Chris Sarandon

Born in West Virginia of Greek parentage, CHRIS SARANDON had his first major theatrical experience at West Virginia University in his junior year. "I took a theater class for what I thought would be an easy credit, while I was more or less majoring in popularity and school politics. That changed quickly." Sarandon subsequently attended the MFA program at Catholic University and became a member of the University's National Players, a troupe that toured the U.S. for a year presenting plays by Shakespeare and Moliere.

Following work with an improv theater company in Washington, D.C., and the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, Sarandon moved to New York where he began working on stage, in television and movies.

On Broadway he appeared in the original production of the musical "The Rothschilds" and the highly successful "Two Gentlemen of Verona," and "Censored Scenes from King Kong" with Carrie Fisher.

In his first film appearance, his brief but unforgettable performance as Al Pacino's lover ‘Leon' in "Dog Day Afternoon" garnered him an Academy Award® nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Following that less-than-humble beginning, Sarandon has gone on to a career that has spanned four decades, appearing in over 100 films, television shows, and theater productions, building a body of work that includes numerous iconic performances including ‘Prince Humperdink' in "The Princess Bride," ‘Jerry Dandridge' in the original "Fright Night," and ‘Jack Skellington' in "The Nightmare Before Christmas."

Sarandon has returned to his roots, appearing in a string of productions on Broadway including "Cyrano" with Kevin Kline, "The Light in the Piazza," and in Off Broadway starring with Carrey Mulligan in the highly acclaimed "Through a Glass Darkly."

© 2012 Lionsgate