Richard Kind Biography: From Comedy Sidekick to Hollywood Legend

If you’ve ever watched a sitcom, a Pixar movie, or a Coen Brothers film and thought, “That guy looks familiar!”—you’re probably talking about Richard Kind. With his expressive face, distinctive voice, and impeccable comedic timing, Richard Kind has carved out a niche in Hollywood as one of its most respected and beloved character actors.

Whether you’re searching Richard Kind biography, Richard Kind movies and TV shows, how old is Richard Kind, or who is Richard Kind married to, this guide has everything you need to know about the man behind dozens of unforgettable roles.

Quick Facts About Richard Kind

  • Full Name: Richard Bruce Kind
  • Date of Birth: November 22, 1956
  • Age: 68 years old (as of 2025)
  • Birthplace: Trenton, New Jersey, USA
  • Profession: Actor, Voice Actor
  • Known For: “Spin City,” “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Pixar voice roles, “A Serious Man”
  • Net Worth: Estimated $4–6 million

Early Life and Education

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, and raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Richard Kind was raised in a Jewish household. His father worked as a jeweler, and his mother was a homemaker. Kind graduated from Pennsbury High School, then went on to attend Northwestern University, where he began to develop his passion for acting. After college, he joined The Second City, the legendary Chicago-based improv troupe that launched careers for icons like Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and Stephen Colbert.

Television Breakthrough

Kind’s first major break came in the early 1990s with his role as Dr. Mark Devanow in Mad About You, where he played the quirky, awkward friend of Paul Reiser’s character. His real breakout, though, came as Paul Lassiter, the press secretary in the ABC political sitcom Spin City, alongside Michael J. Fox. His neurotic, rapid-fire comedic delivery made him a standout character.

Other major TV appearances include:

Voice Acting Legacy with Pixar

Richard Kind has become a familiar voice in the world of animation, especially through his long-running relationship with Pixar.

Notable voice roles include:

He’s also appeared in adult animated shows like Big Mouth, American Dad!, and The Angry Beavers. His voice is known for its warmth, distinct pitch, and emotional nuance, making him one of the go-to voice actors in Hollywood.

His Friendship With George Clooney

A commonly searched question is whether Richard Kind is related to George Clooney. The answer is no—they’re not family—but they are best friends.

They met early in their careers and have stayed close ever since. Clooney even helped Kind buy his first house, and Kind was one of the groomsmen at Clooney’s 2014 wedding to Amal Alamuddin. The two often mention each other in interviews, reflecting a bond that has lasted decades. Kind has said in interviews that Clooney is like a brother to him—someone who grounds him and keeps him laughing.

Dramatic Roles and Film Work

While Kind is best known for comedy, he’s also delivered several standout dramatic performances.

In 2009, he starred in the Coen Brothers’ A Serious Man, where he played Arthur Gopnik, a troubled but sympathetic character. The performance received critical acclaim for its layered portrayal of mental illness and sibling dynamics.

He also had a memorable supporting role in Ben Affleck’s Oscar-winning film Argo, and appeared in The Station Agent, Hereafter, and Ira & Abby.

Broadway and Theater Career

Richard Kind is a seasoned stage actor, with a number of performances on and off Broadway. According to BroadwayWorld, he has appeared in:

  • The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife
  • The Producers as Max Bialystock
  • Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
  • The Big Knife — for which he received a Tony Award nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play

Kind has also performed in regional theater productions and is highly regarded in the live performance world for his commitment and presence on stage.

Personal Life

Richard Kind married Dana Stanley in 1999. The couple has three children together. While they have since separated, they remain on good terms and co-parent privately. Kind is known for being extremely protective of his family and keeps his personal life largely out of the spotlight.

He also avoids social media and tends to stay out of Hollywood gossip, making him something of an old-school figure in the entertainment world.

Awards and Recognition

While Kind hasn’t picked up an Oscar or Emmy, his talent hasn’t gone unnoticed. Some of his honors and nominations include:

  • Tony Award NominationThe Big Knife
  • Drama Desk Award Nomination
  • Screen Actors Guild Award – part of the ensemble for Argo
  • Voice Arts® Icon Award – awarded by the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences in 2023

He is consistently praised by fellow actors, directors, and critics for his depth, professionalism, and ability to elevate every scene he’s in.

Public Image and Why Audiences Love Him

Richard Kind is widely seen as one of the nicest guys in Hollywood. He’s beloved for his humility, humor, and consistency as a performer. He’s not the leading man, but he’s often the most memorable character in any project he’s part of.

Audiences love him because:

  • He brings warmth and humanity to every role
  • He’s naturally funny without trying too hard
  • He balances comedy and drama seamlessly
  • He doesn’t take himself too seriously

He’s been called a “scene-stealer,” a “national treasure,” and “Hollywood’s best supporting actor.”

Richard Kind Net Worth and Longevity

As of 2025, Richard Kind has an estimated net worth between $4 and $6 million. He’s a textbook example of a working actor—always in demand, never chasing headlines, and constantly working across genres.

He’s been active in film, TV, and stage for more than 40 years. That kind of consistency is rare in show business, and it’s a testament to both his talent and professionalism.

What’s Next for Richard Kind?

Richard Kind shows no signs of slowing down. In 2025, he has several projects lined up:

  • An upcoming Netflix animated feature
  • A recurring role in a legal drama
  • A rumored memoir in development
  • Multiple voice roles in animated TV shows

He continues to be active on stage, frequently returning to Broadway and regional theaters for passion projects and limited runs.

Final Thoughts

Richard Kind may not be a Hollywood A-lister in the traditional sense, but his impact on film, television, and animation is undeniable. He’s the character actor that every script needs—the one who can make you laugh, cry, or reflect in just a few lines.

With four decades of remarkable work behind him and more to come, Richard Kind proves that in Hollywood, talent and authenticity are what create a lasting legacy.


FAQs

What is Richard Kind famous for?
He is best known for his roles in Spin City, Mad About You, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and numerous Pixar voice roles.

How old is Richard Kind?
He is 68 years old as of 2025.

Is Richard Kind married?
He was married to Dana Stanley. They have since separated and co-parent three children.

Are George Clooney and Richard Kind related?
No, but they are best friends.

What is Richard Kind’s net worth?
Estimated between $4–6 million.

What Pixar roles has he played?
He voiced Bing Bong in Inside Out, Molt in A Bug’s Life, and Bookman in Toy Story 3.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *