CHARLES GRODIN (Bob Kowalski)

Charles Grodin is a unique figure in the American culture. Twelve years ago at the peak of his movie career he stopped doing movies so he could be a stay at home dad with his son who was entering first grade. For these past twelve years he has primarily been a commentator for NBC News, 60 MINUTES II and is currently a commentator for CBS News.

In that same period he also wrote a play about bias and discrimination that played to a completely sold out run in New York.

This year he won the William Kunstler Award for racial justice. He is credited with gaining clemency from Governor Pataki for four women in prison under the Rockefeller Drug Law. Governor Pataki also credited him in helping getting that law changed.

Also this year he won the Help Hero Award from Help U.S.A., one of the largest national organizations that help the homeless. This was given on behalf of his humanitarian efforts for the homeless.

He is currently working on a book of essays from people of considerable achievements who write about mistakes they’ve made and what they’ve learned from them. All proceeds go to Help U.S.A. where he has been a longtime board member.

His distinguished film career includes ROSEMARY’S BABY, CATCH 22, THE HEARTBREAK KID, HEAVEN CAN WAIT, SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES, MIDNIGHT RUN, the BEETHOVEN movies, and DAVE. His role in THE EX marks his return to films after a twelve-year absence.