Zach Grenier

Zach Grenier is an American character actor whose career spans over three decades, distinguished by a blend of subtle nuance and commanding presence across film, television, and stage. Born on April 13, 1954, in New York City, New York, USA, Grenier grew up in a household steeped in media; his mother was an announcer for a Polish radio program while his father worked as a sound engineer at WBNX in the Bronx during the late 1930s, an environment that likely nurtured his early fascination with performance. He graduated from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School before embarking on a path that would see him become one of Hollywood’s most reliable supporting actors. Grenier’s screen debut came in the late 1980s, and by 1995 he had landed a memorable role as Mr. Reilly in the cult classic Tommy Boy, showcasing his talent for delivering dry wit alongside lead actors. His versatility is evident in subsequent films such as Twister (1996), where he portrayed Eddie, the assistant to Dr. Jonas Miller, and the critically acclaimed Fight Club (1999), playing the stern boss of Edward Norton’s character, a performance that highlighted his ability to convey authority with understated intensity. In 2007, he appeared as Mel Nicolai in David Fincher’s Zodiac, further cementing his reputation for contributing depth to complex narratives. On television, Grenier is perhaps best known for his recurring role as Andy Cramed on HBO’s Deadwood (2004–2006) and as senior attorney David Lee on The Good Wife (2010–2016), where his portrayal earned him a promotion to series regular in the fifth season. His theatrical credentials include a Tony‑nominated performance opposite Jane Fonda in the Broadway production 33 Variations (2009), demonstrating his range from screen to stage. Throughout his ongoing career, which began in 1987 and continues to the present, Grenier has consistently delivered performances that balance gravitas with subtle humor, solidifying his status as a respected and enduring figure in the entertainment industry.