Mandy Patinkin(I)
- Actor
- Producer
- Soundtrack
Mandy Patinkin was born Mandel Bruce Patinkin in Chicago, Illinois, to
Doris "Doralee" (Sinton), a homemaker and cookbook writer, and Lester
Patinkin, who operated two scrap metal plants. He is of Russian Jewish
and Latvian Jewish descent. Growing up, he began singing in synagogue
choirs at the age of 13-14 and still continues to use his fantastic
voice in musicals and in recordings. Attending Juilliard, he became
good friends with actor Kelsey Grammer
and upon hearing that Cheers (1982)
was auditioning for the role of Dr. Frasier Crane he immediately put
Grammer's name forward for the role. Rumours persist about Patinkin's
sudden departure from
Criminal Minds (2005). He
simply failed to show up one day for a table read. He has contacted the
entire cast to explain what is referred to as "personal reasons" for
leaving. It seems that although Patinkin was prepared for the show to
include violence the actual level of violence portrayed was
unacceptable to the actor. He left to do more light hearted work.
Patinkin supports many charities including: PAX, Doctors Without
Borders, Americans for Peace Now, The September 11th Fund, Crohn's and
Colitis Foundation of America and Gilda's Club.