Bob Balaban (1945) is an American actor and director, renowned for his prolific career as a character actor. Often presenting an intellectual, slightly nervous, or awkward demeanor, he has specialized in playing eccentric, bureaucratic, or intelligently awkward characters.

His presence has become recognizable in numerous art-house films and blockbusters. Among his most iconic roles is that of interpreter David Laughlin in Steven Spielberg's *Close Encounters of the Third Kind* (1977). He has formed significant collaborations with directors such as Wes Anderson, appearing in films like *Moonrise Kingdom* (2012), *The Grand Budapest Hotel* (2014), and *The French Dispatch* (2021). He is also a recurring face in Christopher Guest's mockumentaries, such as *Waiting for Guffman* (1996) and *Best in Show* (2000).

His ability to bring depth and a distinctive touch to supporting roles has made him a beloved and recognizable face in contemporary cinema.