Sharon Gosling

Albert Brooks, born Albert Lawrence Einstein in 1947, is a multifaceted American entertainer with a career spanning acting, comedy, directing, and writing. Emerging from a show business family, he adopted his professional name and rose to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s through television appearances and comedy albums. Brooks developed a distinctive persona as a self-deprecating, neurotic insider, influencing a generation of comedians. He transitioned to filmmaking, writing, directing, and starring in critically acclaimed comedies such as 'Modern Romance,' 'Lost in America,' and 'Defending Your Life.'

Beyond his directorial efforts, Brooks has lent his voice to popular animated films like 'Finding Nemo' and 'The Secret Life of Pets,' and made memorable appearances in films directed by others, including 'Taxi Driver,' 'Broadcast News,' and 'Drive.' His work often explores themes of insecurity, societal norms, and the entertainment industry itself. In addition to his extensive film and television career, Brooks is also an author, having published the novel '2030: The Real Story of What Happens to America.' He is married with two children.

Albert Brooks, originally Albert Lawrence Einstein, began his entertainment career in the late 1960s and early 1970s. After a brief stint at Carnegie Institute of Technology, he focused on comedy, adopting the name Albert Brooks. He quickly became a regular on television variety and talk shows, and was part of the writing staff for the short-lived show 'Turn-On.' Brooks also contributed to early material by The Credibility Gap. His appearances on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' established his unique on-stage persona: an egotistical, nervous, and self-aware show business insider who deconstructed his own comedic craft. This postmodern style significantly influenced contemporaries like Steve Martin and Andy Kaufman.

Brooks transitioned from stand-up comedy and albums to filmmaking, directing his first short film, 'The Famous Comedians School,' in 1972, an early example of the mockumentary. He also directed six short films for the inaugural season of 'Saturday Night Live.' His feature directorial debut, 'Real Life' (1979), satirized documentary filmmaking and is seen as a precursor to reality television. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Brooks co-wrote, directed, and starred in a series of well-received comedies, including 'Modern Romance' (1981), 'Lost in America' (1985), and 'Defending Your Life' (1991). His directorial style is characterized by a discreet, unemphatic approach with a light, deft touch, classical precision, and clean, high-key lighting, often focusing on his signature neurotic and self-obsessed characters.

Beyond his own directorial projects, Albert Brooks has delivered memorable performances in films by other directors. He appeared in Martin Scorsese's 'Taxi Driver' (1976) and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as an ethical reporter in James L. Brooks's 'Broadcast News' (1987). He was also praised for his portrayal of a gangster in the 2011 film 'Drive.' Brooks has a significant career in voice acting, notably voicing Marlin in Pixar's 'Finding Nemo' (2003) and its sequel 'Finding Dory' (2016), and Tiberius in 'The Secret Life of Pets' (2016). He has also been a frequent and acclaimed guest voice on 'The Simpsons,' particularly for his role as Hank Scorpio.

In addition to his extensive work in film and television, Albert Brooks has also ventured into literature. His novel, '2030: The Real Story of What Happens to America,' was published in 2011. This work represents a different creative outlet for Brooks, allowing him to explore themes and narratives through written prose, distinct from his visual and performance-based endeavors. The book offers a glimpse into his perspective on future societal developments.

“the real Albert Einstein changed his name to sound more intelligent”

“Wouldn't this be a great world if insecurity and desperation made us more attractive?”

“And to the Academy: 'You don't like me. You really don't like me'.”