Alan Rosenberg

Here is a detailed biography of Alan Rosenberg (born October 4, 1950) with key points on his life and career:

Introduction

Alan Rosenberg is an American actor (also occasional director) best known for his roles in television dramas such as Civil Wars and L.A. Law, as well as his leadership role in the entertainment industry as President of the Screen Actors Guild.

Early Life & Education

• He was born on October 4, 1950 in Passaic, New Jersey.

• He was raised in a Jewish household, following Conservative Judaism.

• His brother was Mark Rosenberg, a political activist who later became a film producer.

• One of his cousins is Donald Fagen (of the band Steely Dan).

• Rosenberg earned a Bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University (class of 1972).

• After college, his parents gave him funds to apply to graduate school, but he reportedly gambled much of that away, leaving him funds for only one application—he opted to apply to the Yale School of Drama.

• He attended Yale’s drama program but dropped out midway through his second year.

• While at Yale, one of his close classmates (and influence) was Meryl Streep.

Acting Career

Early Screen Work & Breakthrough

• Rosenberg’s early film appearance was in The Wanderers (1979), in which he played “Turkey.”

• Over time he built a diverse resume across television, film, and stage.

• On television, he is especially known for portraying Eli Levinson—first on Civil Wars (1991–1993) and then continuing the character on L.A. Law.

• He has also held recurring roles in series such as Cybill (as Ira Woodbine) and The Guardian (as Alvin Masterson).

• In 1995, he earned an Emmy Award nomination for a guest role in ER.

• He ventured into voice work and radio: he voiced Boba Fett in NPR’s adaptation of The Empire Strikes Back.

• He also appeared in films such as The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) and Miracle Mile (1988).

Theater & Stage

• Rosenberg has performed on Broadway and off-Broadway, in plays like Lost in Yonkers and What’s Wrong With This Picture?

• He has also appeared off-Broadway in works such as Isn’t It Romantic, A Prayer for My Daughter, and Kid Champion.

Leadership & Guild Service

• On September 23, 2005, Alan Rosenberg was elected the 24th President of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG).

• He held that position from 2005 to 2009.

• In the election, he won with 39.99% of the vote, defeating Morgan Fairchild and Robert Conrad.

Personal Life

• His first marriage was to actress Robin Bartlett, from 1976 to 1984.

• He later married actress Marg Helgenberger in 1989.

• They have one son together: Hugh Howard Rosenberg, born October 21, 1990.

• Rosenberg and Helgenberger separated in December 2008; their divorce was finalized in February 2010.