Jeffrey Lynn Goldblum (born October 22, 1952) is an Academy-Award nominated American actor. He often portrays quirky, intense or eccentric characters, and frequently scientists. He is also known for his distinctive appearance and his unique, staccato delivery of lines. At 6 feet 4 ½ inches (1.94 m), he is amongst Hollywood's tallest actors. In 2007, he portrayed the title character on the cancelled NBC television series Raines.Goldblum was born in the Pittsburgh suburb of Whitaker, Pennsylvania, to Shirley, a radio moderator, and Harold Goldblum, a doctor. He has a sister, Pamela and an older brother, Lee. Another older brother, Rick, only lived to age 23. Both of Goldblum's parents were interested in show business. His family is Jewish, belonged to an Orthodox synagogue, and were of Eastern European origin,with Goldblum's paternal grandfather having immigrated from Russia. Goldblum moved to New York City at 17 to become an actor. Goldblum worked on the stage and studied acting at the renowned Neighborhood Playhouse under the guidance of acting coach Sanford Meisner. He made his Broadway debut in a production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona. He is an excellent jazz piano singer and declared that if he did not act, he would be performing musically as a career. His film debut was playing a thug in the 1974 Charles Bronson classic Death Wish. He briefly appeared as a protester in the TV movie Columbo: A Case of Immunity (1975).
Goldblum has been married twice. He was married to Patricia Gaul from 1980 to 1986. He was later married to Geena Davis, with whom he starred in three films (including the comedy Earth Girls Are Easy) from November 1, 1987 to October 1990. He claims to have maintained a good friendship with her in the ensuing years, saying, "she's a wonderful person and a wonderful actress." He was engaged to Laura Dern, with whom he co-starred in Jurassic Park. Goldblum was engaged to Catherine Wreford, a Canadian dancer, as documented in his 2006 mockumentary/documentary Pittsburgh, but the two are no longer dating. While a guest on Late Night With Conan O'Brien, Goldblum said he enjoys curling.
