as "Chicago Hope," "Dead Like Me" and "Criminal Minds." He also plays Saul Berenson in the Showtime series "Homeland."

He is a noted interpreter of the musical works of Stephen Sondheim, and is known for his work in musical theatre, originating iconic roles such as Georges Seurat in "Sunday in the Park with George" and Ché in the original Broadway production of "Evita."

Patinkin grew up in a middle-class family, descended from Russian- and Polish- Jews, and was raised in Conservative Judaism. Patinkin has been involved in a variety of Jewish causes and cultural activities. He sings in Yiddish, often in concert, and on his album Mamaloshen. He also wrote introductions for two books on Jewish culture, "The Jewish American Family Album," by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler, and "Grandma Doralee Patinkin's Holiday Cookbook: A Jewish Family's Celebrations," by his mother, Doralee Patinkin Rubin.

In May 2012, Patinkin delivered the opening speech at the "Annual Convention of the Israeli Left," where he recounted his experiences during a visit to the West Bank with members of the Breaking the Silence organization.

Patinkin contributed to the children's book "Dewey Doo-it Helps Owlie Fly Again: A Musical Storybook," inspired by Christopher Reeve prior to Christopher and Dana Reeve's deaths. The award-winning book, published in 2005, benefits the Christopher Reeve Foundation and includes an audio CD with Patinkin singing and reading the story as well as Dana Reeve and Bernadette Peters singing.