Stephen Lang is an accomplished American actor and playwright, known for his roles in some of Hollywood’s biggest movies and TV shows. From his early days on stage to his portrayal of iconic characters on the big screen, Lang’s career has spanned over four decades, making him a well-respected figure in the industry. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and career of this talented actor, exploring his early beginnings, his rise to fame, and his most notable performances.
Early Life and Career
Stephen Lang was born on July 11, 1952, in New York City. He grew up in a family of artists, with his father being a noted businessman and his mother a popular Broadway actress. Despite this, Lang initially pursued a career in music, studying at the Swarthmore College and the University of Edinburgh, where he honed his skills in classical guitar and vocal performance. However, he eventually found his true calling in acting, and enrolled at the Actor’s Studio in New York City, where he trained under the tutelage of renowned acting coach Lee Strasberg.
Lang began his career in theater, performing in a number of Off-Broadway productions throughout the 1970s and 1980s. His breakthrough role came in 1984, when he starred in the Broadway play “Death of a Salesman”, for which he received critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination. Lang continued to act in plays and television shows throughout the 1980s, before making his big-screen debut in the 1991 film “The Hard Way”, alongside Michael J. Fox and James Woods.
Rise to Fame
Lang’s breakthrough role in film came in 1992 when he portrayed the villainous Ike Clanton in the Western film “Tombstone”. His performance in the movie was widely praised, and he soon became a sought-after character actor, appearing in a number of high-profile films and TV shows. In 2002, he starred in the war film “Gods and Generals”, in which he played the Confederate general Stonewall Jackson. The film was a commercial success, and Lang’s performance was once again highly acclaimed.