Liev Schreiber is an award-winning actor known for his intense, gritty performances across independent films, blockbusters, theater, and television. As an ardent fan for years, I‘m delighted to share this in-depth look at Schreiber‘s early life, iconic career, stage highlights, personal side, and lasting legacy.
| Full Name | Isaac Liev Schreiber |
|---|---|
| Age | 55 years old |
| Birthday | October 4, 1967 |
| Birthplace | San Francisco, California |
| Height | 6′ 3′′ |
| Net Worth | $30 million |
| @lievschreiber | |
| @lievschreiber | |
| IMDb | Liev Schreiber |
Early Life and Background
Liev Schreiber was born in San Francisco in 1967 to Tell Carroll Schreiber, an actor and director, and Heather Milgram, an artist. As a child, he lived on a commune before his parents divorced.
Schreiber later moved to Canada with his mother and half-brother, before settling in Connecticut as a teen. He attended the prestigious Hampshire College where he began acting in school productions. After graduating with a theater degree in 1992, Schreiber enrolled in the acclaimed Yale School of Drama.
Breakout Success in 1990s Indie Films
After Yale, Schreiber plunged into New York‘s indie film scene in the 1990s. He gave a memorable performance as a drag queen in his debut film Party Girl (1995).
Schreiber then landed his major breakout role in the cult classic Scream (1996), playing ill-fated Cotton Weary. Within just a few years, he cemented his status as one of the decade‘s most sought-after indie actors with standout performances in films like Walking and Talking (1996), Ransom (1996), and The Daytrippers (1996).
Blockbuster Films and Critical Acclaim
In the 2000s, Schreiber started appearing in big budget studio movies while still sticking to smaller passion projects. He played warrior Stu Redman in The Sum of All Fears (2002) and a young Orson Welles in The Butler (2013).
Schreiber earned widespread praise for his portrayal of a paranoid presidential candidate in the 2004 remake of The Manchurian Candidate, garnering Golden Globe and Oscar nominations. Other memorable roles followed in Salt (2010) and as the mutant Sabretooth in X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009).
Award-Winning Television and Broadway Performances
More recently, Schreiber has found his greatest success on television. From 2013 to 2022, he starred on the hit Showtime series Ray Donovan as the complex yet morally ambiguous title character. His nuanced performance earned him multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, and Critics‘ Choice Award nominations.
On stage, Schreiber has starred in acclaimed Broadway productions of Glengarry Glen Ross (2005) and A View from the Bridge (2010), winning a Tony Award for the latter. He made his Broadway directorial debut with a 2013 revival of Betrayal.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
In addition to acting, Schreiber dedicates time to social and environmental causes. He runs the charity organization BlueCheck which provides financial aid to retired law enforcement and military dogs.
Schreiber has two sons with former partner Naomi Watts. As a father, he maintains a relatively private personal life focused on family. In interviews, he comes across as humble, wise, and down-to-earth.
Why I Admire Liev Schreiber
Over his decades-long career, Liev Schreiber has consistently impressed me with his total commitment to every role, displaying raw emotion and unbridled passion. He inhabits complex, troubled characters in a way that humanizes their struggles.
Off-screen, I admire Schreiber‘s discretion, compassion, and dedication to using his platform for good. His journey from indie films to blockbusters to prestige TV proves his versatility as a true actor‘s actor. Liev Schreiber‘s vulnerability, integrity, and gravitas leave an indelible mark on every project.