Richard Schiff

Initially, Richard Schiff had a strong disliking to acting, preferring to see himself behind the scenes as a director. After studying directing at CCNY, he directed several off-Broadway plays, including "Antigone" starring Angela Bassett. Schiff founded the Manhattan Repertory Theater in New York, where he served as artistic director, fostering a community dedicated to theatrical arts.

In the mid-1980s, Schiff decided to confront his fear of acting, a decision that proved beneficial as he quickly secured roles. He moved to Los Angeles and joined Tim Robbins' acclaimed Actor's Gang, accumulating more stage credits before making his feature debut in the independent gangster comedy "Medium Straight" (1988). His career progressed with roles in larger films such as "Young Guns II" (1990), "The Bodyguard" (1992), and "Malcolm X" (1992), before appearing in "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" (1997), where he played Eddie Carr, an equipment specialist. Schiff's nuanced portrayal in this role was well-received, showcasing his ability to engage audiences with his authentic performances.

Schiff's television career has been equally prolific. After debuting in "Trenchcoat in Paradise" (1989) on CBS, he appeared in shows like "Tales From the Crypt," "L.A. Law," "Picket Fences," and "Murphy Brown." His regular role on "Relativity" offered him significant screen time, and he continued to appear in notable TV series such as "The Practice" (ABC) and "Ally McBeal" (Fox). Schiff achieved considerable acclaim on NBC's "The West Wing," playing Toby Ziegler, the White House communications director, earning an Emmy Award in 2000 for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role. Following "The West Wing," Schiff appeared in series like "Past Life," "House of Lives," and "Murder in the First."

Schiff returned to television with prominent roles in "The Good Doctor" as Dr. Aaron Glassman, a series recently renewed for a third season and noted as ABC’s most-watched freshman series in over 13 years. He also portrays Brett Anderson in HBO's "Ballers," challenging Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s character as his demanding boss. Schiff continues his theater work, recently starring in the one-man play "Underneath the Lintel" at the Duchess Theatre in London’s West End and has received accolades such as the Drama-Logue Award and an Ovation Award for his theater performances.

Beyond acting, Schiff is on the National Advisory Board of the Council for a Livable World and is an advocate for cancer research.