Todd Field: Biography

A bona fide jack-of-all-trades, Todd Field is one of the film industry's more multifaceted members, having worked in varying capacities as an actor, director, producer, composer, and screenwriter. Probably most recognizable to art house audiences thanks to his work in such films as Nicole Holofcener's Walking and Talking (1996) and Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut (1999), Field has also composed scores for features ranging from Gross Anatomy (1989) to Ruby in Paradise (1993) -- both of which featured him in supporting roles -- and has directed, written, and produced a number of independent projects. Born in Pomona, CA, on February 24, 1964, Field broke into professional acting in his early twenties with work in television. After making his film debut as a singer in Woody Allen's Radio Days (1987), he went on to do supporting work in a multitude of features, until in 1993, he earned some measure of recognition and an Independent Spirit Awards nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of a greenhouse worker in Victor Nunez's Ruby in Paradise. Further independent work followed for the actor in the ensemble romantic drama Sleep With Me (1994) and Walking and Talking, which cast him as Anne Heche's fiancé; he also did more mainstream work as a member of the tornado trackers in the 1996 blockbuster Twister, and appeared in Jan de Bont's 1999 remake of The Haunting. Following his turn as a piano player in Eyes Wide Shut, Field landed the role of David Cassilli on the acclaimed ABC series Once and Again. In addition to his work in front of the camera, he kept busy behind it. Having debuted as a director in 1992 with the short Too Romantic, Field made a name for himself in 1995 when his short Nonnie & Alex won the Special Jury Award at that year's Sundance Festival. Five years later, the Sundance Festival welcomed the talented renaissance man back, choosing his drama In the Bedroom for its 2001 competition. Based on a story by Andre Dubus, the film starred Tom Wilkinson, Sissy Spacek, and Marisa Tomei. ~ Rebecca Flint, All Movie Guide