Nathan Lane, the stage name of Joseph Lane (Jersey City, February 3, 1956), is an American actor and singer, considered one of the most versatile and acclaimed performers of his generation, particularly on stage. He achieved prominence on Broadway with his role as Nathan Detroit in *Guys and Dolls*, solidifying his fame with performances that earned him three Tony Awards: for the musicals *A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum* and *The Producers* (in the celebrated role of Max Bialystock), and for the play *Angels in America*. In film, he is widely known for voicing the meerkat Timon in the Disney animated classic *The Lion King* and for his performance in *The Birdcage*. His prolific television career includes award-winning roles in series such as *Modern Family*, *The Good Wife*, and *Only Murders in the Building*, for which he won his first Primetime Emmy Award after numerous nominations.